Sunday, March 10, Week 4 : The History of White People by Nell Irvin Painter

This coming Sunday, March 10, The Conversation will finish week 4 (listed below) of our book study: The History of White People by Nell Irvin Painter. 

For the next 3 weeks, Conversation members will complete reading assignments from the text, returning each Sunday to share personal reflections and to analyze premises made by Painter with the group. The book study will be facilitated regularly by Conversation Chair, Dexter Gordon in partnership with Conversation volunteers. 

February 17, Week 1 Reading: Introduction and Outline of the book (skim text noticing the chapter titles, topics, images, and lengths). 

February 24, Week 2 Reading: Chapter 1 through the end of Chapter 5.

March 3, Week 3 Reading: Chapter 6 through the end of Chapter 9 (72-150).

March 10, Week 4 Reading: Chapters 10-15 (151-227)

Prepare at least 2 questions and 5 points that interest you from the text to share with the group.


The Conversation

Where talk IS action!

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p 

@ the Urban League of Tacoma (2550 South Yakima Street)

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Conversation Meets at Broadway Center
 
Join the Conversation this week as we dramatize scenes from the last two plays in August Wilson's Pittsburgh cycle: King Hedley II and Radio Golf.  We will be meeting at our normal scheduled time 12-2 at the Broadway Center. There will be directions into the building when you arrive.

Radio Golf, the last in The Pittsburgh Cycle will be directed once again by C. Rosalind Bell and premier on March 17, 2013. 

Tickets will be available very soon.

901 Broadway: Studio III

Tacoma, Wa 98402

Sunday, February 3: Bring your Best Idea To Make Us Better

This Sunday, Conversation members will present 5-minute talks on an idea that they consider carries significant importance to the improvement of our lives.

The floor is open to anyone who wants to present, just select a single idea and develop it into a talk that runs 5 minutes or less. To sign up, send an email by this Saturday, February 2 to Ayanna @ ayanna.drakos@gmail.com indicating your topic.

We look forward to hearing from as many members as possible and for bright innovative discussion to follow!

Sunday, January 27: 7th Annual MLK RTV Debrief!

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday for our 7th Annual Martin Luther King Jr: Redeeming the Prophetic Vision event. It was a lively gathering graced with interfaith blessings and extraordinary performances from community members. 

This Sunday MLK RTV committee and Conversation members will discuss the January 20, 2013 MLK 7th Annual Redeeming The Prophetic Vision event. We have heard from audience members that the program this year was the best The Conversation has presented thus far. This is great news. 

Come and talk back. Share your experience and discuss MLK RTV plans for 2014.

Hope to see you this Sunday at The Tacoma Urban League!

The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

In The Conversation, yes, stories happen,

and I am grateful they do.

Sunday, January 6, Conversation members shared story after story about their experiences with the death and the departure of loved ones, with particular focus on their father figures.

 After our scheduled storyteller shared his experience meeting his father for the first time at the age of 22, more than a decade ago, members responded in kind with questions and stories about their own relationships with their father figures.

During this talk back, one member tearfully shared the loss of her father, this past New Years Eve, and in support and solidarity, members again shared stories of their own experiences now with the loss of a parent, parental figure or loved one included.

Two hours passed and the room filled with hugs and tears. It was a great exchange and a hopeful totem for more in the future. 

Yet as a result, the discussion about the election was left untouched. This is why The Conversation asks you to join us this Sunday for another story followed by last week's intended programming:

Presidential Election Over and Inauguration Due in Days; What difference does it make?

 With the presidential election complete and Barack Obama's second inauguration scheduled for January 21, join the Conversation this week as we question what difference these events make and where we can go from here.

Come and join the discussions, and the story tellings with us.

Sunday, January 6: Presidential Election Over and Inauguration Due in Days; What difference does it make?

With the presidential election complete and Barack Obama's second inauguration scheduled for January 21, join the Conversation this week as we question what difference these events make and where we can go from here.

It is also Potluck Sunday! Please bring a dish that you love and want to share with the group.

See you there!

SAVE THE DATE

7th Annual Redeeming the Prophetic Vision - MLK Event

Click here for details.

Sunday, December 30, 2012: New Years 2013: Reflecting Back, Looking Forward & Inquiring the Meanings of Time

This year Conversation members will come together and probe memories of 2012. Come this Sunday and consider with one another the reported stories that took the forefront of mainstream dialogue as well as the stories that were under represented.  Consider the changes that took place in your own life or the lives of those you know and love.

Query the tradition of time changes in our national  mindset, in other Nations, and in your own life. What significance does the end or beginning of a year or a decade symbolize and what is the purpose of this breaking up of time? Ho For instance, how will you engage the arrival of Chinese New year in February? 

Finally, what ideas have you been developing towards change in your own lives over during this period? How does the beginning of a new time, a new year, a new era, signify possible change for you and those you know?

Come and share your thoughts and experiences with The Conversation.

We hope to see you there. 

The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p 

@ the Urban League of Tacoma (2550 South Yakima Street)

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Sunday, December 16: View and Discuss Unnatural Causes Part 2

Sunday, December 16:  View and Discuss Unnatural Causes Part 2

This Sunday we will view a 2nd segment of California Newsreel's 7 part documentary, Unnatural Causes, and then continue our round table conversation about the implications.

Click here to "See how death could be averted in your community if more adults experienced the same level of health as those who have attended college." -The Commision to Build a Healthier America

Included is the resource shared last week from the Unnatural Causes website which describesa few of the symptoms discussed in the documentary.

For more information please visit The Unnatural Causes Top 10 Resources OR The Unnatural Causes homepage.

Please join us!

All ages are welcome!

Sunday, December 9: View and Discuss Unnatural Causes

This Sunday we will view  a segment of the 7 part documentary Unnatural Causes and then have a round table conversation about the implications. 

"What connections exist between healthy bodies, healthy bank accounts, and skin color? Four individuals from different walks of life demonstrate how one’s position in society – shaped by social policies and public priorities – affects health" (PBS 2009).

Included is a resource from the Unnatural Causes website that describes some of the symptoms discussed in the documentary. For more information please visit The Unnatural Causes Top 10 Resources OR The Unnatural Causes homepage.

Please join us and all ages are welcome!

Sunday, December 2: Final Part of Stand up! Speak up! Shut up!

Is it a position? Is it an attitude? Is it an action? Is it a capacity? What is leadership? How is it developed? What is the role and place of communication in leadership?

Come explore and develop leadership and communication skills in the interactive workshop sessions led by Dexter Gordon.

Stand up! Speak up! Shut up!

Part 1 November 11

Part 2 November 18
Part 3 Novemeber 25
Part 4 December 2

ALSO Dear Conversation Member,

The first Sunday of each month is designated as "Potluck Sunday." Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share with all. As you consider what to bring, do keep in mind there are vegetarians and vegans in our family, too.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Preview: Sunday, December 9: View and Discuss Unnatural Causes

Please visit the Unnatural Causes website
 (http://www.unnaturalca  uses.org/)

"What connections exist between healthy bodies, healthy bank accounts, and skin color? Four individuals from different walks of life demonstrate how one’s position in society – shaped by social policies and public priorities – affects health" (PBS 2009).

Please Join us.

All ages are welcome!

The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p

@ the Urban League of Tacoma (2550 South Yakima Street)

> facebook

Sunday, November 25: Part 3 of Stand up! Speak up! Shut up! A Workshop on Public Speaking and Leadership with Dexter Gordon

Is it a position? Is it an attitude? Is it an action? Is it a capacity? What is leadership? How is it developed? What is the role and place of communication in leadership?

Come explore and develop leadership and communication skills in the interactive workshop sessions led by Dexter Gordon.

Stand up! Speak up! Shut up!

Part 1 November 11

Part 2 November 18
Part 3 Novemeber 25
Part 4 December 2


Please Join us.

All ages are welcome!

The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p

@ the Urban League of Tacoma (2550 South Yakima Street)

> facebook

Sunday, November 18: Part 2 of Stand up! Speak up! Shut up! A Workshop on Public Speaking and Leadership with Dexter Gordon

Is it a position? Is it an attitude? Is it an action? Is it a capacity? What is leadership? How is it developed? What is the role and place of communication in leadership? 

Come explore and develop leadership and communication skills in the second of three interactive workshop sessions led by Dexter Gordon.

Stand up! Speak up! Shut up!

All ages are welcome!

The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p 

@ the Urban League of Tacoma (2550 South Yakima Street)

> facebook

Sunday, November 11: Stand up! Speak up! Shut up! A Workshop on Public Speaking with Dexter Gordon

Is it a position? Is it an attitude? Is it an action? Is it a capacity? What is leadership? How is it developed? What is the role and place of communication in leadership? 

Come explore and develop leadership and communication skills in the first of three interactive workshop sessions led by Dexter Gordon. Stand up! Speak up! Shut up!

All ages are welcome!

The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p 

@ the Urban League of Tacoma (2550 South Yakima Street)

> facebook

Potluck Sundays!

Dear Conversation Member,

The first Sunday of each month is designated as "Potluck Sunday." Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share with all. As you consider what to bring, do keep in mind there are vegetarians and vegans in our family, too.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday, November 4, at 12 noon!

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The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p 

@ the Urban League of Tacoma (2550 South Yakima Street)

November 4: Petra Returns: Social Capital, Dreaming Big, and Doing the Work

The model Petra has shared with the Conversation states that the skills necessary to start and keep a business running are the very same skills that each of us have in our own personal stories. We have skills that we use to keep our households running that can be directly transferred to building a sustainable business once combined with social capital.

Petra will return November 4, as we begin defining big dreams among the group and making connections with others in the room, using our own social capitol to value the exchange of services, time, and property above the exchange of money. We are asking members to dream big.

What is the business you have thought about building? What is a vision you would like to make real? Think of the services and tools necessary to complete this vision. Create a list of what you imagine is needed. What skills do you have that someone else might use for their big dream?

Bring your ideas and expertise to the meeting this Sunday.

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!

Petra Perkins is a serial entrepreneur, who is working on her third start-up. She is also a licensed life & health insurance professional, and teaches at in the Business programs at Seattle Central Community College and Tacoma Community College. She holds the Group Benefits Associate designation from the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists. She is dedicated to demystifying entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education. She believes that if we teach everyone how to start and run a business, we will have better employees and better businesses.

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The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p 

@ the Urban League of Tacoma (2550 South Yakima Street)

Sunday, October 28: "Transferable Skills: What drug dealers and single heads of household know that many MBA graduates don't."

On October 28, we will be cataloging thefinancial tools we use, the ones we need to learn, and examine personal financial literacy in the larger context of business literacy and then we will be using business literacy as a tool for local social justice efforts.

If you did not attend the first nor second parts of Petra Perkins' workshops "God or Mammon:  Money, Core Values, and the Entrepreneurial Life" & "Social Capital: What is it? Why is it hard to measure? Why is it more important than financial capital (especially for women and minorities)?", your attendance is still welcomed.  

Please come and use the prompt below to create a story map to bring with you to this final meeting. 

Create a list (or lists) of words, phrases, or sentences that describe the experiences, culture, and relationships that first formed your attitudes about money and work. 

All ages are welcome!

12:00p-2:00p 

The Urban League of Tacoma

 2550 South Yakima Street

Petra Perkins is a serial entrepreneur, who is working on her third start-up. She is also a licensed life & health insurance professional, and teaches at in the Business programs at Seattle Central Community College and Tacoma Community College. She holds the Group Benefits Associate designation from the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists. She is dedicated to demystifying entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education. She believes that if we teach everyone how to start and run a business, we will have better employees and better businesses.

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The Conversation Sponsors Public Forum on Charter School Initiative 1240

The Conversation Tacoma would like to invite you to engage in a discussion regarding Charter Schools Initiative 1240. This is an opportunity for the community to engage in a discussion on one of the most important issues affecting our children’s education today.

Date: Wednesday, October 24th
Time:   6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

One of the initiatives on the ballot for Washington voters for November 6, 2012 is Initiative Measure No. 1240. This initiative concerns creation of of a public charter school system. This measure would authorize up to forty public-funded charter schools open to all students, operated through approved, nonreligious, nonprofit organizations, with government oversight; and modify certain laws applicable to them as public schools. 

The event is organized as a Forum which consists of a panel comprised of three opponents and three proponents of I-1240 with opportunity for community questions after the panelists’ presentations. Dr. Dexter Gordon, Professor, University of Puget Sound, is the moderator

Supporting Panelists:
Three representatives from Yes on I-1240 Campaign (names forthcoming)

Opposing Panelists:
Eve Bowen
The Conversation Tacoma
Race & Pedagogy Initiative Community Partner

Patricia Albert
The Conversation Tacoma
Race & Pedagogy Initiative Community Partner

Jennifer Boutell
Field Director
People for Our Public Schools

Location: University of Puget Sound
Kilworth Memorial Chapel
1500 North Warner Street
(North 18th & Warner Street)

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We look forward to your participation. 

Sunday, October 21: Social Capital: What it is? Why is it hard to measure? Why is it more important than financial capital (especially for women and minorities)?

On October 21, we will be using the story maps we started in the first workshop  to describe the elements of the entrepreneurial mindset which we can build on and to examine the relative strength of our social capital.

If you did not attend the first part of Petra Perkins' workshop on September 28: "God or Mammon:  Money, Core Values, and the Entrepreneurial Life", please use the prompt below to create your own story map.

Create a list (or lists) of words, phrases, or sentences that describe the experiences and relationships that first formed your attitudes about money and work. 

Please join us! 

All ages welcome!

Tacoma Urban League-
2550 South Yakima Street
from 12-2pm

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Petra Perkins is a serial entrepreneur, who is working on her third start-up. She is also a licensed life & health insurance professional, and teaches at in the Business programs at Seattle Central Community College and Tacoma Community College. She holds the Group Benefits Associate designation from the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists. She is dedicated to demystifying entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education. She believes that if we teach everyone how to start and run a business, we will have better employees and better businesses.