Sunday, July 21: The Conversation's Spark Grant

Hello Conversation Members,

Only a few weeks ago the Conversation was awarded a Sparks Grant to create a program for Emerging Leaders (ages 17-35) in Tacoma. The Conversation will develop a program to address the question of how emerging leaders can maintain the habit of asking critical questions in their everyday work and then embed this habit into their work environments. 

This coming Sunday, The Conversation will collaborate with members as we cement our next steps in this process. We also hope to revisit the plans of action we began at last week's meeting in response to the recent not guilty verdict in Trayvon Martin's Murder Trial. 

Join Us!

The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p 

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

 conversationtacoma.blogspot.com

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Sunday, June 30: Cleaning House, Long term Planning and Supreme Court Decisions

This Sunday we will take some much needed time to hear from each of our Conversation Committees about what each group has been working on since last year's retreat and their upcoming goals for the summer. 

They also will identify areas of needed support from the larger group. Following committee reports, we will begin a discussion around long-term planning for The Conversation. Both of these issues are paramount to the continued running of our organization so please join us for this very important discussion.

Following this segment of our program, we will transition to a discussion of this week's Supreme Court decisions.

Looking forward to seeing you all!

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, April 28: Part II of the award-winning documentary, "Roadmap to Apartheid."

Sunday, April 28:

 

Join The Conversation this Sunday as we watch and discuss Part II of the award-winning documentary, "Roadmap to Apartheid."

This film takes a detailed look at the apartheid analogy commonly used to describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Narrated by Alice Walker (author of The Color Purple), Roadmap to Apartheid is as much a historical document of the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa, as it is a film about why many Palestinians feel they are living in an apartheid system today, and why an increasing number of people around the world agree with them (http://roadmaptoapartheid.org/).

 "...it is long past time ...to remove the blinders from their eyes and grapple with the reality that Israel becoming an apartheid state or like South Africa in its denial of equal rights is not a future danger, as three former Israeli prime ministers — Ehud Barak, Ehud Olmert and David Ben Gurion — have warned, but a present-day reality."  Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Sunday, April 21: Roadmap to Apartheid

Sunday, April 21: 

Join The Conversation this Sunday as we watch and discuss the award-winning documentary, Roadmap to Apartheid.

This film takes a detailed look at the apartheid analogy commonly used to describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Narrated by Alice Walker (author of The Color Purple), Roadmap to Apartheid is as much a historical document of the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa, as it is a film about why many Palestinians feel they are living in an apartheid system today, and why an increasing number of people around the world agree with them (http://roadmaptoapartheid.org/).


 "...it is long past time ...to remove the blinders from their eyes and grapple with the reality that Israel becoming an apartheid state or like South Africa in its denial of equal rights is not a future danger, as three former Israeli prime ministers — Ehud Barak, Ehud Olmert and David Ben Gurion — have warned, but a present-day reality."  Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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!

facebook

The Conversation

Where talk IS action.

Every Sunday from 12:00p-2:00p 

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