'Difficult Conversations' community event to foster dialogue on bridging divides
ComeUnity for Social Justice, in association with the Elmhurst AAUW Branch, and the Elmhurst Park District, will present a special event, "Difficult Conversations," an educational program with small group discussion.
Elizabeth Neill, diversity, equity, and inclusion chair of the Elmhurst Branch of AAUW, said, "AAUW is an organization dedicated to fairness for all women, of whatever background. We believe that diversity gives us strength, and we're happy to co-sponsor a program that promotes civil discourse as a strategy for managing difficult conversations about the things that seem to separate us."
The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, in the multipurpose room of the Mary E. Kies Recreational Center, 151 E. St. Charles Road, one block east of York Road in Elmhurst.
Participants will watch a presentation by Daryl Davis, an African-American who became friends with the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, Roger Kelly, and used that friendship to initiate a dialogue that eventually led to Kelly's resigning his membership in the Klan. Simple dialogue, Davis believes, is the key to his success, and led indirectly to dozens of resignations from the Klan.
His formula? Davis's strategy is to use civil discourse and dialogue to find common ground and build tolerance. About his success Davis said, "The lesson learned is: ignorance breeds fear. If you don't keep that fear in check, that fear will breed destruction."
At the program, participants will view a short talk Davis gave about his experience, then break up into small groups for discussion.
Davis wrote a book about his experiences, "Klan-destine Relationships: A Black Man's Odyssey in the Ku Klux Klan." His work was also the subject of a 2017 documentary, "Accidental Courtesy," which was broadcast on PBS's "Independent Lens program" and can be viewed on YouTube.
The program is free to attend, but pre-registration is requested by calling (630) 993-8193 to reserve a space in this program.
Jim Percic, ComeUnity planning committee member, said, "ComeUnity is an organization committed to fostering dialogue and education, and this program about Daryl Davis' strategy of using dialogue to end ignorance is a great place to start. We'd recently decided to concentrate on increasing our outreach efforts when Elizabeth Neill approached us about co-sponsoring a program, so it just seemed like a natural fit."
Over the past 140 years, the AAUW has evolved to become the leading voice in advancing gender equity in education and workplaces everywhere. Through research, education, and advocacy, we're committed to ensuring that everyone gets the same opportunity to learn, earn, and lead.
The Elmhurst AAUW Branch is known for its annual used book sale which raises money for scholarships to send women re-entering higher education back to school. Founded in 1939, the Elmhurst AAUW will celebrate its 85th anniversary next year.
ComeUnity serves Chicago's western suburbs and is dedicated to developing discourses to nurture genuine relationships among individuals from every racial, ethnic, and religious background, through education, discussion, and guided conversations.
The Elmhurst Park District's mission is to provide experiences for the lifetime enjoyment of people who live and play in Elmhurst.
For information, visit elmhurstarea-il.aauw.netor www.epd.org.