In so many ways and in so many places, conversations on racism are happening across our country - this is good. Participate in as many of them as you are able. Since 2019, Retreat House has hosted a Conversation on Racism series, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Clay Brantley. These events were originally held in the living room at RH but migrated to ZOOM during COVID-19. Clay utilizes the Circle Way discussion model allowing room for all voices to be heard and valued. These conversations have allowed participants and leaders to explore questions like: Are there cracks in your views and understandings? Maybe you’re being called to serve in a new way? What part of your inner world need attention and care so you might better love yourself, others, the world?

As we move into 2021, Retreat House will continue to offer our Conversation on Racism series through extend three ways to engage. Participants will work with facilitators to schedule time and place for each of these offerings:

1. Beginning the Conversation: Hosted on an ongoing basis, participants can meet at Retreat House, via ZOOM or at your home, church or organization. In this model, participants are given safe space to answer questions and share thoughts and feelings.

   These “Living Room” conversations give people safe space to answer questions and share thoughts and feelings. This is the place to begin if you are interested in learning more on the conversation and might be wondering where to start and/or if you have lots of questions about what you are seeing and hearing.

2. Middle of the Conversation: A time of gaining more knowledge and insight into we do and don’t know about racism in America, participants will engage, together, in reading books, watching films and documentaries as well as discussing what is learned.

   Here is a list of potential films, books and other resources, though book/movie will be chosen together as a group along with the help of your facilitator.

3. Deeper Conversation: Retreat House offers a somatic practice and discussion group based on the book My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem. Together, these cohort will discuss the themes, practices and exercises contained within the book. The idea of generational and personal trauma will all be considered and held in safety through the practices outlined in My Grandmother’s Hands.

   While this is a recurring offering, the inaugural cohort is beginning to form and will meet for 24 weeks starting April 8 in the evening. Learn more and register here.

Questions about offerings? Email us.

Retreat House is producing a three-part series on our blog racial reconciliation in America. Read more here.