Destiny Remezas
Daily Egyptian
Carbondale Conversations for Community Action will enter its second
round of discussions soon, with facilitator training taking place this
weekend.
Last year Conversations for Action was the catalyst for study circles
and an action group seeking to improve the community. These groups are
working toward a community pool and creating city ordinances to improve
rental leases.
William T. Lewis, a senior associate from the Study Circle Resource
Center, was invited by the Human Relation Commission, which supports
the study circles, to train group members in leading discussions and
increasing productivity, said facilitator coordinator Scott Martin.
"The facilitators basically help move the discussion along during
meetings," Martin said. "This weekend Mr. Lewis will come train
facilitators, but that doesn't mean we'll be perfect by the end."
Carbondale Police Chief Steve Odum said he encourages police officers
and community members to get involved in the study circles this year.
"We have had several people come forward and say they want to participate in it," Odum said.
He said he hopes the study circles will help group members understand
each other and respective each other's positions in the community.
"You can hope for the stars but at very least both sides gain understanding and perspective," Odum said.
Martin said the group wants to get more students involved, and is
planning another training session in August. Study circle sessions are
set to begin September 17.
Diversity Study Circle
At their Tuesday meeting the commission debated why the Diversity Study
Circle, the main group tackling diversity in Carbondale, stopped
meeting.
The group was created when the diversity group and the student and community relations group, two action groups, merged.
SIUC graduate Tim Wills, who was involved in the diversity group, said he believes the group needed more direction.
Willis e-mailed Human Relations commissioners after they contacted
diversity group members for information on the group's progress.
Wills came to Tuesday's Conversations for Action meeting to discuss the
group's importance and how to get the community to address race in
Carbondale.
After a nearly hour-long discussion, the commission decided to tackle race relations, rather than diversity, in the community.
"Because of its nature for many people it is uncomfortable," commissioner Yolanda Simon said.
While he is unsure why the group dissipated, Goldman said study circles
have been successful in effecting change in Carbondale before.
"There is evidence that it can be done," Goldman said.
Interested in participating in the study circles? Contact Scott Martin at 687-2513
Reporter Destiny Remezas can be reached at
destiny_Remezas@dailyegyptian.com.
