Prior Days of Dialogue
Highlights from some of our past dialogues.
2010
Topic A Church in Pain: Pathways to Healing
Location Xavier University, Schmidt Hall, Conatan Board Room
Date/Time November 15 6-8:30 p.m. (Pizza from 6-6:30)
Speakers/Perspectives Samantha Groark – young Catholic convert’s views on Catholic social teaching; Doug Klocke – on being a gay in a Catholic parish; Krista Kutz – young Catholic women who would like to be a priest; Fr. Tom Speier – his feelings about the sexual abuse in the church.
Participant Comments “I me gusta!” “Great and very interesting dialogue.” “Keep it happening.” “Great opportunity to open discussion and learn from others.” “This topic and process is desperately needed . I am so grateful.”
Topic Day of Dialogue on Afghanistan
Location Xavier University – Conatan Learning Commons
Date/Time October 10 2-4:30 p.m.
Speakers/Perspectives Phil Amadon, longtime peace and labor activist; Joseph Dehner, founder of the Foreign Policy Leadership Council of Greater Cincinnati. Phil Amadon believed the US should withdraw from Afghanistan now while Joseph Dehner felt there was still a need to be there.
Participant Comments “Longer dialogue would have been welcome.” “Topic was a little broad.” “Spread more knowledge about dialogue on campus.”
Topic Capitalism: A Love Story
Location Laborer’s Union Hall, Montgomery Road
Date/Time May 1 6-8:30 p.m.
Speakers/Perspectives Doug Sizemore – AFL-CIO spoke on 5 point plan for jobs. Don Sherman – Interfaith Worker Center spoke on immigration and jobs. Pat Youngblood – AMOS Project – spoke about integrating former felons into the workplace.
Participant Comments “Please keep up this important work!” “Very good program.” “I would like more time for discussion.”
Topic Dismantling Racism: Teen Speak Out
Location St. Vivian Parish, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time March 10, April 17, May 1 12-2 p.m.
Speakers/Perspectives There were no speakers. Instead, the teens were invited to: express what was on their mind; what ticks them off; and what is their passion.
Participant Comments “I think the program is great.” “Please continue the sessions; I really enjoy them!” “Not enough time.” “(I’d like) that more people expose what they feel instead of hear.”
2009
Topic A Palestinian, An Israeli and the Heart of the Middle East
Location First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Sunday, February 22, 2-5 p.m.
Speakers/Perspectives Zeinab Schwen is a Muslim-American of Palestinian descent. Raised in Egypt, she came to the United States in 1976 to attend graduate school. She is a founder of Musljm Mothers Against Violence, president of CAIR, and participates in numerous interfaith discussions to bring people together and find common ground. Amir Yarchi arrived in Cincinnati on July 2006 to serve as the Jewish Community Culture and Education Emissary from Israel. He served in the IDFas a combat medic. Prior to coming to Cincinnati, Yarchi worked for the Jewish Agency for Israel as a spokesperson to national and international media. Both speakers were asked to share their personal experiences in light of the book, The Lemon Tree.
Participant Comments
“It is good to deepen understanding of conflict and explore solutions.”
“New awareness of issues I didn’t know about.”
“It was helpful to hear the pain on both sides.”
“Extremely helpful because much information was exchanged in a respectful way.”
“It clarified a basic stumbling block for me.”
“It allowed me to see and feel the emotions and history of a complicated conflict.”
“Dialogue provides opportunity for thoughtful participation.”
“Small group was very good – educational and gave me a sense of hope.”
2008
Topic Issues 2008 What’s At Stake? Health Care
Location First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Saturday, January 26, 9 to 12 noon
Speakers/Perspectives Peg Halpin, County employee experiencing financial hardship with health care costs despite having insurance; Dr. Molly Katz, shared her perspective as a physician who has been actively involved with the American Medical Association ; Doug Anderson, member of Gov. Strickland’s task force on health care shared his experience with the health care system and as a member of the task force; Bob Park, Single Payer Action Network described some of the problems of the current healthcare system and the possibilities and solutions that Single Payer offers; and Matt Williams, VP of External Relations at Catholic Healthcare Partners outlined some of the challenges faced by providers and health care administrators in the efforts to improve the health care system
Sponsor Intercommunity Justice & Peace Center
Participant Comments
“Good dialogue and increased awareness of different perspectives.”
“Process and substance were useful.”
“ Liked hearing others’ opinions.” “
Liked the variety of speakers.”
“(I especially liked) the process and format of small groups – reflective listening.” “(I especially liked) the focus on dialogue – teaching/reminding us about how to do it and importance.”
Topic Issues 2008 What’s At Stake? Economic and Community Development
Location First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Saturday, March 15, 9 to 12 noon
Speakers/Perspectives Anzora Adkins, Evanston Community Council President described how asset based community development has helped improve Evanston. Mary Burke, Executive Director of Over the Rhine Community Housing explained the philosophies that inform OTRCH’s approach and what it takes to help a community thrive. Adam Gelter, Development Officer for 3CDC (Cincinnati Center City Development Corp), shared 3CDC’s perspective on how economic development contributes to the redevelopment of community.
Sponsor Intercommunity Justice & Peace Center
Participant Comments
“I learned new information and was refreshed by dialogue. There was a wonderful diversity of opinion and I enjoyed hearing that.”
“(I especially liked) personal stories of individuals in dialogue group.”
“I realized what Cincinnati is trying to do to change poverty and it is something I need to know about since it is my city.”
“Was VERY informative both on part of speakers and in small groups.”
“Liked (having) inspiring young people in group.”
“Very helpful; offered good opportunity to learn and discuss issues in an open and relaxed environment.”
“Informative and time well spent.”
Topic Issues 2008 What’s At Stake? Education and the Common Good: Roles of the Public and Private Sectors
Location First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Saturday, May 17, 9 to 12 noon
Speakers/Perspectives Eve Bolton, President of Cincinnati School Board and Social Studies teacher for 35 years. Jeff Edmondson, Executive Director of Strive, a community collaboration of public and private sectors promoting educational success in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Emmy Partin, Writer and Researcher for Thomas B. Fordham Institute; the Institute in part sponsors Charter Schools in Ohio and provides policy analysis.
All speakers addressed the question: “Share your analysis and your current approach about how best to educate ALL our children. How does your approach promote values of equity, access, and public purpose?”
Sponsor Intercommunity Justice & Peace Center
Participant Comments
“I got to meet community leaders responsible for community issues.”
“It was a place to hear “experts” and then share ideas with concerned citizens.” “Encouraged by speakers and ideas shared in small groups.”
“Excellent speakers stir and stimulate the small groups which were great.”
“(I especially liked) the entire process – large and small groups – great experience to expand belief system.”
“(Small) group sharing allowed all to speak at their level.”
Topic Issues 2008 What’s At Stake? Immigration and Our Jobs
Location First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Saturday, July 19, 9 to 12 noon
Speakers/Perspectives Edith De la Rosa, shared her personal experiences as an immigrant worker; Bill Dudley, United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 1099 shared his insights about the ambivalence among workers over immigrants in the workplace, conditions of workplaces where immigrants work, and the need to organize in order to raise the standards for all people; Member of NAACP (did not present); Marilyn Zayas-Davis, Immigration Attorney addressed her views on the flaws in the immigration policy as well as the need for immigrants in the workplace.
Sponsor Intercommunity Justice & Peace Center
Participant Comments
“It was good to talk openly with others in a peaceful way about a sensitive issue.:
“It was a new type of dialogue for me.”
“Members of the dialogue group adapted to the format.”
“ Helped me to understand peoples’ doubts and fears that are different from my own.”
“I learned something and appreciated the small group’s emphasis on listening.”
Topic Issues 2008 What’s At Stake? Campaign Finance Reform
Location First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Saturday, September 27, 9 to 12 noon
Speakers/Perspectives Tom Brinkman, Ohio state representative, shared his belief that
there should be no financial limits on campaign contributions but that there should be immediate
disclosure. Bill Woods, State Chair of Ohio Common Cause addressed his belief that there should be full public financing of campaigns.
Sponsor Intercommunity Justice & Peace Center
Participant Comments
“Was helpful to have the opposing views expressed and clarified.”
“(I have) a better understanding of the issue and the meaningful dialogue about it was helpful.”
“Raised issues or facets of them that I hadn’t seen connected before.”
“Definitely opened me to understand more clearly the point of view I do not hold.”
“I liked the respectful process of listening and paraphrasing.”
Topic Issues 2008 What’s At Stake? Foreign Policy
Location First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Saturday, October 25, 9 to 12 noon
Speaker/Perspective Jerome Dwight Maryon, Esq. is a practicing military legal scholar and lawyer. He has a deep theological background and a fundamental concern for the rule of law. He served as Commissioner onboard the appellate court of the Navy-Marine Corps as well as the Vice Chair of all Lawyers in Uniform in the Federal Bar Association. Mr. Maryon addressed the topic with much first-hand experience and gave recent examples of where he felt we crossed the line on American values.
Sponsor Intercommunity Justice & Peace Center
This was the first Day of Dialogue where there was one presenter. His presentation and knowledge were so well respected that people wanted him to go much longer.
Participant Comments
“Small group was rich and well facilitated.”
“Wonder speaker – people in small group were hearty, and their sense of caring was nourishing.”
“The process of discussion – the speaker – the respectfulness of my small group.”
“I was able to see inside the last 8 years of policy formation.”
“Reinforced my belief on the need for dialogue.”
2007
Topic One Nation Under God? Religion, Government and Public Policy: Where do we draw the line? Where do we cross the line? How do we live out our values personally and in our public institutions within a public democracy?
Location Church of the Nazarene, Westchester, Ohio
Date/Time Sunday, September 9, 2-5 p.m.
Speakers/Perspectives Dr. Rick Scarborough, a Baptist pastor and respected leader who founded Vision America and the Patriot Pastor movement addressed the benefits of church/state separation and how he works to restore a faith basis to politics; Mark Pelavin, the associate Director of the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism and an attorney who has expertise on the separation of church-state issues; and Hadia Mubarak, first female president of the Muslim Students Association as well as a Senior Researcher at Georgetown on Muslim-Christian Understanding shared her perspective as a respected leader in CAIR; and Sr. Alice Gerdeman, Coordinator of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center (IJPC) and former talk show host of Faith and Justice Forum shared her views about the influence of religion on politics.
Moderator Sr. Janet Roesener, Sister of St. Joseph
Sponsors Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, the Brueggeman Center for Dialogue, Bridges for a Just Commmunity, West Chester Church of the Nazarene, the Interfaith Alliance, Issac M. Wise Temple, St. Monica St George Catholic Parish, Florence Christian Church, the Woman's City Club, UnderOneTent.org, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, the Social Justice Peacemaking Committee, Presbytery of Cincinnati, Beth Adam Temple, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Social Action Office.
The Church of the Nazarene’s collaboration with IJPC fundamentally changed the dynamics of the Day of Dialogue for the better and ensured a diversity of opinion on the subject.
Participant Comments
“(It was helpful because) I was exposed to others views without confrontation.”
“Especially liked format used to keep things respectful.”
“It opened my mind to the 3 areas (private, public and government) line between providing religious freedom.”
“Made me realize how much we need dialogue as a society.”
“Opened doors to see diversity that cannot be avoided.”
“Dialogue process is a monumental step forward in group process.”
“A wonderful experience.”
2006
Topic Day of Dialogue on Iraq
Location Kelly Auditorium, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Saturday, February 4, 9:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Speakers and Perspectives Dr. Adeed Dawisha, a Political Science Professor from Miami University and an Iraqi native and Ray McGovern, a former Army officer and CIA analyst for many years.
Dr. Dawisha advocated that the U.S. must stay in Iraq until Iraqis are able to protect their state and its institutions. Mr. McGovern expressed that by invading Iraq the US launched a war of aggression – defined by Nuremberg as the “supreme international crime” – and that occupying troops are a magnet for continuing violence and must be withdrawn as soon as practicable.
Sponsors Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, the Brueggeman Center for Dialogue, the Foreign Policy Leadership Council, St. Monica-St. George Parish Newman Center, Xavier University’s Peace and Justice Programs, and the World Affairs Council of Greater Cincinnati. Both Dr. Dawisha and Mr. McGovern paraphrased one another’s presentation to ensure an understanding of what was said and to model the practice of “reflective listening” for the audience.
Participant Comments
“Refreshing to see another model of looking at an issue and to hear both sides respectfully presented.”
“Enjoyed hearing very rational, civilized, and informed views no matter how different they are.”
“Kept me from mentally blocking listening with arguments.”
“Efforts like this to address the polarization that exists in our country today are so important
Topic Day of Dialogue on Immigration: Perspectives on Immigration Reform
Location Mt. Notre Dame High School, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Saturday, September 9, 9:30-12:30 p.m.
Speakers and Perspectives Wayman Braswell—Janitor
Marilyn Zayas Davis—Immigration Attorney
Michael Fox—Butler Country Commissioner (did not present)
Dave Meier—Union Carpenter
Rosita Urcia- Recent Immigrant to the USA
The panel included a Butler County Commissioner who was to describe the effect of immigration from a county government perspective; an immigration lawyer who explored the problems with existing laws and the positive effect of immigration on the economy; a union carpenter described how he felt threatened by the way different construction companies are choosing cheaper, non-union immigrant labor; an African American low wage service worker described ambivalent feelings towards immigration; a recent immigrant shared her story about why she came to the United States, the struggles she faces, and the need for a more compassionate approach to immigration reform.
Sponsor Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center
Active outreach to Latino and African American communities and Spanish translators.
Participant Comments
“I loved people/panelists voicing their experience.”
“Gained a broader view of complexity of immigration.”
“(I especially liked) the process itself and paraphrasing.”
Topic Day of Dialogue on Iraq: Perspectives by Iraq Veterans
Location Bellarmine Chapel, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date/Time Friday, November 10, 7-9:30 p.m.
Speakers and Perspectives 4 Iraqi veterans, two who were supportive and two who were critical of U.S. foreign policy in Iraq, were asked to respond to the question: “How has your experience in Iraq shaped your view on the war on terrorism? What media sources do you rely on for your news on the situation in Iraq and how accurate a picture do you feel you are getting from that source?
Sponsors Xavier University ROTC and the Intercommunity Justice & Peace Center
Based on a high level of interest in their first-hand experience, the veterans agreed to stay until after the small groups were over so that the audience could return and ask impromptu questions of them. Having XU’s ROTC group partner with IJPC added a dimension that may have been lacking otherwise.
Participant Comments
“I was delighted to be exposed to concrete viewpoints from veterans and to share my reflections and hear those of others.”
“Great interactive communal exchange of views.”
“Dialogue aspects were great – active listening.”
“It helped me to listen.” “Thought provoking.”
