THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 17, 1995 TAG: 9509150191
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
On Saturday, Sept. 9, a picnic celebration was held at Portsmouth City Park recognizing 58 people who have participated in the ``Study Circles'' on race and race relations in Portsmouth during 1994 and 1995.
In 1992 a stated goal was 4,000; we do have a little ways to go! But from the joy and camaraderie felt among those who attended the celebration, black and white, the goal may well be achieved in our city!
In addition to the 58 who were awarded handsome certificates with the gold seal ``Study Circles, City of Portsmouth, Va.,'' affixed to the right of the mayor's signature, seven engraved plaques signifying leadership, were presented to each facilitator of a Study Circle.
During the picnic many conversations centered on how to start a study circle ``in my business, in my church or among my friends.'' All persons had the ``how to'' on the back of their program, which I quote:
Talk to others in your group, (business, family, church, school.
Recruit several (six or seven) persons who are interested; choose a coordinator who calls Helen Fooshe at 398-9044 for another group who is also interested. Both groups together should represent the cultural diversity of our city.
Choose a facilitator from your group. Ask for training and materials from the Cultural Diversity Action Team.
Decide on your schedule (place, day, time, frequency). Meet, using material provided.
Report your action, with names, addresses and phone numbers to the Cultural Diversity Action Team.
Celebrate completion; receive recognition.
Reach out and form additional study circles.
Now, I'm wondering! In addition to those study circles planned at the celebration picnic, what would happen in our city if:
Five people in every church said, ``Yes, I'll do it!'' How many churches are in our city? Each black church group of five could be linked with a white church group of five - simply by telephoning me at 398-9044, choosing a leader to be trained as a facilitator, arranging a time, place and date to start.
Why not do it?
What would happen in our city if two persons, one white and one black in each department of City Hall or any corporate business, said, ``Yes, I'll do it!'' Understanding each other, communication, listening to each other! Miracles! Why not do it?
What would happen if businesses large and small gave time for participation in study circles for 10 hours over a five-week period, with five hours contributed by the employer and five by the employee? The Quality Control Management Team is a good place to start, as is already happening in our city, in some businesses. ``Yes, I'll do it.'' Who else will follow?
Would it make a difference in our city? We'd be closer to those 4,000 persons mentioned three years ago in communication and appreciation of each other.
Let's try it! And celebrate at the second annual picnic!
Helen Fooshe
Chairperson
Study Circles Committee
Cultural Diversity Action Team
Portsmouth
Sept. 12, 1995 by CNB