HomeAbout usPurpose & GoalsImpactPrograms & ServicesWorkshopsPast EventsResourcesMeet the BoardBecome a MemberDonate to the CenterContact us
Last Update:
May 3, 2008
©2008
Center for the Healing of Racism
Workshops
First the awakening, then the healing
What sets the Center for the Healing of Racism apart from other groups working on the issue of racism is its emphasis on healing. Our service to the community has a strong educational base. We first educate about racism, then facilitate the process by which individuals can:
- begin to counter the effects of racism on their lives; and
- become empowered to interrupt the cycle of racist attitudes.
Workshops for Children: Grades K-12
Reports of childhood bullying and violence are on the increase in the city of Houston and throughout the nation. Much of this negative interaction stems from ignorance and misunderstanding of people who are different from us.
The Center for the Healing of Racism is on the forefront of prevention by providing children the necessary information to understand our common human experiences.
Opening the Breadbasket
"Bread comes in different sizes, shapes, colors... but it is all bread. Just like little children come in different sizes, shapes, colors...but we all belong to the same human race."
It's such a simple lesson, right? But then again... bread is such a simple food, right?
That is what many children in the Houston area thought before experiencing the innovative workshop, "Opening the Breadbasket," created by Cherry Steinwender, Co-Executive Director of The Center for the Healing of Racism.
The Bandage Exercise
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!"
It is such a common refrain among school children, but is it always true?
Not when those words reflect the negative stereotypes that circulate about different groups of people with whom we may identify.
Unlike a cut or a scrape, which can be observed on the surface of the body, the hurts that arise from harmful stereotypes are not nearly so visible.
That is, unless you have experienced "The Bandage Exercise," created by Cherry Steinwender for Middle to High School aged audiences.
The Bitter With the Sweet
How many of our parents, when we have been ill, have given us bitter-tasting medicine to help us get well?
It seems paradoxical at times that what may help us most with our difficulties often has a bitter taste.
Yet, ultimately, the bitter leads to the sweet: the end of our suffering.
This is no less true when confronting the social disease of Racism in our communities and ourselves.
That is why the center now offers "The Bitter With the Sweet," created by Cherry Steinwender for Middle and High School ages audiences.
Dialogue:Racism
The hallmark of the Center—Dialogue: Racism—was developed by the Center for the Healing Racism to promote the sharing of thoughts, feelings, experiences and perspectives among a diverse group of people. Teams of facilitators from different heritages create a safe, respectful environment where participants can explore the issues of racism and its repercussions. Information is provided by the facilitators on such topics as defining prejudice and racism, where racism originates, how racism is perpetuated, the forms of racism, and positive means for overcoming racism and healing its wounds. Participants are then encouraged to dialogue within guidelines which promote real listening and understanding.
The Dialogue: Racism program is conducted in a nine evening format of two hours each session or in an intensive weekend format of two eight-hour days. Workshops of shorter durations on more limited topics can be arranged to meet the needs of particular groups.
If you're interested in bringing one of our workshops to your organization, school, club, committee, conference, or workplace, you may contact us at:
The Center for the Healing of Racism
P.O.Box 27327
Houston, Texas 77227
(713) 520-8226
e-mail: cfhr1@juno.com (Cherry Steinwender)
e-mail: cfhr1@yahoo.com (Jennifer Welsh)
MEMBERS!
Download a copy of the Meeting Space Request letter to organizations and workplaces!