Race Talk: Guidelines for Facilitators 

“Unless [facilitators] are well grounded and comfortable about who they are, a lack of insight or awareness only perptuates ingorance in the participants they hope to help. They cannot be effective unless they are aware of their own worldview — their values, biases, prejudices, and assumptions about human behavior.”

“[We] are products of the cultural conditioning of this society, and as such, [we] have inherited the biases, fears, and stereotypes of the society. Covering up, refusing to self-disclose, or playing it cautiously may only model to [participants] the very behaviors that obstruct honest dialogue.”

“This is a primary goal in race talk. Discomfort and confusion when diversity/multicultural issues arise are normal. These feelings should not be denied, avoided, or suppressed. The facilitator must create conditions that make the expression and presence of feelings a valid and legitimate focus of experience and discussion.”

“To deal with [assertions of resistance and denial of racial oppression] on the content level [by trying to argue back] will only result in having race talk sidetracked, diluted, diminished, or ignored. [Instead, make] process observations that allow the conversation to focus on the strong feelings [behind such statements] and their meanings.”

“Do not get sucked into the argumentative dialogue by taking sides in the debate of content. Rather, intervene in the process by directing participants to examine their own reactions/feelings. Encourage them to explore how their feelings may be saying something about them. Help participants differentiate between their intention and impact.”

“When an impasse seems to have been reached, do not allow it to be brewed in silence. Make note of the impasse and instruct the group to process their thoughts and feelings about the situation. Take it up at the next meeting. The lesson is that solutions and understanding require time and [you] do not intend to avoid the challenge.”

“It is important of the facilitator to be aware of [their] own communication style and the possible impact it has on the group when race talk occurs. Getting people to cognizant of [the] differences [between their own and others’ communication styles] and mistaken interpretations aids successful race talk.”

“Prepare [participants] for difficult dialogues that will likely occur. Even in forums where the topic is not specifically on racial topics, race talk can be instigated in a purposeful, educational, and meaningful manner. Instigating can preempt resistances by introducing the concepts of prejudice and bias in a step-by-step fashion.”

“Engaging in race talk is often a threatening situation. What is safe for one group (Whites) may not be safe for another (people of color). Constantly seek opportunities to express appreciation and validation to members of the group who take a risk and show courage, openness, and willingness to participate in a difficult dialogue.”