Facilitator training (Photo: Rob Corcoran)

This month Hope in the Cities and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities  launched a region-wide project aimed at provoking long-needed discussion about new policy options to address poverty and structural inequity in metropolitan Richmond. Forty facilitators took part in a weekend training session to prepare for presentations on “Unpacking the 2010 Census: The New Realities of Race, Class and Jurisdiction."

Three local experts were on hand to provide specialized coaching: John Moeser, senior fellow at the University of Richmond’s Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, whose presentation of census data has been developed into a three-part multimedia DVD; Donald Coleman, a member of the Richmond School Board; and Ben Campbell, the pastoral director of Richmond Hill, whose new book, Richmond’s Unhealed History, provides vital background reading on the city’s race and class structures.

Unpacking the 2010 Census examines the dramatically changing landscape of human need and what we must do collectively – city and counties alike – to address the plight of our neighbors and to build a just and inclusive community. The project was first announced last March at a forum at which Mayor Dwight Jones launched his anti-poverty commission to focus on employment, education, transportation, and health. It is supported by a grant from the Community Foundation.

Engaged in dialogue (Photo: Rob Corcoran)

The diverse facilitation team includes people from local faith organizations and advocacy groups as well as educators, small business owners, and government employees. “I am hopeful because there is a vision,” and “because we are part of the solution,” said one participant at the conclusion of the session. Another remarked,  “If I can change then those out there can change.”

The organizers plan to engage civic organizations, businesses, local governments, and faith groups in the conversations. Presentations can be scheduled between February 1 and April 30, 2012, with weekday, evening, and weekend availability.

See flyer for more information or call 804 358 1764 or email.

To schedule a presentation.