Diversity Circles, Fond du Lac, WI

Fond du Lac Diversity Circles

What are diversity circles?

Diversity circles consist of several groups of 8 to 12 people meeting to explore and discuss, as equals, improving racial and ethnic harmony in greater Fond du Lac. You will consider a wide range of views and learn from one another. Groups use a five-session discussion guide to help people talk about race relations and racism, and how to work together for action and change. (View PDF) Concluding the circle, participants are invited to attend an Action Forum.

Diversity circles provide comfortable safe settings, guided by co-facilitators, encouraging you to explore racial issues without having to defend particular positions. Because agreement is not the objective of the discussions, you are free to talk rather than debate. Freedom from being pressured to adopt a certain position or agree to a certain action allows you to more openly explore the kind of action you would like to take place.

What will diversity circles accomplish?

May 18, 2004 Action Forum

More people in Fond du Lac will learn about race and ethnic issues.
New leaders will be committed to reducing racism.
Those of racial/ethnic diversity will feel more welcomed in Fond du Lac.
Fond du Lac will become a safer place for our children.
Plans of action will be created to improve racial and ethnic harmony in Fond du Lac.

When do circles meet and how long do they last?

Diversity Circles meet 5 times and each session lasts 2 hours.
Join the circle that works best for you.

How can you become involved in Fond du Lac Diversity Circles?

Sign up for a Circle by contacting:
Leanne Doyle
UW-Fond du Lac Continuing Education Office
(920) 929-3622
Become a trained Circle facilitator by contacting:
Denise Retzlaff
UW Cooperative Extension Fond du Lac County
(920) 929-3172
Training sessions are held periodically and are free to community members.
Make a donation to Fond du Lac Diversity Circles by sending a check to:
UW-Fond du Lac
c/o “Diversity Circles ”
400 University Drive
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Transportation, Food, Translation, Disability Access

Transportation, free of charge, is provided from /to your home within Fond du Lac city limits, and to and from any hosting site. Hmong and Spanish translation are available. A snack and beverage are provided at the first meeting by your facilitator and at subsequent meetings by participant volunteers. UW-Fond du Lac provides Title IX accommodations. Please advise us at least two weeks before the program starts.

The University of Wisconsin-Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender/sex, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or prenatal status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs or activities, or in the provision of services. The Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, 432 N. Lake Street, 502 Extension Building, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, has been designated to coordinate compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of Titles VI, VII, and IX; The Civil Rights Act of 1991; Americans with Disabilities Act; and Wisconsin Act 186, SS36.12 & 38.23.

May 18, 2004 Action Forum

Attending a diversity circle made me question my own perceptions and those of others, with the result that I now have a more open view of the world. And, I now consider myself an active participant in diversity, instead of an abstract figure or number.

Anoush Greylord
Fond du Lac Diversity Circles Participant

Youth Circle participants at May 18, 2004 Action Forum.

Children read the story "Wings" by Christopher Myers, then drew pictures that represented how people feel when they are treated differently because of their appearance.