Picture a room with ten to fifteen ordinary Jacksonville residents sitting in a circle. It's a truly diverse group of people. There are men and women, Blacks, Whites, Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics and other ethnic groups. They represent different religions and generations.

For five weeks, this small group of diverse people agree to meet at a regular time for two hours. Each week they sit with two trained facilitators who lead an in-depth discussion on race relations.

During their time together, they share stories of their lives. Passionate stories, sad stories, angry and happy stories about what they have experienced living in Jacksonville or other communities. And during that time, something special happens. This group of ordinary people begin to see people who are different from themselves through changed eyes. As they listen to each other's stories, they begin to understand how a person of another race, gender, religion, age or sexual orientation see the world. They begin to get a glimpse of new possibilities and answers for more inclusive and more satisfying relationships within their neighborhoods and across communities.

This is the world of Study Circles, an initiative of the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission, supported by a grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. Hundreds of Jacksonville residents have participated in the process. And it is beginning to make a difference.

Where's The Action?

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