The Portland Office of Human Relations is training volunteers to help with the city's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Facilitators for inter-group dialogue trainings can apply through Aug. 7 at 4:30 pm. The trainings begin in late September.
The Office of Human Relations is in charge of evaluating racial profiling issues in the city, as well as other things.
Organizers say the Inter-group Dialogue Project "offers individuals interested in peace building and reconciliation the unique opportunity to use dialogue as a tool to address issues of injustice, discrimination, and other sources of community conflict to bring about peace, reconciliation, and healing."
Trainings will take place during two 3-day sessions in September and October. Participants must commit to attend both sessions. Participants who are identified as ready and willing to lead Inter-group dialogues will be invited to co-facilitate one of two community dialogues scheduled to take place in Dec. 2009-Jan. 2010.
Inspired by the work of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Truth and Reconciliation Committee of the Portland Human Rights Commission says it seeks to honor the need for healing around the historic and current harms of injustice and oppression through honest and respectful dialogue.
The City of Portland Office of Human Relations (OHR) and the Human Rights Commission have a shared mission to build peace and end discrimination in Portland.
For more information about how to apply for our Inter-group Dialogue Training call 5023-823-4427 or access the online application at http://www.portlandonline.com/humanrelations/index.cfm?c=50683&a=255448