Bringing a variety of voices to the table…
Community Dialogue and Dinner & Dialogue are proactive activities of the HRC’s Advocacy and Response Committee. Each year, the HRC hosts these opportunities for individuals to come together and discuss issues relevant to the larger community such as civility, youth violence, homelessness, racism, and what it means to be a “just society.”
- 2023: Free community event discussion on the topic of Truth Decay. Participants will have the chance to dive into Truth Decay – and hear from experts on how we might combat Truth Decay at the local, regional, and national levels. Event will be held on October 30th, 2023 at the RAND corporation HQ. Follow the link to Register: truthdecay.eventbrite.com
- 2019 – 2020: The HRC has started hosting Dinner & Dialogue events to discuss community and civility among Santa Monica neighbors. The next event is Wednesday, February 19th from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. If you’re interested in attending, please email your name and zip code to info@hrcsantamonica.org.
- 2014: The HRC partnered with the Baha’i Assembly of Santa Monica and conducted Table Talk following Judge Dorothy Nelson’s presentation, “Community Justice Centers: Resolving Community Conflicts” — 16 Feb. 2014.
- 2013: The HRC partnered with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition and the Westside Interfaith Council to coordinate “Table Talk: Courage in Action” at the 8th Annual MLK Interfaith Prayer Breakfast — 18 Jan. 2013. The HRC partnered with the Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute for Table Talks on Youth Services — 16 May 2013, and Public Art and Cultural Affairs — 21 Nov. 2013.
- 2011-2012: The HRC facilitated two all-day “Dialogues on Race” for another partner, the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District, during the 2011-2012 academic year at Santa Monica High School — 29 Oct. 2011 and 4 Feb. 2012.
- 2007-2010: Youth dialogues at the Annual Unity Festival held at Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica. Topics have included Creating a Culture of Success for All Community Youth, Supporting and Strengthening Families, Alternatives to Gang Violence: Next Steps, Transition from School to Employment, and Youth Empowerment.
- 2006: Civic Participation: Rights, Respect and Responsibilities at the Welford B. Carter Education Center at Calvary Baptist Church — Small group discussions followed panel presentations entitled, Paths to Civic Participation, Finding Common Ground, and Responsibilities: Individual, Neighborhood, Community — 26 Mar. 2006.
- 2005: In February and April of 2005, the HRC participated in dialogues organized by the City of Santa Monica and Senator Sheila Kuehl for various organizations, community groups, and individuals to “learn the underlying causes and effects of gang violence.” An action plan for gang violence prevention and intervention in Santa Monica resulted. The HRC was one of eleven “gang violence action partners” that committed to the implementation of specific plans and projects. Specifically, the HRC committed to Action 4: “Encourage events in schools, churches, synagogues and neighborhoods that provide cross-cultural social experiences, share information … and offer capacity-building experiences for youth, youth workers, and community leaders.” — City of Santa Monica “Gang Violence Action Partner Update” (29 Apr. 2008): Action 4 here
