MAKE A DIFFERENCE
“We adopt the means of nonviolence because our end is a community at peace with itself. We will try to persuade with our words, but if our words fail, we will try to persuade with our acts”
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Who We Are
Civic Engagement + Dialogue = Violence Prevention
In 1995, Los Angeles’ deeply divided reaction to the verdict in the O.J. Simpson trial underscored how far apart the diverse communities of Los Angeles and the nation stand on some basic issues. As a result, then-Los Angeles City Council person Mark Ridley-Thomas called a meeting with 20 prophetic leaders and community activists to defuse escalating tensions. Out of this was born an innovative nonpartisan initiative, Los Angeles’ first citywide discussion—A Day of Dialogue.
Since then, Dialogues were created to address the critical issues facing our communities. Avis Ridley-Thomas, Executive Director and Creator of INVLA & Days of Dialogue is called upon by community leaders every time there is a dispute in our community that needs to be resolved.
We have conducted over 200 dialogues with 20,000 community participants, with the help of 992 volunteer mediators.
200
Dialogues
992
Volunteers
20,000
Participants
Meet Avis Ridley-Thomas
Community Leaders contacted Ms. Ridley-Thomas when the following audio tapes leaked exposing Racism in the Los Angeles City Council. The story went national within hours. Days of Dialogue created a Dialogue to address Racism & Bigotry in Los Angeles.
L.A. City Council Leaked Audio Tape
Events
Events are an integral part of Days of Dialogue. We work with community partners and organizations, government authorities, legal organizations, non-profits, and businesses.
Find out more about our events & work within our community.
Upcoming Events
