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.
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
All About Dialogues
How Dialogues Work
Types of Dialogues
Reports
In the safe spaces that we create, our attendees engage openly, and they candidly relay diverse perspectives.
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
Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr. Memorial
Fresh News
Grave of famed abolitionist designated L.A. County historical landmark
KTLA 5: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday to designate the gravesite of abolitionist Owen Brown as a Los Angeles County Historical Landmark, marking the conclusion of a nearly yearlong process.
San Diego politicians want to block Trump deportations. The sheriff refuses, sparking immigration battle
LA Times: A new immigration policy adopted by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors was supposed to stop jails from working with federal immigration officials, a move that would potentially hinder President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice: Resource Hub
Asian Americans Advancing Justice has been at the forefront of creating a better understanding of our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. In 2024, our research team proudly released the Asian Resource Hub in collaboration with our affiliate, Asian Americans Advancing Justice–AAJC and Microsoft.
Record-Breaking Hate Crimes Against Black Angelenos on the Rise
Los Angeles Sentinel: Los Angeles County, often celebrated for its diversity, is grappling with a grim reality: hate crimes against Black residents have reached unprecedented levels. In 2023, reported anti-Black hate crimes rose by 8%, from 297 in 2022 to a record-breaking 320. While hate crimes against other racial and ethnic groups also saw slight increases, the disproportionate targeting of African Americans remains a pressing concern.
