Author name: DayofD

The 33rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit, held at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, brought together leaders, advocates, and changemakers to discuss this year’s critical theme: “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Democracy?” In a time of political volatility and misinformation, the summit underscored the importance of community engagement, truth, and collective action. The Role of Dialogue in Driving Change Days of Dialogue was honored to participate in these essential conversations, reinforcing the power of open and honest dialogue in shaping our future. We extend our deepest gratitude to Ken Cloke, whose expertise in mediation and facilitation continues to inspire, and Cheryl Epps, Executive Director of Kids Managing Conflict, for her unwavering commitment to peer mediation and conflict resolution education. A special thank-you to Calibrate.earth for concluding our workshop with a much needed healing circle —your insights and engagement were invaluable in demonstrating how structured conversations can drive real change. A Call to Action Throughout the summit, powerful voices—including Tavis Smiley, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Pastor Eddie Anderson—emphasized the urgency of this moment. The challenges we face require unity, resilience, and action. Knowing how difficult the past months have been for many, we hope that everyone left the summit feeling motivated and inspired. Dialogue is more than just conversation—it is a tool for transformation. Let’s keep the conversation going and turn dialogue into action. With gratitude, Anne Sawyer, Mediator and Facilitator, Days of Dialogue

On January 15, 2025, Days of Dialogue and the YWCA San Gabriel Valley hosted a civic virtual dialogue focusing on the intersection of women, hate crimes, violence, and the recent wildfires in Southern California. Over 40 community members participated.  The event, aimed at fostering community understanding and resilience, featured discussions on various critical topics, including the impact of hate and misinformation, community support strategies, and the importance of grassroots initiatives. Key Discussion Points: This civic dialogue not only shed light on the critical issues of hate and its relation to violence but also emphasized the community’s role in fostering resilience against wildfires and misinformation. The event underscored the necessity of support, collaboration, and self-care in building a stronger, more inclusive community.

In today’s polarized world, where political affiliations often draw stark dividing lines between communities, the power of dialogue remains one of the most essential tools for fostering understanding and healing. Dialogue is not a process exclusive to any political ideology—it transcends party lines, standing as a bipartisan approach to addressing the complex issues we face as a society. Dialogue: A Bridge, Not a Wall At its core, dialogue is about listening and speaking with intent and respect. It’s a process where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to share their stories, perspectives, and experiences. Unlike debates that often aim to win arguments, dialogues aim to foster mutual understanding. They create a space where differences are acknowledged and respected, not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and connection. This approach is crucial in a democracy that thrives on the exchange of ideas and collaboration. Dialogue serves as a bridge, bringing together people from different political spectrums to explore common ground and shared values. It is a reminder that our collective humanity is far more significant than our political differences. Bipartisanship in Dialogue The beauty of dialogue lies in its inherent bipartisanship. It’s not about being Democrat or Republican; it’s about being human. Engaging in dialogue allows us to move beyond labels and stereotypes, focusing instead on the issues that matter to us all—community safety, mental health, education, and more. By participating in dialogue, we acknowledge that solutions to these issues require input and cooperation from all sides. This bipartisan nature of dialogue is essential for a functioning democracy. It’s a process that encourages civic engagement and active citizenship, where everyone’s voice matters. In a time when political discourse often feels divisive, dialogue reminds us that we can still come together to discuss, understand, and work towards solutions that benefit all. Healing Through Dialogue The importance of dialogue extends beyond politics; it’s a vital tool for healing. Whether it’s communities affected by natural disasters, families grappling with loss, or groups facing systemic injustices, dialogue offers a path to collective healing. It provides a platform where individuals can express their pain, hear others, and begin the journey towards reconciliation and recovery. A Personal Note on the LA Fires The recent LA fires have left an indelible mark on our community, bringing immense loss and devastation. However, in the face of this tragedy, I have witnessed something truly remarkable—the way communities have come together in the most inspiring of ways during the worst of times. Rather than placing blame, we have seen neighbors supporting one another, offering shelter, food, and comfort to those who have lost so much. This spirit of togetherness is a testament to the strength of our community and the power of dialogue. As we move forward, let us continue to support everyone affected by these fires, providing them with the care and compassion they need to heal. Dialogue can be a powerful tool in this process, helping us to understand each other’s experiences and find collective paths to recovery. Conclusion Dialogue is a bipartisan process that holds the potential to transform our society. It challenges us to listen, to empathize, and to find solutions that transcend political affiliations. In a world that often seems divided, dialogue stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that through conversation and understanding, we can build a better, more inclusive future for all. Let us embrace dialogue, not as a political tool but as a human necessity, and take the first steps towards bridging the divides that separate us.

By Charletta Royster-McNeish, UCLA Many influential educational institutions throughout the country had encampments, sit-ins, teach-ins, and walkouts to protest the 2023 Israel-Hamas armed conflict. Places like Harvard, Yale, Berkeley USC just to name a few. Campus life at UCLA was interrupted and detoured by a protest that prevented students from walking or driving near Royce Hall. Royce Hall is the center of campus with an attractive landscape and backdrop. Students had formed an encampment on the lawn of Royce Hall. Social justice movements start with a single action or resistance. Proud Bruins and the canting of courter-protesters eliminated any efforts for a peaceful demonstration. What had turned into a peaceful and permitted demonstration ended up on primetime news. Over a hundred arrests were televised and streamed on the local news. Although an attempt was made to de-escalate, the administration acted on what they felt was protecting the students from future harm and restoring peace to campus. Impact The juxtaposition of campus protests reminisced memories of my own experiences growing up during the Watts and LA Riots. What happened during the student protest left a lasting impression on campus life and changed the campus climate. More on-duty officers patrol the yards echoing a prison or panopticon of surveillence. These stressful times make it difficult to stay focused on studies, especially when more demonstrations, protests, and walkouts are happening. Call to Action Dialogue helps the healing process by promoting common goals while fostering an understanding to restore trust. Dialogue creates a space for open engagement where students and administration can settle differences and find solutions that benefit the school spirit.

By Brett David Louie As another year of working with the Institute for Nonviolence comes to a close, I am as thankful as ever for the incredible opportunities and experiences I have been able to enjoy as a fellow. While the majority of my day to day operations pertain to helping out members of the team and handling various online tasks, 2024 has allowed me to take hold of my ambitions and help the communities I love sooner than I had hoped. In particular, I was fortunate enough to develop, present, and facilitate a dialogue series for Asian Americans within Los Angeles. The Korean American Role in the 1992 LA Riots dialogue was primarily aimed at educating and empowering the AAPI youth of Koreatown, Los Angeles, while also allowing them space to voice their opinions on how they wanted to solve old, inherited problems. The vigor and inspiration that was present that day, are why I have not lost hope in spite of these trying political times. It is this same hope that I spoke about during another one of the highlights from the year! The honor of speaking at the INVLA Summer Lunch Benefit was compounded further by having my family present. While the beauty of the event as well as the incredible nature of the other members’ speeches were memorable, the smiles from the circles I had proudly been a part of will never leave my mind. The Institute for Nonviolence and I have had an incredible 2024, and while I am incredibly proud of every accomplishment and accolade done this year, I know the next will be even more fulfilling. Please continue to support INVLA, and I will see you at the next dialogue!

by Anne Sawyer As we navigate an increasingly complex world in 2025, the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue is more crucial than ever. Conflict, whether interpersonal, organizational, or societal, is a natural part of the human experience. However, it’s how we address these conflicts that determines their outcome. Dialogue offers a powerful alternative to destructive patterns of communication, paving the way for understanding, collaboration, and positive change. Why Dialogue Matters in 2025: In a world saturated with information and often polarized viewpoints, dialogue provides a crucial space for: Building Empathy: By actively listening to diverse perspectives, we can develop a deeper understanding of others’ experiences and motivations, fostering empathy and reducing prejudice. Finding Common Ground: Dialogue encourages us to move beyond entrenched positions and explore shared values and interests, laying the foundation for collaborative solutions. De-escalating Conflict: Open and respectful communication can diffuse tension, prevent escalation, and create a pathway for resolution. Fostering Innovation: Diverse perspectives, when shared constructively, can spark new ideas and lead to more creative and effective solutions. The Dialogue Process: Effective dialogue is more than just talking; it’s a structured process that involves: Creating a Safe Space: Establishing ground rules for respectful communication, active listening, and suspending judgment. Active Listening: Focusing on understanding the speaker’s perspective, rather than formulating a response. Seeking Understanding: Asking clarifying questions and paraphrasing to ensure accurate comprehension. Sharing Perspectives: Expressing one’s own viewpoint honestly and respectfully, without attacking or defending. Focusing on Common Ground: Identifying shared values and interests to build a foundation for collaboration. Effective Uses of Dialogue in 2025: Dialogue can be effectively applied in a variety of contexts: Workplace Conflict: Resolving disputes between colleagues, fostering team cohesion, and improving communication. Community Building: Addressing social and political divisions, promoting understanding between diverse groups, and fostering civic engagement. Interpersonal Relationships: Strengthening family bonds, resolving conflicts between friends, and improving communication in romantic partnerships. Policy Development: Engaging stakeholders in collaborative decision-making processes, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered. Online Platforms: Creating spaces for respectful online discussions, combating misinformation, and fostering digital citizenship. Join the Conversation: Shape Our Future Through Dialogue – Starting Today! The challenges of 2025 and beyond demand a new approach: one built on understanding, collaboration, and shared purpose. Dialogue isn’t just a skill for the future; it’s a tool we can use today to build stronger communities and more effective organizations. By prioritizing active listening, empathy, and respectful communication, we can unlock the transformative power of dialogue and create positive change in our communities and the world – starting now. We invite you to be part of the solution: For Community Members: Join us for a community dialogue on [Topic relevant to the community – e.g., local development, community safety, environmental sustainability]. Share your experiences, listen to your neighbors, and help shape a better future for our community. Learn More About Dialogues For Businesses and Corporations: Invest in your employees and your community by hosting internal dialogues on [Topics relevant to the business – e.g., workplace culture, diversity and inclusion, innovation]. We can help you facilitate these crucial conversations, fostering a more collaborative and productive work environment.  Contact us HERE to learn more about our corporate dialogue facilitation services. Why wait for 2025? The power to create positive change is in our hands today. Let’s start the conversation. Facilitate a Dialogue  

Days of Dialogue was honored to support the recent Peer Mediation Bootcamp, a transformative event held at Pepperdine University. This incredible initiative empowers young people to become effective peacemakers and conflict resolvers.  In the peer mediation training, participants engaged in a dialogue process designed to foster understanding and resolve conflicts. The process emphasized active listening, empathy, and collaboration, where each participant had the opportunity to express their perspective while being heard without interruption. Mediators guided the conversation by asking open-ended questions and encouraging reflection, helping individuals identify common ground and work toward mutually agreeable solutions. The discussions during the dialogue highlighted the importance of non-judgmental communication and the role of mediators in maintaining a neutral, supportive environment. Participants learned how to manage emotional responses, reframe negative statements, and facilitate productive conversations. By the end of the training, the group recognized the power of dialogue as a tool not only for resolving conflicts but also for strengthening relationships and building trust. These insights were shared and discussed, offering valuable takeaways for applying the mediation techniques in real-life situations. By partnering with organizations like Kids Managing Conflict SCMA Education Foundation, Days of Dialogue is committed to fostering a culture of dialogue and understanding. We believe that investing in the next generation of leaders is essential for creating a more just and equitable society. To learn more about the Peer Mediation Bootcamp and how you can support this important work, please visit: https://kidsmanagingconflict.org/

As we enter the election season, questions related to governance and government reform will be on the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 ballot. The City of Los Angeles (redistricting, ethics and establishment of a permanent charter reform commission), County of Los Angeles (Board of Supervisors expansion, creation of an ethics commission and elected county executive), and United States government (Project 2025) touch on issues related to the essence of popular sovereignty and representative self-governance.  LOS ANGELES CITY CHARTER REFORM Since then-Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas’ October 2021 suspension, the Los Angeles City Council has been considering a variety of reforms to its Charter – the city’s governing document or constitution. Prompted by revelations about underlying political ambitions and racial motivations of then-Council President Nury Martinez, MRT’s removal from the Council raised issues of due process and fundamental fairness, voting rights, representation, redistricting, and ethics. The periodic review of the Charter itself would become a prominent feature of the Council’s deliberations.  As a result, the City Council has placed several matters on the ballot for consideration by City voters on/by November 5, 2021. Proposed Charter Amendments To find the ballot language for governance-related Charter Reforms for the Los Angeles City Council (independent redistricting, City ethics commission, and permanent charter reform commission), please see the following link.  https://clerk.lacity.gov/clerk-services/elections/municipal-elections/ballot-measures LA City – City Charter, Rules, and Codes Local News Coverage  To find relevant news articles regarding City Charter Reform, please see the following: LA Daily News –  7/31/24: LA City Council accepts Bass’ veto of LAPD disciplinary ballot measure The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday, July 30, passed on the opportunity to override Mayor Karen Bass’ recent veto of a proposed ballot measure intended at changing the disciplinary process for LAPD officers —including expanding the chief’s powers to fire officers for misconduct. On July 15, Bass vetoed the council’s approval of a measure placing the matter on the November ballot, but the 15-member council could have reversed the veto by lassoing 10 votes in favor of an override. LA Daily News – 6/20/24: Los Angeles City Council creates city’s charter reform commission In a unanimous vote, the Los Angeles City Council established a Charter Reform Commission on Tuesday, June 18, which will be tasked with recommending updates to a vast range of government procedures — including possible expansion of the City Council and improving transparency. Council members passed the ordinance 13-0, with the aim of having the commission propose charter amendments for Los Angeles voters to consider on the November 2026 ballot. LA Times – 6/18/24: Expand the L.A. City Council? A citizens commission will explore that and other ideas  The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to create a new citizen’s commission to look at expanding the size of the council, reducing the number of council meetings and other potential changes to city operations. The 13-member commission will be charged with developing proposals for the November 2026 ballot that would revise the city charter, which spells out the powers and duties of city departments, offices and elected officials. The idea of expanding the 15-member council has been circulating for a few years, with several council members signing on to the idea. Council President Paul Krekorian had hoped to send a council expansion measure to L.A. voters in November. Cal Matters – 5/30/24: Los Angeles politicians take rare steps to limit their power and boost public confidence – sort of Self-regulation is a messy business. In politics, it can seem elusive. When elected officials adopt rules to govern the conduct of elected officials, they’re pulled in one direction by constituents who favor restrictions and punishments, and in the other direction by self-preservation, a basic instinct politicians have in abundance. Progress tends to be incremental and uneven as a result. This is where we are with the Los Angeles City Council and its continuing struggle to respond to the public’s shaky confidence. On one hand, indictments and damning revelations about members of the council have convinced even its most recalcitrant members that they need to do something to regain trust. On the other, members like their seats and don’t like facing consequences.  LA Times – 5/15/24: Ethics reform measure will go to L.A. voters. Critics say it’s watered down Los Angeles voters in November will weigh in on a ballot measure that would strengthen the city’s ethics oversight after a string of scandals at City Hall. Watchdog groups were deeply disappointed, saying the measure does not go far enough after the City Council watered down a proposal that had included more sweeping changes, such as giving the volunteer Ethics Commission unilateral power to put items on the ballot. The ballot measure passed unanimously by the council on Tuesday would increase penalties for violations of the city ethics code to $15,000 from $5,000. The city department that includes the commission would get a minimum annual budget of $6.5 million, slightly more than what is now proposed for the upcoming fiscal year. Also, a newly created Charter Reform Commission would review the entire city charter. LAist – 5/14/24: LA Council Approves Ethics Reforms For Ballot. Critics Say The Changes Are Watered Down  The Los Angeles City Council moved closer Tuesday to placing on the November ballot a package of ethics reforms designed to fight corruption, but the panel dumped key proposals in the process. Council members unanimously directed the city attorney to draft ballot language for the package, which involves a number of changes to the city charter. The reforms follow successive City Hall scandals that have shaken the public’s trust in elected city officials. Among the biggest proposals: one that would triple the maximum fines imposed on elected officials and others who violate city ethics rules, including campaign finance laws. LA Daily News – 4/30/24: LA City Council amends ballot measure that promises ‘truly independent redistricting’ The Los Angeles City Council approved amendments Tuesday to a ballot measure to establish an independent redistricting commission that would be tasked with redrawing the boundaries of council districts for future elections. In a 13-0 vote, council members

Special Essay Excerpts: State of Black Homelessness in America Written by: Mark Ridley-Thomas, PhD and Alisa Orduna, PhD In 2023, on a single night during the annual point in time count, 653,104 people were found to be experiencing homelessness in the United States which was 12% more than the year prior. This is the highest number of people experiencing homelessness since the national reporting on the Point-in-Time count began in 2007. Blacks have remained considerably overrepresented among the homeless population in most every US city despite being approximately 13% of the US population. Nearly 4 of every 10 individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States identified as Black, African American or African. Of the 243,624 Black people experiencing homelessness, 50% of them were members of families with children that will ultimately result in persistent generational disparities. Homelessness is a form of structural violence. To this point, as far back as 1967, in an address on the “Three Evils of Society”, Dr. Martin Luther King essentially condemned houselessness as cruel, indecent, unsafe and unsanitary. People are dying. There is an urgent need for proven strategies and solutions to move people quickly out of homelessness and prevent homelessness to begin with. This includes all hands on deck to address the entire continuum of housing– home ownership, affordable rent and tenant protections, unsheltered encampment resolutions, improving the interim housing quality and supply, and the creation of affordable permanent housing– and health. As we consider the intersection of systemic racism and structural violence, careful attention must be given to local governments’ response to the public outcry that often leads to legislation that criminalizes homelessness, contributing to the misplaced role of law enforcement agencies in addressing and often exasperating the homeless crisis engulfing Black communities across America. In this moment in history when Black mayors are leading the largest metropolitan cities it is our time to address the over representation of Black people experiencing homelessness in this country. To address homelessness in Black America we must dismantle its root cause of systemic racism and discrimination that influences economic stability, affordable housing, health, behavioral health, public safety and social support systems. This requires a collaborative, comprehensive, and intersectional approach that involves government agencies federal/state/local alignment, health and housing sectors, faith-based organizations, non-profit organizations, communities, and individuals. Housing is a basic human right. Housing is needed for our complete spiritual, emotional, physical, relational, and moral well-being. Now is our time to demand more. Author Biographies Mark Ridley-Thomas, PhD is the Founder of the Empowerment Congress and serves as Senior Advisor for the Institute for Nonviolence in LA. Dr. Ridley-Thomas currently publishes PRAXIS—the interface between reflection and action—a weekly newsletter that focuses exclusively on homelessness and housing insecurity. Alisa Orduna, PhD  is a twenty-five year veteran of public and nonprofit sector leadership dedicated to anti-Black racism and addressing racial reckoning.  Dr. Orduna is a depth-psychologist researcher and writer who co-chairs the Empowerment Congress Homeless Working Group and leads homeless advocacy and group facilitation for the Institute for Non-violence in LA.

It was 1999 and a news story on CNN told the story of Italian Female Parliamentarians wearing jeans to protest the Supreme Court Justice’s overturning a lower court’s rape conviction. The reason he gave was because the 18 year old girl was wearing tight jeans and they could not be removed without her help, implying consent. The Roman Parliamentarians were furious; they called it “the jeans alibi.” California lawmakers took action and wore jeans on the steps of the CA State Capitol in Sacramento in solidarity with the Roman legislators. That is what inspired the first Denim Day in Los Angeles. Impact:  Over the last 25 years, Denim Day has reached over one hundred million individuals. People in all 50 states and in over 100 countries have worn jeans on purpose. Colleges and universities, corporations and businesses, communities and groups, entire cities and states have declared Denim Day. This campaign along with other movement organizing has empowered victim/survivors, created allies, influenced legislation, educated the jury pool, motivated high school and college students, and gave voice to those who had been silenced. The goal has been to encourage people to wear jeans with purpose, support survivors, educate yourself and others, and challenge rape culture and mysogynistic victim blaming. Anti-Sexual Violence Movement: Mark and Avis Ridley-Thomas founded the Rosa Parks Rape Crisis Center in 1984. As staunch advocates for sexual assault prevention, intervention and treatment services, this center carries on the legacy of Rosa Parks in her fight against sexual violence. Long before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus, she was an investigator for the NAACP who advocated for rape victim Recy Taylor. Today, Avis continues the fight to eradicate sexual violence and was recognized for her efforts by Peace Over Violence, a non-profit social service agency dedicated to eliminating rape. A Call to Action This year our overarching theme for the Denim Day campaign is: sexual violence ends with all of us.  Wear jeans with a purpose on Wednesday, April 24th! Downtown Los Angeles News Article: Denim Day