Author name: DayofD

In a groundbreaking session hosted by Positive Change Foundation in collaboration with Black Women For Positive Change brought together a diverse group of participants to reflect on the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives. The dialogue offered an opportunity to explore both the emotional and ethical implications of AI—particularly within underserved communities. Days of Dialogue continues to provide a platform and skilled facilitators to led the conversation in exploring how AI is reshaping our world—and how communities can prepare and respond. Dr. Stephanie Myers, National Co-Chair and Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Chair A.I. Committee Black Women For Positive Change emphasized the importance of understanding AI’s basic functions and its potential to transform sectors like education and healthcare. From self-driving cars to AI-generated content, the technology is rapidly evolving—and so must our approach to access and equity. Community voiced their perspectives, sharing excitement about AI’s capabilities and raising important concerns around equity, ethics, the digital divide, funding gaps, and the risk of AI perpetuating bias. Participants advocated for increased investment in AI education and training, particularly for historically marginalized groups. “Access to AI must not become another barrier,” one attendee noted. Dr. Denise Turley, dialogue participant and AI Advisor emphasized the necessity of fact-checking and critical thinking in a world where AI-generated misinformation is on the rise. The conversation called attention to several key themes: Equitable Access: Ensuring underserved communities have access to AI education, tools, and opportunities. Bias and Misinformation: Combating embedded bias in AI systems and promoting media literacy. Healthcare Innovation: Exploring AI’s potential to expand diagnostic accuracy and improve self-care access. Community Collaboration: Using dialogue to elevate shared understanding and develop actionable solutions. Participants left energized and committed to continue increasing understanding and learning  by exchanging ideas to deepen these critical conversations. Mark your calendars for the September 17th A.I. training workshop hosted by our partner The Positive Change Foundation in collaboration with Black Women For Positive Change.                           BlackWomenForPositiveChange.org

On June 21, 2025, Days of Dialogue was proud to support and facilitate community conversations during the Empowerment Congress’ Juneteenth Day of Dialogue & Celebration, held at The Beehive in South Los Angeles. More than 150 participants and 20 Facilitators came together under the theme: “Educate. Engage. Empower: Resilience in the Face of Chaos.” We are deeply grateful to the Empowerment Congress for inviting us to support this important event, and to everyone who made the day a success—from volunteers and facilitators to speakers and community partners. Key Highlights from the Day 🎤 Keynote speaker Maya Wiley reminded us: “Don’t leave your power on the table.” 💬 Participants reflected on: What resilience means in times of political and social chaos Tools passed down from ancestors: faith, storytelling, creativity, resistance The power of music, art, and cultural memory to keep us grounded and hopeful 🎶 Songs like “A Change is Gonna Come”, “What’s Going On”, and “Man in the Mirror” sparked deep emotion and connection across generations. What We Heard in the Room: “We have survived for over 400 years. We can do four more.” “I love resilience, but I hate the cause of it.” “Faithful with trust—if you believe things will work out, they will.” “There is value in dialogue.” Let’s Keep the Conversations Going Dialogue is more than a moment. It’s a movement. You can help keep it going: 👉 Host a dialogue in your community, workplace, or school 🧠 Join our facilitator network or training programs ❤️ Make a gift to support this work year-round 📅 Schedule a Dialogue 💖 Donate Now 📸 View Photos/Videos from the Event Thank You Thank you again to the Empowerment Congress and everyone who made this year’s Juneteenth gathering so meaningful. We look forward to continuing this work—together. With appreciation,On behalf of the Days of Dialogue Team

A Call to Action- Community Dialogue Needed Now In Moments of Crisis, We Show Up Dear Friends, In light of the unfolding events across Los Angeles—including the alarming rise in immigration enforcement and the confirmed deployment of both National Guard and Marine personnel—many in our communities are feeling afraid, angry, and uncertain. This is exactly the kind of moment Days of Dialogue was built for. We’ve been here before—and we’ve seen the power of people coming together to speak, listen, and heal. Dialogue gives us a way to hold space for fear, for truth, and for each other. Now is the time to activate. We are urgently preparing a series of virtual dialogues and healing circles. These gatherings are easy to organize, accessible in the evenings, and more essential than ever. We need your voice, your presence, and your care: Facilitators: Please stay alert and check your email regularly. We anticipate dialogue requests will increase over the coming days. Community supporters: If your community is directly impacted, needs to have a difficult conversation—or simply needs space to reflect—please reach out. We are ready to host and support virtual circles with care and urgency. Everyone: Ask yourself and your networks—does my community need a dialogue right now? If the answer is yes, we’re here. This is a time to step in, not step back. Let’s lead with connection. With strength and solidarity, The Days of Dialogue Team Request a Dialogue • Share This Message

Download the AAPI Heritage Month Dialogue PDF AAPI Heritage Month Dialogue We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the AAPI Heritage Month Dialogue last month. With over 30 participants in attendance, the event was a powerful and highly successful gathering. From the start, it was clear that people were showing up with a range of emotions — worry, anxiety, uncertainty, even fear about what might come up in the space. But through conversation, reflection, and deep listening, those emotions began to shift. By the end of our time together, people shared that they felt motivated, grounded, and passionate about creating change, not only within their own communities, but across cultural lines. Many expressed a renewed commitment to bridge-building, solidarity, and continued dialogue. We’re proud that this space held true to the goals we set: to affirm identity, create space for truth-telling, and build empathy through shared experience. These are the conversations that spark movement, and we are honored you were part of it. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this work. Recently, INVLA was able to attend the Vincent Chin memorial service in El Pueblo, Los Angeles. This harrowing and devastating event is not just a piece of the Asian American Pacific Island narrative, but it is also weaved into the very fabric of US history. It is imperative to honor Vincent Chin’s legacy, and the lessons Americans were forced to learn in the wake of his tragic murder. INVLA is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the event, while also carrying on the message from our AAPI dialogue. This October, we will be hosting another dialogue focused on the Chinese Massacre of 1871, one of the deadliest acts of racial violence in Los Angeles history. It will be an opportunity to reflect on historical harm, community healing, and what it means to reckon with the past in pursuit of justice today. More details coming soon. In the meantime, we invite you to stay connected at www.daysofdialogue.org, where you can subscribe to our newsletter, sign up to host or attend future dialogues, and explore more about our mission. Thank you again for showing up! We are looking forward to what is next, together. Warmly, Brett David Louie

Dialogue Echo: Reflections + Action — Centering Youth Voices in a Time of Crisis We listened. They spoke. Now it’s time to act. On May 21, youth from across Los Angeles gathered at the Japanese American National Museum for the Resilience in Action Youth Dialogue—a collaboration between Days of Dialogue, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, and Kids Managing Conflict. In a world that often silences or sidelines them, these young people showed up ready to share their stories, struggles, and hopes. What happened inside those dialogue circles was nothing short of transformative. This was not just an event. It was a lifeline. Here’s what we heard—loud and clear: “I worry every day my parents won’t be there when I get home.” Youth spoke openly about the terror of deportation, of loved ones disappearing overnight. For many, immigration fear isn’t a policy debate—it’s a daily reality.   “No one asks how I’m doing. They just expect me to keep going.” The emotional burden on teens was staggering. Food insecurity, financial strain, and mental health pressure are taking a deep toll. And yet, they show up—to school, to work, to take care of siblings—often without support. “We want to talk. We just need someone who listens.” These youth aren’t looking for saviors. They’re asking for safe spaces, trusted adults, and resources they can actually use. What We Did: Brought together over 100 teens from across L.A. Created facilitated spaces for them to share, reflect, and be heard Honored their courage with dignity, affirmation—and a little joy (shout out to the PS5 raffle and Hawaiian lunches!) Captured powerful recommendations for schools, families, and community leaders   What They Told Us They Need: Mental health support that meets them where they are Immigration resources they can understand and use Parent-teen communication that’s rooted in empathy, not discipline Culturally relevant outreach in multiple languages Safe, ongoing youth dialogue spaces—not one-offs — The Impact Was Immediate. Youth left feeling seen, less alone, and more resilient. Several asked to host future dialogues at their schools. A YMCA staff member used stories shared to connect families with emergency support the very next day. One young participant said, “This was the first time I felt like my story mattered.” — So what’s next? That’s up to all of us. We cannot let this be a one-time conversation. If we want our youth to be resilient, we have to be responsive. Here’s how you can help keep the momentum going: Host a youth dialogue in your school, church, or neighborhood Fund mental health and immigration literacy programs that work for youth Volunteer or train as a facilitator Share this message. Be the adult that listens. This was one moment. But together, we can build a movement. Let’s keep the dialogue alive. www.DaysofDialogue.org | info@daysofdialogue.org | @daysofdialogue

In a time when headlines are filled with stories of political division, rising homelessness, systemic racism, and increasing acts of hate and bigotry, one truth remains clear: people need to be heard. Not just debated. Not just spoken at. Heard. That’s where Days of Dialogue comes in. For over two decades, we’ve stood at the intersection of community and conversation—providing spaces where people from all walks of life can share, listen, and connect through facilitated dialogue. Today, this work is more important than ever. Across California and beyond, communities are grappling with frustration, fear, and fatigue. From questions about civic engagement and government accountability to the heartbreaking realities of economic inequality and discrimination, people are looking for answers—and for places where their voices matter. Social media gives us noise. Dialogue gives us meaning. What sets Days of Dialogue apart is our commitment to the process—not just the outcome. Dialogue isn’t about winning or convincing. It’s about connecting. It’s about creating a container for honesty, vulnerability, and change. And we don’t just talk about it—we show up, on the ground, wherever communities need support. Whether you’re a city leader navigating tense policy changes, a school district confronting racial equity, or a nonprofit seeking to heal community trauma, Days of Dialogue has experienced facilitators ready to guide you. We partner with you on planning and implementation, so you’re not in this alone. The truth is: meaningful change doesn’t start at the top. It starts in a circle of chairs, with people willing to speak and listen. That’s what we do. And right now, the need has never been greater. Let’s build something better—one conversation at a time. If your organization or community is ready to start a dialogue, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn how we can support you with trained facilitators and a tailored planning process. Anne Sawyer Executive Leader | Strategic Advisor | Mediator & Facilitator | Growth Agent

In a time when headlines are filled with stories of political division, rising homelessness, systemic racism, and increasing acts of hate and bigotry, one truth remains clear: people need to be heard. Not just debated. Not just spoken at. Heard. That’s where Days of Dialogue comes in. For over two decades, we’ve stood at the intersection of community and conversation—providing spaces where people from all walks of life can share, listen, and connect through facilitated dialogue. Today, this work is more important than ever. Across California and beyond, communities are grappling with frustration, fear, and fatigue. From questions about civic engagement and government accountability to the heartbreaking realities of economic inequality and discrimination, people are looking for answers—and for places where their voices matter. Social media gives us noise. Dialogue gives us meaning. What sets Days of Dialogue apart is our commitment to the process—not just the outcome. Dialogue isn’t about winning or convincing. It’s about connecting. It’s about creating a container for honesty, vulnerability, and change. And we don’t just talk about it—we show up, on the ground, wherever communities need support. Whether you’re a city leader navigating tense policy changes, a school district confronting racial equity, or a nonprofit seeking to heal community trauma, Days of Dialogue has experienced facilitators ready to guide you. We partner with you on planning and implementation, so you’re not in this alone. The truth is: meaningful change doesn’t start at the top. It starts in a circle of chairs, with people willing to speak and listen. That’s what we do. And right now, the need has never been greater. Let’s build something better—one conversation at a time. If your organization or community is ready to start a dialogue, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn how we can support you with trained facilitators and a tailored planning process. Anne Sawyer Executive Leader | Strategic Advisor | Mediator & Facilitator | Growth Agent

We are experiencing a crisis of miscommunication/discommunication where we listen to respond and not to hear. According to the American Psychological Association, 77% of Americans report that the future of our nation as a significant source of stress. As a professional mediator and peace builder, I recognize the urgent need for solutions. This year my family hosted our annual “Movie Night” during Black History Month to create a safe space for dialogue and explore the root causes of racism and bigotry. Many Black families celebrate Black History Month by engaging in various activities that honor and learn about the achievements and struggles of Black people, including reading books, watching documentaries, supporting Black-owned businesses, and visiting museums, while also having open conversations about race and identity. My family’s culture continues to change and grow as other families do; this includes political and economic differences within the family. Each year the family movie night dialogue during the annual event is engaging as we exchange knowledge and ideas; this year some family members questioned the source of information and challenged its validity. There were a few of us that wanted to watch a throwback movie from 1974 that highlighted economics, welfare system and relationships. Well, this film was not selected. The younger generation wanted to engage in dialogue with a more current movie that represent today’s issues. Remember the throwback movie from 1974? Claudine (Diahann Carroll) is a single mother in New York City who endures an exhausting commute to the suburbs where she works as a maid for wealthy families. She meets Roop (James Earl Jones), a charismatic but irresponsible garbage collector. Romance quickly ensues, but Claudine doubts that their relationship is good for her six children, and Rupert, despite his good nature, is reluctant to take on fatherhood. The movie selection was “Explained” highlighting the disparity in assets of typical households across race and ethnicity. The gap in assets is far wider than disparities in wages across races. This documentary explores how slavery, housing discrimination, and centuries of inequality in America all helped to create a massive gap between the wealth held between Black and white families in the U.S., a divide that continues to grow today. This was indeed a spirited dialogue but one that ended with tender embraces as we expressed our love for each other. The movie night committee was complete in its task: planning of the menu; music; movie selection; and most crucial dialogue ground rules. The ground rules had to be repeated as uncle Joe believed his age gave him priority for the entire evening. The process allowed us to achieve our family goals of sharing knowledge and tools, being engaged as participatory citizens, and fostering understanding and cooperation within the family. My college Professor Dr. Robinson (CSULB) often said “Strong individuals make strong families; strong families make strong communities.” More than ever we must embrace and lean into dialogue – let’s talk about it Sharon Shelton, MA Mediator & Peace Builder

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.