Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Rationale for Research
III. Method
IV. Accounts of Behavior
V. Accounts of Feelings
APPENDIX A. - Materials Sent to Participants
APPENDIX B - Questions Asked of Each Group
APPENDIX D - Group Instructions and Guidelines
APPENDIX E - Chart - First-hand Accounts of Racial and Ethnic Activity
APPENDIX F - Chart - First-hand Accounts of Feelings
APPENDIX D - Group Instructions and Guidelines
1. Introductory Statement to Each Group
First let me thank everyone for coming tonight. We are looking forward to an interesting and thoughtful evening of discussion. If you have any questions as we proceed, please feel free to ask.
Before we begin the discussion, I'd like to briefly tell you a little about Alfonso Associates, the organization who is sponsoring this evening's event. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Jeff Hitchcock. I live in _______, New Jersey and I am Vice President of Alfonso Associates. Our President and owner is Ms. Cessie Alfonso, who founded the firm in 1978.
Alfonso Associates provides social work services, training services and organizational consulting services to individuals and organizations. One of our specialties is diversity training and consultation. In this regard, we often work with organization on the issue of race.
In developing our practice, we have found, among other things, a need to speak to issues and concerns of white people regarding race relations. While I can name some concerns from my own experience, my colleagues, Michael and Corinna and I, on behalf of Alfonso Associates, want to ask a broader group of people your opinion on a number of questions that revolve around the experience of being white.
In particular, we are interested in discussing black/white relations from the standpoint of how white people see things. I'd like to cut myself short because we are not here for you to listen to me. I am here to listen to you. Please let me introduce Michael Gerhardt who will briefly suggest a few guidelines for tonight's session.
2. Guidelines Provided to Each Group
Participants were advised by one of the facilitators at the outset that:
1. The facilitators planned to tape record the sessions.
2. The facilitators would also take notes of topics discussed.
3. Refreshments were available and people should help themselves.
4. If anyone had need of the restroom, they could leave the group as necessary.
5. All discussion was confidential.
6. Alfonso Associates intended to write a summary report (this report), and would provide a copy to each participant who wished to have one.
7. Participants should not make assumptions about what people said. They should not try to label each other's actions.
8. Participants should make "I" statements, such as "I think...," "I feel...," and "I believe...." Consistent with these statements, participants should try to speak from their own experience and understanding about the topic.
9. If any participants had difficulty, concerns, or objections to anything said, the facilitators would not intervene unless explicitly asked.
10. The group would end promptly at the appointed time, though participants could linger in informal conversations afterwards if they wished.
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