Courageous Conversations
Join us the 4th Monday of month for a conversation. Courageous Conversations explores issues of race in Rock County. Topics are selected each month based on current events and the issues people of color are currently facing both locally and nationwide.
The conversations are moderated by members of YWCA Rock County’s racial justice team as well as members of the Diversity Action Team of Rock County.
Courageous Conversations are currently being held virtually via Zoom. Courageous Conversations is held the fourth Monday of each month from 5:30pm – 7 pm. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.
(Please note, Courageous Conversations will be recorded and placed online. Members of the media are also invited to attend. If members of the media are present, an announcement will be made at the beginning of the meeting.)
September Courageous Conversation: Topic: DEI Push Back
Monday, September 22, 2025: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-b4O7KSNTyWQqktVyzPzsA
DEI and Push Back will examine recently passed legislation by the current administration.
The landscape around DEI is evolving, and with that comes complex conversations and resistance. This session is designed for community members to come together with empathy and curiosity to understand different perspectives regarding the pushback against DEI efforts. Through active listening, we will explore the underlying concerns and aspirations driving the climate around DEI, with the goal of fostering mutual understanding and building a stronger, more connected community. Join a facilitated community conversation to discuss the current pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This event will provide a safe, respectful space for community members to share their perspectives, understand the sources of resistance, address misconceptions, and explore a path forward while grounding our discussion in shared community values like fairness and opportunity for all.
Parking Lot: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Unmoderated Interaction After the Discussion – if needed)
Just to remind us all - the agreements for Courageous Conversations are:
1) stay engaged,
2) experience discomfort,
3) speak your truth, and
4) expect and accept non-closure.