Diversity Circles have been held throughout the nation by bringing small groups of people together to share backgrounds and discuss experiences about the issues of racism and diversity.  Here in southeast Wisconsin, Roseann Mason sponsors Diversity Circles through UW-Parkside. In March of 2002 and again this past November, Tremper High School sent 120 students on a full day event that promoted diversity circles among the student body.  In the week following this facilitation training, students hosted discussions on racism in their respective advisories.  All students in attendance reported the event to be extremely meaningful.

Students of various backgrounds are recruited through teacher recommendations after a Diversity Circle presentation is made at a January staff development day.  Tremper staff identifies “respectful behaviors” as one of two major improvement goals for the high school Improvement Plan.  The opportunities presented through the Diversity Circles program help promote a new approach to encouraging respectful behaviors.

Throughout the facilitation training, students work in groups of ten to twelve to discuss issues they have experienced or witnessed surrounding racism and disrespect for one another.  By the end of the day, we hope that students are inspired to work from sharing ideas to planning actions that improve the school climate. 

A few activities are planned at Tremper upon the Diversity Circle member's return to school.  All students wear T-shirts promoting the “Respect Revolution” we embrace each year.  Banners, posters and helium balloons likewise encourage our message.  Members of the Drama Club attend to inspire a stage production, students from the TV/Media class attend to create a video about diversity at Tremper as their final exam, and student leaders on Student Government organize the event and own the follow-up ideas.

Our motto:  “It’s What You Do not What You Say.  If You’re not Part of the Future, then Get Out of the Way.”