A group of people from area faith communities, businesses, and community agencies were invited to participate in a Community Conversation at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Fall River on January 22, 2017, two days after the Presidential Inauguration. The event was planned by a small group of local clergy and coordinated by United Neighbors of Fall River Executive Director Wendy Garf-Lipp, Partners for a Healthier Community Executive Director Dr. David Weed. Beau Stubblefield-Tave of the Center for Culturally Fluent Leadership was invited to facilitate the discussion that used a World Cafe Method to encourage respectful and civil conversation, particularly in response to the recent political campaign and election. "The two hours together generated lots of ideas that we can use in the Greater Fall River community to foster healthy dialogue an respond to future events," commended Dr. Weed. Click here for a two-and-a-half-minute video of the event. For further information, contact Wendy Garf-Lipp at 508-324-7900 or Dr. Weed at 508-837-9029.

(Top row, left) Rev. Bruce MacLeod of Fall River's First Baptist Church introduces himself to Greg Abbott of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Sheila Matthews of Saint Anne's Hospital, Rev. William Sterrett of the Amicable Congregational Church in Tiverton, and his wife, Barbara Beckman of Child and Family Services. (Top row, center)  Gayle Velozo and Anita Abbott of Holy Spirit and Ron Weisberger of the Bristol Community College Holocaust Center look over the lunch offerings. (Top row, right) Ron fills out his name tag while chatting with Deborah Cross of Holy Spirit. (Row two) Rev. MacLeod talks with Rev. Barbara Jean of Somerset Baptist Church and then joins Judith Hahn of South Bay Early Intervention, Deborah and Wendy Garf-Lipp of United Neighbors of Fall River. (Row three) William talks with Ron while Rev. Matt Steward of Holy Spirit talks with Ron Davin of Holy Spirit  and Carlos Cesar of the Flint Neighborhood and Merchants Association before Mr. Stubblefiled-Tave divides the participants into three discussion groups and Wendy records the highlights of their conversations. (Row four) Rev. MacLeod, Holy Spirit members Margaret Cabral and Deb Cross  and Rev. Jean share a laugh. (Row five) Rev. Steve Matthews of the South Coast Mission Hub and Holy Spirit member Cathy Mayo listen as Rev. Stewart responds to a question posed by Wendy. (Bottom row) Beau wraps up the session by reviewing the groups' observations and recommending the text, Nonviolent Communication, before Wendy makes some final comments.