C.H. Booth Library is planning its next Community Conversations program, “A Discussion of Religion and Race.”

The second in an ongoing series is planned for Monday, April 25, at 6 pm, in the meeting room of the library, 25 Main Street.

This session will feature religious leaders of Newtown including Reverend Andrea Wyatt, Trinity Episcopal Church; Reverend M.E. Kristen Provost Switzer, Newtown Congregational Church; Pastor Rob Morris, Christ the King Lutheran Church; and Deacon Michael P. Ronan, St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church; and John Woodall, Baha'i Faith and author, Racism as a Disease in Healing Racism: Education’s Role. Additional guests may be added to the panel.

A community dialogue is a facilitated discussion that provides the opportunity for individuals to discuss community-based issues, challenges, and aspirations. In thousands of communities across the country, these dialogues have helped people to understand their own and their neighbors’ feelings about themselves, each other, and various issues.

Community dialogues obtain meaningful feedback from residents. Conversations often revolve around improving community services for ethnically, economically, and geographically underserved and underrepresented audiences

Community dialogues help better connect local organizations with potential future partners that have shared interests.

Community dialogues are not about leaving the room with a list of to-dos and answers to all the questions. They are about discussing topics and issues in an inclusive and uninhibited environment with community representatives and stakeholders. Organizers offer guiding principles, below.

The focus is on bringing together new partners and new voices to conversations and on connecting groups that are not usually at the same place. Representative panelists will vary and will be from such groups as educators, local government, Chamber of Commerce members and business organizations, representatives of traditionally underserved/underrepresented groups, engagement groups, clubs, the interfaith community, neighborhood associations, parenting groups, social service groups, and the local media.

The local series opened in February when community leaders participated in a panel conversation called “Race: More Than A Conversation,” hosted by C.H. Booth Library and Newtown Public Schools.

Guiding principles and ground rules for CHB Community Conversations include:

*Everyone participates, no one dominates.

*There are no right answers. There are no wrong answers.

*Keep an open mind. Listen carefully and try hard to understand the views of those who disagree with you.

*Help keep the discussion on track. Stick to the questions, try not to ramble.

*It is OK to disagree, but don’t be disagreeable.

*Have fun. This is not a chore, this is an opportunity.

Part of the mission of C.H. Booth Library is to raise the level of civil discourse in our community.

Registration is requested for Community Conversations.

While the April 25 program is currently planned to take place in the library’s lower meeting room, organizers have indicated it may move to a larger venue should capacity exceed what the meeting room allows. Updated location information will be provided to those who register.

To register or for additional information visit chboothlibrary.org, call 203-426-4533, or send e-mail to DLord@chboothlibrary.org.