2005 Community Dialogues

The Community Dialogues process began with a city-wide Kick-Off meeting on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at The New Bedford High School. Area residents were encouraged to register either as a participant, or as a facilitator. Anyone, who registered was asked to commit to the Kick-Off meeting, three weekly dialogue session and the wrap-Up sessions, which was held on Tuesday, March 29, 2005.

The dialogue groups were comprised of individuals from variety of backgrounds, and perspectives including education, social services, elected officials, public safety leaders, neighborhood groups, Community groups, businesspeople and health service providers. The groups consisted of 10-12 members each. The groups were lead by facilitators, trained by the Department of Justice (DOJ) prior to the dialogue sessions.

The process attracted over 100 participants, participants included Spanish-only, Portuguese-only and Cape Verdean Creole-only speaking groups, dialogue groups were also held at The House Of Correction, Westside High, New Bedford High School and Youth Build.