Irma Lemus
NORTHEAST GLENDALE -- Diffusing stereotypes and bigotry will be
homework for some community members this weekend.
The Human Relations Awareness 2001 retreat, sponsored by the nonprofit
National Conference for Community and Justice, will begin Friday and
conclude on Sunday. The conference will be held at Camp Max Straus, 1041
Shirleyjean St.
About 100 participants will spend the weekend in workshops aimed at
reducing cultural differences. According to organizers, one popular
exercise is to group people according to race, gender or sexual
orientation in order to discuss their beliefs about other groups.
"It's about learning how to open up, and getting it out on the table,
in a safe environment," said Jerry Freedman Habush, a spokesman for the
organization.
The National Conference for Community and Justice, established in
1927, is dedicated to fighting bigotry and racism. The organization was
founded by Christian and Jewish leaders in response to a rise in
intolerance and racism in America during the 1920s. The Los Angeles
chapter opened in 1948.
Cost to attend the conference is $200, but financial assistance is
available. For more information, call (213) 250-8787.
