In some communities, people were hesitant to discuss race directly. It took time for people to feel comfortable enough with one another and to confront the issue of race in a straightforward manner. Parents often feel isolated, powerless and unwanted as decision-makers in schools . An information gap exists between those working in education and those outside of education. Making education understandable and accessible at the parental level was viewed as an important first step in forming true partnerships between communities and schools.
Relationships are critical .
Mutual understanding and respect among citizens, teachers, and students are necessary for improvements in educational opportunity. These conversations on education and race conducted in the initiative may have been the first for many of the selected communities. But in each community, group dialogue led to collective action and coalition-building. Diversity brings richness . The diversity of people in the groups was seen as the most meaningful aspect.