Race is not the only edge along which we divide in the United States and around the world, but it remains perhaps the sharpest. The Kirwan Institute, and this conference, are dedicated to the proposition that we can transform the meanings and operations of race through informed dialogue, practices, and policies that create and expand opportunity for all. We invite you to contribute your ideas and your insights.

The Transforming Race conference features three thematic tracks:

Racial Dynamics and Systems Thinking. Thinking Systems dynamics are very much at work in relation to race and opportunity, and in order to ensure all have access to opportunity we need to focus on identifying successful leverage points for social reform. This track will explore the application of systems thinking to social and racial justice as a tool to create a more sustainable, equitable society.

Race Talk. With the election of our first African American President there is no better time to explore racialized attitudes and racialized institutional and systemic processes or to examine how best to engage policymakers, advocates and the public effectively on these issues.

Race, Recession and Recovery. Times of crisis can also be times of great opportunity. In the face of the current economic downturn, marginalized groups, including people of color, have been disproportionately negatively impacted. This track will focus on understanding what happened as well as the types of policy reforms needed to ensure a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens.