The Institute for Healing Racism starts Tues, Sept. 21, and continues through Nov. 9, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This 8-week session focuses on “understanding and healing the wounds of racism” and uses dialogues and activities in a multi-cultural setting. The Institute is sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance and Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, with facilitators Roberto Jara of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) and Alan Headbloom of Headbloom Cross-Cultural Communications. The cost is $100; scholarship funds are available. You can register online. Sessions are held at the Chamber of Commerce, 272 East 8th Street.
Holland First seeks “to understand our community through the eyes of diversity.” This free program begins Tues, Sept 28, through Nov. 19, from 6:30 to 8:50 p.m. Participants explore personal leadership and cultural awareness in business and economic development, community resources, law enforcement, government, education, art and culture. The facilitator is Dante Villarreal. Holland First is a program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Chemical Bank and Blue Cross/Blue Shield/Blue Care. For information or to register, call (616) 392-2398.