BEGINNINGS

The development of Other Voices began in 1990 with a group of Leadership Greensboro members, along with members of the Human Relations Commission, called together by the mayor of Greensboro to tackle some difficult issues facing our community. After three years of challenging work, the group launched the Other Voices program in 1993. The program sought to significantly improve human relations, especially race relations, in Greensboro. To date, over 660 individuals have participated in Other Voices as a result of their commitment to the Other Voices vision and to its potential for our community.

VISION

The vision of Other Voices is a Greensboro and Guilford County that encourages full and productive participation by our diverse citizenry in building a leading community open to all.

MISSION

Other Voices is a diversity leadership development and community-building experience in which participants – in frank and open dialogue – examine racism, sexism, ethnocentrism, antisemitism, homophobia, socio-economics and other forms of oppression. Due to its pervasive and historical impact in our community, racism is a primary focus. Participants develop skills and strategies to understand and help eradicate prejudice and discrimination on a personal, organizational and community level.

GOAL

Other Voices is designed to build participant insight and understanding of the roots of prejudice; help participants determine how “oppressive-isms” affect their quality of life; share cross-cultural environments; evaluate personal biases that play out in behaviors; define and clearly state the issues; develop a vision for dealing with problems; and develop strategies for alleviating these problems individually, in small groups at the workplace, and in the community.

PROGRAM

An orientation, a two-day Fall retreat, regular monthly day sessions, a two-day Winter retreat, a two-day Spring retreat, and a celebration event make up the schedule for Other Voices. Each session is planned by a program committee working with a professional facilitator. Program goals are accomplished through a series of readings, interactive seminars, experiential assignments, creative dialogue among class members, and community resources. Class teams may also develop one or more group projects which are aimed at addressing issues which improve human relations in Greensboro and Guilford County.

PARTICIPANTS/SELECTION

A diverse group of traditional and non-traditional leaders with the capacity to influence others and with an interest in enhancing their personal involvement in our community will be selected to participate in the program. Class size will be approximately 25 participants. An important tool of the learning process in the Other Voices program is the diversity of the class.

YOUR TIME COMMITMENT

Other Voices requires a serious commitment of time. The success of the program depends on the commitment of each participant to being present on each program day and to being on time. Accordingly, recognition of the completion of the program will include a certificate. New graduates (alumni) will be invited to attend graduate (alumni) activities. Pre-session assignments and a possible community project will require additional time above and beyond the scheduled programs days. Those who are unable to make the entire commitment should not apply.

ATTENDANCE 

A participant may miss up to two days and still graduate. However, attendance at the Fall Retreat, the Winter Retreat and the Spring Retreat is mandatory. Deadline for applications is July 15, 2023.

APPLIATION PROCESS

Candidates may be nominated by their employers, by an organization in which they serve as volunteer leaders or they may nominate themselves.

THE INVESTMENT

The tuition for Other Voices is $1500 for Chamber members and non-profit staff members, and $1700 for all other individuals. It may be paid by the individual, an employer, agency, organizations or other source. You will be invoiced upon acceptance. 

Payment is due prior to the beginning of the program year, which is the Orientation Program Day.