“Bridging the Gap”: Difference, Dialogue, and Community Organizing

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand a citywide initiative to increase diversity and inclusion in a predominantly white US city with a tragic racial history. This research reveals prevailing struggles with communicating about diversity and race and taking meaningful actions to promote social change. Using theories of difference and dialogue, we analyze in-depth, qualitative fieldwork with three voluntary organizations: The Chamber of Commerce; The Network; and Minorities in Business. Our work answers calls to center race and embodied differences and extends theorizing on dialogic sensibilities. The findings reveal that difference organizes dialogue through: (1) the ongoing construction of context; (2) the mobilizing of social change efforts; and (3) the intermingling of economic and racial justice discourses. Ultimately, we hope this work encourages further conversation about difference, race, and engaged scholarship.

Keywords:

• Difference
• Race
• Dialogue
• Diversity
• Social Change
• Organizing

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Minorities in Business, and the Network for participating in this research and for their ongoing efforts to make Springfield a diverse and inclusive community.