The Onion Dialogues workshop, presented by Amy Owen and Tamara Copeland, provides participants the opportunity to explore and normalize conversation about race. Just as an onion has many layers, The Onion Dialogues engages participants in a multi-faceted discussion about race. Exploring topics such as language, systemic racism throughout US history, microaggressions, white fragility, and more, Amy Owen and Tamara will lead participants through an interactive dialogue in this two-day introductory workshop.

The Onion Dialogues will be delivered via Zoom.

The Onion Dialogues is a two-day workshop from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on January 28 and 29. Participants must attend both days.

Eligibility

This offering of The Onion Dialogues is open to any community member. However, seating is limited to 14 participants and tickets are sold on a first come-first serve basis.

An important part of The Onion Dialogues is the interaction between the participants. Therefore, it is recommended that attendees plan to participate by video as well as audio.

Testimonials from Past Participants of The Onion Dialogues

"Thank you so much for creating a safe space to meet and discuss the critically important topic of racial equity. I appreciate everyone's contributions and especially the [presenters] who put the workshop together. I'll be taking this information back to our board to set our intentions as a group to continue this work."

"This was an incredibly thoughtful and thought-provoking event. I hope you offer similar opportunities in the future. Thank you!"

"Both Tamara and Amy were engaged and engaging. You could feel the authenticity and genuineness in their comments which contributed to the sense of being in a safe space."

"What made this one 'one of the best' [workshops] was the safe space created by the facilitators -- and their thoughtful, gracious approach to the subject matter."

"Tamara and Amy did an excellent job of unpacking a difficult topic. Their authentic facilitation is the beginning of a transformative healing process."

"[My experience was] meaningful for taking positive steps to address racism both personally and professionally."

About the Presenters

Tamara Copeland recently retired from Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers after 12 years as president, thought leader, and visionary for the acclaimed initiative, Putting Racism on the Table. She has extensive background in policy development and nonprofit management. In 2018, her memoir was published, Daughters of the Dream: Eight Girls From Richmond who grew up in the Civil Rights Era. She posts a monthly blog by the same name exploring some aspect of her racial reality.

Amy Owen has background to teaching and nonprofit management. For more than 10 years, she managed and directed fundraising programs for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy based in Harpers Ferry, WV. She became executive director of the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation from 2001-2012. Amy has served as President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties since 2012.