UR forum explores trust deficit

A four-day forum at the University of Richmond is under way with an ambitious agenda: teaching social change.

The Trust Factor Forum, sponsored by Initiatives of Change, has brought together leaders from across the city, the country and the world to talk about conflict resolution, constructive dialogue and community-building. The idea is to explore "trust issues" that divide the U.S. on local and national levels.

Sessions focus on how to reach across divides of race, class, religion and politics.

"We want to explore the personal qualities that build trust and how to restore trust when it has been broken," says Rob Corcoran, national director of Initiatives of Change, a multifaith international network based in Richmond.

"This is an opportunity to build connections between individuals and organizations working to strengthen communities, resolve conflicts and build a sustainable movement for change," he said, adding that the forum would "highlight Richmond's potential as a national resource center for community trust-building."

Hope in the Cities, an Initiatives of Change program focused on racial healing in Richmond, is partnering with local nonprofit organizations to offer site visits on themes of "Healing History," "Inclusive Communities" and "Healthy Integrated Schools."

Dr. Gail Christopher, vice president for programs at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, gave the keynote address last night on racial equality.

This morning's session, "Building Bridges, Living with Integrity," will feature Harold Saunders, who as President Jimmy Carter's assistant secretary of state helped broker the Arab-Israeli peace accords. Afternoon workshops will focus on a variety of issues.

One Voice, Richmond's interracial chorus, will present a "Conversation in Concert" at 7:30 p.m. tonight with British author Michael Henderson, who will share stories from his new book, "No Enemy to Conquer: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World."

The forum opened Thursday and concludes at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow. All events will be held at Haynes Commons at the University of Richmond.

To attend individual sessions or tonight's event, call (804) 358-1764. Each session is $20.

Contact Wesley P. Hester at (804) 649-6976 or .