Improving Race Relations in a Public Service Agency: A Model Workshop Series

Abstract

This article describes a workshop series designed to identify racial problems and improve race relations in a major public service agency located in a border state metropolitan area. A three hour workshop model was developed to identify the historical/cultural myths underlying racial stereotypes, to facilitate small group interaction designed to address work-related racial problems and to produce specific recommendations for constructive change. Ten workshops were held, over a five month period, with favorable results.