Submitted by Student Affairs Communications
The Teaching and Learning Excellence Division’s Office of Experiential Learning, in collaboration with Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), invites you to The Red Bench Dialogue Event, an on-campus conversation event on the topic of Courage. The event will take place at the Austin Community College (ACC) Rio Grande Campus on Tuesday, March 25, from 6 – 8 p.m.
Employees, students, and the community are invited to attend this free in-person event. Dinner will be provided. Registration is required.
The Red Bench: Courage!
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: ACC Rio Grande Campus, Center for Government and Civic Service, Building 3000, Room 3340
RSVP Here
ACC’s Teaching and Learning Excellence Division (TLED), Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center, and Office of Belonging and Purpose work to transform the College and community for greater inclusion, belonging, and success for all persons. For this special evening, they will join with Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) to host community table conversations on the topic of courage.
What to Expect
After a light meal at small tables, iACT experts and ACC Social Psychology students will guide participants in meaningful discussions that encourage active listening and open expression. The theme of courage will be explored through personal narratives and shared experiences, emphasizing the bravery it takes to engage in dialogue across different perspectives. Whether confronting fears, standing up for one’s beliefs, or stepping into discomfort for growth, courage is at the heart of meaningful conversation. This event provides a brave and engaging environment where participants can share their voices and listen with empathy. The Red Bench is a zero-waste event, which means that more than 90% of the waste is kept out of the landfill.
About The Speaker: Dr. Khayree O. Williams
Dr. Khayree O. Williams serves as the Director of ACC’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center—the first community college-based TRHT center in the nation. With over 14 years of professional experience across multiple higher education institutions, he is dedicated to fostering belonging and advocacy for historically marginalized students. Dr. Williams holds a Doctorate in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University and has worked with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Job Corps to support youth in the nonprofit sector.
About the Red Bench
The Red Bench is an ongoing dialogue initiative aimed at fostering interfaith understanding and strengthening civil discourse. Each gathering brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds for structured small-group discussions in a welcoming and respectful space. The conversations encourage participants to share personal experiences, listen actively, and engage with differing perspectives in a meaningful way. The format ensures that every voice is heard, with one or two table hosts—including ACC Social Psychology students—guiding the discussions to create an atmosphere of connection and learning.
Why Should You Participate?
In past years, 100% of respondents felt highly or extremely welcomed at the event and would recommend it to a friend or colleague. Here’s what students said:
“I absolutely loved how kind everyone was, even when a conversation took a difficult turn. People still tried their best to give other people their attention and empathy; something I wish we had a lot more of in everyday conversations and interactions.”
“The structure, collaborative nature, and encouragement to engage at your own comfort level. Also the food and string quartet!”
“I loved being able to connect with strangers in a way that I would never have done outside of the event.”
For the full details, visit the Teaching & Learning Excellence Division’s (TLED’s) Red Bench Dialogue Event website or contact Dr. Linda Cox, Service-Learning Program Coordinator, at [email protected].