Common Questions

Find out answers to frequently asked questions.


Can I order the New Conversations About Race and Racism^TM discussion tool?
The New Conversations^TM discussion tool is available to groups and individuals in Minnesota.

How can I find out more about funding opportunities offered by The Saint Paul Foundation?
Creating an anti-racist community is one of the strategic grantmaking areas for The Saint Paul Foundation.  You can find out more about grant guidelines and application procedures at www.saintpaulfoundation.org/grants/.

Where can I get additional copies of the written materials accompanying the New Conversations discussion tool? 
Hosts can get additional copies of the written materials by downloading them from this Web site, (Click here to download materials).  Note:  The article White Priviledge:  Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh is only availble by emailing us.

Why is the tool called New Conversations About Race and Racism?
The tool is called New Conversations About Race and Racism to create new opportunities for individuals and groups to discuss the topic of racism in a safe and productive environment.  Conversations or attempted conversations about race that result in feelings of blame, guilt and anger are “old” conversations.  Old conversations, while well intended, may not lead to positive outcomes for all participants. The New Conversations approach was developed on the principle that people can discover different ways to talk about the issue of race when provided the tools and resources in a non-threatening environment.

What is The Saint Paul Foundation’s definition of racism?
The Saint Paul Foundation recognizes racism as fostering dominance and control of one group over another based on social definitions of race.  Racism can occur consciously or unconsciously, overtly or subtly.  Our research has found that individuals in our community define racism in many different ways.  Click here to view An Assessment of Racism in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties.


How can I get involved?
Contact us about volunteering.