This article was written by Jan Wenig, who attended her first Red Bench in December, 2014. Jan works with homeless veterans in the Austin community as a clinical social worker and is a lifelong Social Activist.

Recently after another day of distressing news about the mounting number of African American fatalities in our communities at the hands of  police, I found myself searching for a way to find meaning- a way forward out of a deep anger and resounding grief.  Despite everything I know about the protracted struggle for social justice, I felt lost, and very frustrated.  I was disappointed in myself, in the movement for basic civil rights, and in our nation.  And then an email showed up in my mailbox announcing an interfaith dialogue called the Red Bench.  I took a chance and went to the Bahá’i Center in east Austin.

I sat down at a round table, where a young woman greeted me.  Soon the table filled up with a surprising assortment of individuals: a minister, a VISTA volunteer, an architect, a resident of the neighborhood.  We were invited to share in a delicious dinner, and then after a warm welcome from our hosts, we began our dialogue on the topic that had captured my interest: Justice.

I wish I could do justice to the process that is fostered at these dialogues, which allow for everyone present to voice their thoughts, while deftly encouraging each of us to practice deep listening.  Slowly, as a group, we collectively accumulated a more expansive view of Justice. Our discussion was broad and deep.  Freed from the limits of our own singular views, it became possible to see through the eyes of others: opening up to new possibilities, raising essential questions, and sometimes finding a new answer previously out of our grasp. It was impossible to not change as a result of these personal ‘offerings’.  The power of a supportive civil discourse spanning our differences was palpable.

It is not an exaggeration for this seasoned activist to say I was transformed.  Whether it was the content of the thoughtful sharing by others, or the clarifying process of the guided dialogue, I noticed that slowly my anger softened and transformed back to the conviction I knew I had in me: to wage the good fight and to love both neighbor and oppressor alike toward a Justice so long overdue.

I was re-energized, renewed, and I will be back.