2009 is the fourth year of programs for Community Conversations. Programs run from January to May, break for summer and run in September and October, held monthly during those times. Community Conversations offers to bring people together to share a vegetarian meal, listen to insights from a variety of faith traditions and ask questions that provoke peaceful dialogue. Utilizing a format that presents a theme at each program, discussion explores a variety of topics ranging from "The Golden Rule", our inaugural program, to "Strangers in My House:How Can Faith Be More Than A Welcome Mat?". In this program we tackled the complex issues relating to immigration, the spiritual ideal of hospitality, and how do people of faith go beyond lip service to this ideal? A complete list of themes appears at the end.

Since most of the conflict in the world invokes religion as a justification for violence. These Community Conversations are an opportunity to invoke a sense of community, responsibility, and healing for participants. Our gatherings range from 20 to 55 participants. Feedback indicates that participants enjoy the depth, variety and honesty of conversation. Invited faith leaders and participants alike say that this is the best program of this type they have attended. We are an inclusive program, welcoming feedback and suggestions.

The Planning Committee is always open to new members. We only meet once per month. We thrive due to the generosity of volunteers, including the panelists. We do not charge for the programs, but do appreciate donations. Want to join the Community Conversations e-list, obtain more information about the program or make suggestions? Contact Sat Bir Kaur Khalsa at khalsa@u.arizona.edu or call 690-5715.

Currently a project of TMFA (Tucson Multi-Faith Alliance and COPA (Culture of Peace Alliance), our 2008-9 sponsors include Catalina UMC, Friends Society (Quakers), Gandhi Restaurant, Human Relations Commission Tucson, IRCSA (Inter-Religious Council of So. AZ), JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council), Dana Lim (Allstate), Roman Catholic Diocese, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Sikh Dharma Tucson, Sisters of the Heart, Lusia Slomkowska, Temple Emanu-El Rabbi's Discretionary Fund, and numerous anonymous donors.

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Community Conversations Programs from May 2006

"The Golden Rule" May 2006

Dealing with Prejudice - A Multi Faith Challenge June 2006

A Community Conversation Death and Dying and Beyond: Multi-Faith Perspectives June 2006

"Strangers in My House: How Can Faith Be More Than A Welcome Mat?" Dialogue with a Multi-Faith Panel August 2006

"Sowing Justice, Harvesting Peace" Dialogue with a Multi-Faith Panel September 2006

Gender Orientation: Scriptures, Traditions, and Today October 2006

Food: Practicing Faith at the Table: An Evening Sharing Food and Prayers from Different Faiths November 2006

"We Still Have a Dream: Dr. King, Non-violence, and the 21st Century" January 2007

Asceticism and Sensuality: Responding to Passion: A Multi-Faith Discussion February 2007

The Mystical Experience: Shout Out, Be in Silence, Spirit Overflows: A Multi-Faith Discussion March 2007

The Spring of Life: Body and Soul Renewal: A Multi-Faith Discussion April 2007

Treading with Grace: A Multi-Faith Conversation about Mother Earth and Stewardship May 2007

Desert Days & Desert Nights: Blessings and Extremes June 2007

Freedom: A Multi-Faith Conversation July 2007

Generations: A Multi-Faith Conversation Across the Generation Gap September 2007

In honor of National Recovery Month: Coming Home: Recovering Faith: A Multi-Faith Conversation October 2007

Dr. King: Theology for Peace: A Multi-Faith Conversation January 2008

Longing to Belong: The Search for a Place in Your Faith: A Multi-Faith Conversation February 2008

It is in giving that we receive: A Multi-Faith Conversation March 2008

Sustaining Faith: Stewardship at Peace with the Earth A Multi-Faith Conversation April 2008

A 3 Year Celebration: Reflections, Challenges, and Vision May 2008

World Music Concert: Dya Singh and Company September 2008

Youth and Peace: Raising a Generation of Nonviolent Warriors October 2008

Food: Practicing Faith at the Table:

An Evening Sharing Food and Prayers from Different Faiths November 2008

How Can Peace Change the World? A Tribute to Dr. Marting Luther King, Jr. January 2009

Sustaining Faith: Stewardship at Peace with the Earth\b0 \b A Multi-Faith Conversation April 2009

3 Year Celebration: Reflections, Challenges and Vision May 2009

Dya Singh World Music Group: A Benefit Concert sponsored by Sikh Dharma Tucson September 2008

Youth and Peace: Raising a Generation of Nonviolent Warriors October 2009