Ending All Discrimination Based on Difference
The William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation engages in classrooms and communities across the state of Mississippi and beyond to enable them to communicate candidly and constructively about race.
By emphasizing the fundamental value of storytelling, the Winter Institute works to create a safe space for interracial, multicultural dialogue that is truth-centered and solution-oriented. We promote equity and inclusion, helping communities forge meaningful and collaborative relationships built on trust.
We envision a more inclusive and just society that actively eliminates division based on difference, one community and one classroom at time.
Community Building
At the Winter Institute, we believe the first step to racial reconciliation and equity is to start the conversation. Through one of our signature programs, The Welcome Table®, we help that process by creating an intentional space for diverse groups of people to build community and trust in order to dialogue openly and honestly about race. Through the power of storytelling, community members learn from each other, deepening their understanding of their unique and shared experiences. This process of relationship building and knowledge growth results in real and measurable change.
We have facilitated the Welcome Table process for communities in every region of the state and beyond, with major institutions of culture, school district leaders and educators, and state Legislatures.
Youth Engagement
The cornerstone of our Youth Engagement program is the Summer Youth Institute, a nine-day, experiential learning program designed to develop the critical thinking, relationship building, and leadership skills of rising high school sophomores and juniors. During their time at SYI, students forge lasting relationships with a cohort of energetic peers through open dialogue, exploring Mississippi’s history, and shared learning. Participants attend informative, interactive workshops and sessions led by scholars, changemakers, and community leaders that broaden their knowledge of human rights, equity, and justice. The young people develop their own projects. which they implement back home in their own communities.
Policy and Civic Engagement
Carrying forward Governor Winter’s legacy, the Winter Institute works to cultivate emerging leaders in Mississippi and beyond who have the determination to confront entrenched challenges and promote fairness, well-being, and dignity for all. Our Rethink Mississippi initiative develops online and offline spaces for young Mississippians to read, write, and talk about solutions to the state’s long-term issues. We also provide data and analysis to policymakers, journalists, educators, and others who seek to better understand Mississippi’s problems and promise.
Support the Institute
Programming for the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation is made possible by charitable donations. The Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose aims are centered on creating a fairer, more impartial global society, one community at a time.
This link will take you to the donation page for the Foundation for the Mid South, the fiscal sponsor for the Winter Institute. To ensure that we receive your gift, please click “Write a note” and type “For the Winter Institute.”
If you’d like to send a check, please make it out to “The Foundation for the Mid South.” In the memo line, write “The Winter Institute.”
Thank you for your support!
Address your check to:
Winter Institute at the Foundation for the Mid South
P.O. Box 99
Jackson, MS 39205
Contact Us
William Winter Institute staff are available for engagements such as keynote speeches and lectures, as well as training and facilitation regarding matters of difference.
Please contact us by sending an email to info AT winterinstitute.org to tell us your needs and how we can best meet them, and to join us in ending difference-based division and discrimination!