FAIRMONT — A casual conversation to help make Fairmont a more inclusive place will take place from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday at Graffiti Corner.

Lillian Peterson, organizer of the gathering, said the idea stems from an event — “It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race” — that took place in Fairmont on Oct. 11, 2017. The event was sponsored by Region Nine Development Commission, YWCA-Mankato, Greater Mankato Diversity Council and Fairmont Community Education and Recreation. Community members gathered to talk about how Fairmont could become more welcoming.

“That was the start of all of this,” Peterson explained.

A second, similar meeting took place the following April.

“It was at that meeting that they assigned us to come up with a program that we could implement here in Fairmont to continue to build relationships with our community members. Much to my surprise, my idea was selected,” Peterson said, laughing.

She said her concept originally was called “building bridges” but now it is “casual conversations,” and the idea behind it is just that.

“The idea is simple: let’s get together with people in Fairmont and the surrounding community and just get to know one another and have casual conversations with no pressure or agenda,” Peterson said. “We’re not trying to decide anything, just getting to know our neighbors and make sure everyone is comfortable living in this community.”

Peterson said the discussion is not about getting people to assimilate, but to embrace everyone’s differences and how that makes the community unique.

“It may not be diverse by different races, but we have different ages, different careers and different personalities,” Peterson said.

She and her husband, Larry, who are African American, moved to Fairmont in 2014. She said they were initially welcomed, then noticed some hesitancy.

“As I started to get more involved in the community, I didn’t get the warm welcome I expected. But as people started to get to know me … I can’t go anywhere now without someone saying, ‘Hey, Lillian!’ The more I got to know people, and more importantly, the more people got to know me, the more I was embraced into the community,” Peterson said.

Tuesday’s event is not the first of its kind. Several casual conversations have taken place at Graffiti Corner in Fairmont. However, this will be the first one in several months.

“We’ve had three or four. Graffiti Corner is a great place to meet because it’s a relaxing environment, perfect for a casual conversation,” Peterson said.

She said they have had some regulars attend. These include Katy Gonzales of Kinship, Roni Dauer of Fairmont CER and Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center director Deb Barnes.

Peterson recognized there are some great programs in Fairmont, such as the Chamber’s “Newcomers and Neighbors,” which happens every few months. She said this is different because it is even more casual.

While there is no agenda during the gatherings, people can still make connections and help others by sharing.

“It’s not only a good way to get to know one another, but to also share resources you might have in the community,” Peterson pointed out.

She said that at one casual conversation, a woman who was new to the community got a lead on a job by talking with others.

Everyone is invited to attend the event. For more information, contact Fairmont CER at (507) 235-3141.