Ames residents are getting to know one another, one meeting at a time.

Members of Dialogues, a project overseen by the Ames Human Relations Commission, have created a forum for the city’s residents to share their backgrounds and experiences.

For the past 18 months, the members of the group have promoted Dialogues as “a way for everyone to take an active part in the development of the community.”

“It’s really fun,” said Jan Beran, program liaison.

“People who have never talked to each other before get to rub shoulders and have a good time together.”

Making others more conscious of the diversities surrounding them has an impact that is “definitely positive,” Beran said.

Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco, a past participant, said he was left with a positive impression of the Dialogues sessions.

“It’s an opportunity for smaller, intimate groups to engage in enlightening conversation about race, ethnicity and religious relations,” Tedesco said.

The city of Ames supports this program at all levels, he said.

“We want the program to continue,” Tedesco said. “To continue communication among residents and to dissolve or eliminate barriers within the community.”

City government officials conducted a trial of the program two years ago, he said.

Volunteers in the breakout sessions began offering ideas to the Human Relations Commission to help make Ames more friendly and welcoming last year.

For example, an action group concerned about city government suggested that the Guide to City Services be updated to include a summary of the information in Spanish.

The group forwarded suggestions concerning local businesses to the City Chamber of Commerce for consideration.

“It gives participation validity when everyone involved can bring up an idea to make our community more welcoming,” Beran said.

“Then we act on those, too – we don’t just talk about it and forget it.”

Beran said she feels the community is gradually becoming more aware of the need for inclusiveness and communication among residents.

The eight to 10-member groups hold two-hour meetings at various times throughout the week, when they plan to discuss community relations. The first meeting of this session will be 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18 at Heartland Senior Services, 205 S. Walnut.

The current members of Dialogues invite any interested people to inquire about registration for the free program to contact the city manager’s office by Feb. 11.