The following Featured Post comes from Relationship Group 9, Thread 19.

1. Brainstorming
Tue, Sep 28, 1999 - 11:29 AM/EST
bbc

This message was started in another thread, but I
wanted to start a brainstorming thread for people
to give ideas about positive ways to deal with
racism and/or do community building.

All this discussion has given me a here and now
vision. Ben got me thinking about what I can do
in my own community. One thing that bothers me is
just how non-diverse our community is. We do have
some Native American kids in our school and a
number of white families have adopted children of
color, but it's pretty white.

What do you think of this idea? Make some
alliances with some churches or organizations in
the city - we're rural. Start up a summer camp
program that has storytelling, art, music, food,
discussion groups all having to do with different
cultural heritages. Get grants to start it up and
invite our local kids and the city kids to come
together for a week of sharing about
diversity.(Grandiose I know, but brainstorming has
to start somewhere).

2. It's got me thinking, too...
Tue, Sep 28, 1999 - 2:34 PM/EST
bleyequeen

I've been reading all the posts, too. I think your idea sounds like a good one bbc. What I have been thinking about is checking out the community calendars to see when I might take my children to some Jewish events. I think it would be an enriching experience. They have been exposed to other cultures and religions, but never to Judaism. I'm kind of excited about it!

3. Brainstorming: A great idea.
Tue, Sep 28, 1999 - 3:24 PM/EST
johnizen

One of the things that I would suggest is to
learn about as many cultures as possible yourself
so no one can accuse you of being naive.
Maybe find some books listed in the cultural
studies department of major universities.The
reason why I am saying this is because,y ou will
always find the do nothings always trying to
crush your spirit of goodwill with negativity.

Me, I am doing my part with the children in my
family by advancing their awareness of other rich cultures. BUT,before doing that I had to study
and learn for myself, so that when certain questions are asked I am armed with the correct
information. It may at times seem overwhelming,
but step by step it can be done.Think about it,
it has already started.

4. Re: getting cultural information
Tue, Sep 28, 1999 - 8:34 PM/EST
bbc

Actually.... I've taken a multicultural counseling
course where each of our classmates focused on one
ethnic group and presented to class, so I have
some good resources, BUT there is still much to
learn and I feel it would be critical to have a
group of people working collaboratively on the
project so it wouldn't be me by myself.

5. To bbc
Wed, Sep 29, 1999 - /EST
johnizen

Boy,are you well rounded.I believe that your idea
for "Cultural Networking" will work.(bbc,I just
hope that you have others of like mind in your area so you won't be out there by yourself.)
It can be characterized as a seasonal "American
Multi-Cultural Family Reunion." Beginning with
the churches is a good idea that you have.
The family of God is always a good place to start.

6. Johnizen
Wed, Sep 29, 1999 - /EST
bbc

Hey, I like that name for the event..

7. to bbc
Thu, Sep 30, 1999 - 1:26 AM/EST
ben

Hi again. You sound earnest. I agree with Johnizen that churches are excellent initiation points for the commencement of any multicultural venture as they usually involve a cross-section of the local population on a daily basis in church events. Anything like an interfaith council in your community? Now, my next suggestion may sound a bit hokey, but environmental protection groups are another great place to look for an overlap of interest, esp. in a rural setting.

That's how I began my one on ones with the Native American community here. Almost anything you can do in the outside that's inter-cultural in nature works, because you begin on neutral ground, so to speak, as the "environment" essentially involves everyone. Um, your ideas seem sound to me.

8. Good ideas
Thu, Sep 30, 1999 - 11:57 AM/EST
bbc

Thanks for brainstorming along with me. It helps
me look at some ways to start that aren't so grand
scheme.