Friday, August 10, 2007

Learning to Get Along Is Easy Once You Find Places to Grow

By Linda S. Wallace

Dear Cultural Coach: Where can I get information about cultural differences so I can better insights into the perspectives and issues facing other groups? Do you have a list of websites or resources that could you share with us?
-Information Please

Dear Information Please: Curiosity is the bridge that connects people to the global village. The more we know about each other, the less likely we are to end up in costly cultural collisions or minor accidents.

Many of us lack an awareness of culture or insight into the challenges faced by other nations and ethnic groups. Our differences go far behind race. In this nation alone, we have challenges stemming from our diversity of thought; diversity of religion; diversity of values, and diversity of political principles. Each one has the potential to divide us or strengthen our national fabric. Our reaction to these differences ultimately determines its effect upon us.

The Internet is filled with thoughtful, interesting, and informative sites, and I would like to share a few that are worth a visit:

http://www.BlackPressUSA.com: BlackPressUSA.com provides news, commentary, and cartoons giving readers’ insight into the African American perspective. BlackPressUSA.com is the joint web presence of America’s Black community newspapers and the NNPA News Service.

http://www.nccj.org The National Conference for Community and Justice, founded in 1927 as the National Conference on Christians and Jews, is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America. The conference promotes understanding and respect among all races, ethnic groups, religions and cultures, through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.

http://www.partnersagainsthate.org: An interesting Web site that provides education and counteraction strategies for young people and community-based professionals who interact with young people.

http://www.adl.org: The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. This is a good place to go if you are ready to get off the sidelines, and gt involved.

http://www.libertymuseum.org The National Liberty Museum is located at 321 Chestnut Street in the heart of historic Philadelphia. It was created to celebrate our nation's heritage of freedom and the wonderful diverse society it has produced. The museum offers classes for teachers, curriculum materials and ideas, and tours for school children.

http://www.euroamerican.org The Center for the Study of White American Culture (the Center) supports cultural exploration and self-discovery among white Americans. It encourages a dialogue among all racial and cultural groups concerning the role of white American culture in the larger American society. This is one of my favorite sites. Helps people of color gain insights into the white American experience with race and slavery. The conversations and topics may surprise you.

http://www.cair-net.org The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a non-profit, grassroots membership organization that provides information on Islam and addresses misrepresentations about Muslims.

http://www.nclr.org The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization established in 1968 to reduce poverty and discrimination, and improve life opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

http://www.glaad.org The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) promotes fair, accurate and inclusive representation of all people in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

http://www.ywca.org Across the globe, The YWCA has more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States. It seeks to eliminate racism and empower women. If you are looking for a workshop on eliminating racism or developing cultural skills, visit your local YWCA first to find out what resources are available in your community.

http://www.religioustolerance.org An interesting Web site which promotes religious tolerance and addresses religious differences. Founders stand apart because they report both negative and positive views of their Web site. In other words, they walk their own talk.

http://www.centerhealingracism.org The Center for the Healing of Racism recognizes and acknowledges the essential oneness of the human race. It offers workshops and seminars that provide a safe environment for discussing racism and finding the path to healing and growth. This group offers a place where people in Houston, TX can come together to develop 21st century skills. .

http://www.asian-nation.org Promotes itself as an on-line version of Asian Americans 101. It offers fascinating materials and articles and a wealth of resources. I find it a comfortable and friendly learning lab.

http://www.nd.edu/~iuplr IUPLR is a national consortium of university-based centers dedicated to the advancement of the Latino intellectual presence in the United States. IUPLR works to expand the pool of Latino scholars and leaders and increase the availability of policy-relevant Latino-focused research. A priceless resource for journalists, business people, and students.

http://www.jointcenter.org The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies provides research, analysis and information regarding key issues pertaining to the African American community. Students working on research papers will want to bookmark it.

http://codac.uoregon.edu The University of Oregon’s Center on Diversity and Community’s (CoDaC) Cultural Competency Project aims to enhance awareness, knowledge, and skills for cultural competency at the professional and organizational levels.

Readers are invited to submit questions on a work or personal problem related to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical differences. E-mail culturalcoach@aol.com or write The Cultural Coach, P.O Box 58364-8364, Philadelphia, PA 19102.