Creating Opportunities for Members of Groups to Identify Their Similarities

Why is identifying similarities, differences, and assets important? Creates interaction, trust and friendliness Reduces the myths about groups. Creates learning of differences. Minimizes external influences and stereotypes.

How to identify similarities, differences, and assets in your community? Think of approach as a multi-prong strategy. Build on issues that affect everyone. Engage individuals from each sector. Invite all members at the beginning. Be sensitive schedules, traditions, etc. Pay attention to meeting location.

How do different groups find common ground and share assets? Think of approach as a multi-prong strategy. Build on issues that affect everyone. Engage individuals from each sector. Invite all members at the beginning. Be sensitive schedules, traditions, etc. Pay attention to meeting location.

How do you celebrate the community’s diversity? Create a calendar of cultural festivities. Hang up decorative items in public places Acknowledge traditions that may be overshadowed.

How to educate the community about diverse groups Small group discussions Public education campaigns Sign-ups to join community building.

Challenges to be aware of: Negative experiences in the past. Discussions may create tension. Feelings of a higher degree of oppression. Difficulty of linking process to action. Adequate time, resources, knowledge and skills.

How to overcome challanges Do your homework. Set ground rules. Establish rewards and outcomes. Develop a budget and action plan.