1. Multiculturalism and Diversity in the OFS
Good morning, my name is Willie Guadalupe , I am currently one of the National Councilors and recently appointed as the Multicultural Councilor by the NEC. This presentation this morning it to introduce myself but also to help you identified your needs and expectation with multiculturalism in your Regions. Even if you currently feel that you don’t have a need or bilingual members.

2. Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is the presence of, or support for the presence of, several distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a society.
Although many people tend to use the words, diversity and multiculturalism interchangeably, there is a difference between these words. First, let us define diversity and multiculturalism. Diversity refers to the differences that exist among individuals such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and ethnicity. On the other hand, Multiculturalism is when multiple cultural traditions are not only accepted in the society but also promoted. The key difference is that while diversity acknowledges differences among individuals, multiculturalism tends to go a step further as it accepts the differences.

3. Seven Important Actions Involved in the Definition of Multiculturalism
Recognize
 Respect
 Acknowledge
 Value
 Encourage
Empower
Celebrate 
When dealing with Multicultural ethnic group there are 7 important action or components that we need to keep in mind:
Recognize the abundant diversity of cultures.
Respect the differences.
Acknowledge the validity of different cultural expressions and contributions;
Value what other cultures offer.
Encourage the contribution of diverse groups.
Empower people to strengthen themselves and others to achieve their maximum potential by being critical of their own biases.
Last but not least: Celebrate rather than just tolerating the differences in order to bring about unity through diversity. Be proactive in listening, accepting, and welcoming people and ideas that are different from your own.

4. THE CHURCH & OFS RULE
Vatican II Document of such as Gaudium et Spes (GS 29).
The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Admonitions.
The church and our Franciscan Rule calls upon its members to foster unity, through the documents of Vatican II such as Gaudium et spes (GS) 29. Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the modern world and encouraging its daughters and sons, to respect people of diverse cultures, races and languages, as well as to recognize the various churches, faiths and religions of different nations. In GS (29) in particular, the church points out why there should be respect for each person. It acknowledges that all have been created in the image of God and that therefore all people have to be treated equally so that their dignity is maintained.
- The experience of diversity is more characteristic of our times and brings with it serious challenges and great opportunities.
- Diversity is a fact, a growing reality, in the US and in virtually all areas of the world.
- Jesus Christ commanded his followers "to teach all nations." The Catholic Church, precisely because it is "catholic"—that is, "universal"— has always taken this command seriously.
- As Secular Franciscan with a gentle and courageous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ. Rule #13 not only this Rule but through out our Rule and Admonitions St Frances encourages us to live by and in support of the mission of the Church.

5. Justice Issue
Justice is based on good relationships that seek the good of the other person.
As Franciscans we are known for our dedication to justice. We strive to bring people together in a society that is fair (or just).
- Each person needs to feel welcomed in the effort to create a diverse OFS community.
- Each person needs to know that their culture is important to others.
The link between justice and relationship moves us to develop personal perspectives and actions that build on relationships. We cannot tolerate actions that deny basic human dignity for anyone involved.
Problems become opportunities when the right people join together
OFS Rule #15
Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith.

6. I chose this figure from the Pew Research Center to give you a visual (how the saying goes “a picture is worth a thousand words”) this figure depicts where we are currently and what is projected from as you can see from this figure the trends has already started.
Note: Whites, black and Asians include only single-race non-Hispanics. Asians include Pacific Islander, Hispanics are of any race. Other races shown but not labeled.

7. CHALLENGES/OPPORTUNITES
Language
Bilingual OFS
Formation Materials and Resources
We need to address the language challenges inherent in forming other cultures. "Some may speak English, may read English, may write English, but many may not. We need to be considerate of that, and know that many times they will need to receive opportunities in their preparation and instruction in formation in their native language—in their vernacular language. Even for those who may be bilingual, their native language may be their preferred language for worship, their prayer language, because it's their love language and, therefore, they would prefer it, if at all possible.
That does not mean we should discourage people from learning English, but we need to be fraternities and a welcoming home for all our brother and sisters coming into our order
When I say Challenges become opportunities this is an example: The Fun Manual, The Journey, now available in English, Spanish, and Korean. Currently working on the Essential Documents , the Little Red Rule book has been translated to Spanish, currently making some minor corrections. Regions can translate their Regional Guidelines and any other local formation material use should also be translated to other languages. There still more to be done.

8. GOALS
We need to make the OFS a welcoming home for all ethnic groups in our region that are being called to our vocation. (Multicultural and Bilingual Fraternities)
We need to address the language challenges inherent in ministering to other cultures.
We need to continue our efforts of translation of Formation Materials & resources.
We need to encourage the development of ongoing dialogue.
We need to be able to accept, welcome, embrace, be enriched by, and fully include our brothers and sisters from other cultures into our regional communities.
Our goal is not only to continue to identify formation material that would need to be translated to other languages so there are no ambiguities and all are being formed with the same material used in the US. But also to address other challenges encountered when forming other ethnic groups.
We need to encourage the development of ongoing dialogue among our leaders and throughout the OFS communities in order to deepen our experience of community and help us to be "joyful and ready to place ourselves on an equal basis with" one another as our Rule 13 guides us to do.

9. RECOMMENDATIONS Assess the pulse of ethnic groups in your communities
Develop effective strategies to attract, evangelize and form potential candidates to the OFS.
Appoint a Multicultural Chair in your Region.
Discuss lessons learned, challenges and opportunities.
Report progress and lessons learned with your Council.
Develop an organic multicultural formation plan to bridge language, culture and generational gaps for the local fraternities.
Conduct bilingual “Come and See”.
Multicultural Chair/team should be part of the Formation Team.

10. TAKE HOME MESSAGE
We can’t see other ethnic groups as ‘they and we’ but as ‘we and we.’ It’s us, all together.” People of different cultures bring with them many qualities that can be a blessing to us all, especially the gift of an incarnated and lively faith.

11. You that went out to encounter the disciples on the way to Emmaus,
God of Mercy,
You that went out to encounter
the disciples on the way to Emmaus,
grant us a missionary spirit
and send us forth to encounter
our brothers and sisters,
to walk along beside them,
listen to their hopes and dreams,
rekindle their faith
with the fire of your Word,
prepare them to recognize you in the Eucharist
and send them as missionary disciples
to share the joy of the Gospel
to present and future generations
of every race, language and culture.
We ask you this
from our burning hearts
filled with the Holy Spirit,
in the Name of your beloved Son
and through the intercession of our Mother,
Amen 11

12. Willie Guadalupe, OFS awilda.guadalupe@gmail.com 678-438-7648
Any questions?
plan of holding a gathering of one Multicultural Chair member from among each Geo-Group area to set some plans and strategies for future development of the Multicultural Commission. Or is it too soon to mention that idea? this may help to explain that part of the budget. My hope to hold this next Spring in Georgia if possible. Maybe a strategy will be efforts to invite members to be a Multicultural Chair in each Region.