Programs for understanding
Difference, Promoting Tolerance, Finding Common Ground

Background
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, our country has experienced shock and fear like never before. The devastating and indiscriminate loss of life has brought out the best in Americans–amazing courage from the rescuers and the outpouring of unity and support from citizens, and the worst–the “backlash” harassment and violence against Muslims, Arab Americans, and others, like Asian Indians and Sikhs, who may “appear” to have Muslim or Arab characteristics.

The Capital Region has seen these same patterns locally. An inter-faith effort to express support and unity with the families of the victims was supported by hundreds of clergy representing Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Bahai, and other faiths and denominations. This inter-faith group also called upon the public to reject and repudiate any acts of bias, harassment and violence based on a person’s identity, religion, or national origin. Still, even here in the mid-state, Muslims, Arab Americans and Asian Indians have been targeted. Businesses have been vandalized, car windows smashed, and children intimidated.

The Institute for Cultural Partnerships worked behind the scenes to help create this inter-faith coalition, out of which emerged the recognition that our community remains very separated. We are isolated from one another in so many ways, but particularly by race, religion and ethnic background. This seems to be even more true today than before, as our region continues to see the in-migration of more people from more diverse backgrounds, languages, religions, and national origins. Following the September 11th attacks, it became clearer that we all need ways to learn more about each other, understand each other better, be better neighbors and co-workers, resist bigotry and intolerance, and ultimately be able to work together to build a stronger community.

The Capital Region Partnerships Council
The Institute for Cultural Partnerships is forming a Capital Region Partnerships Council to bring together individuals and communities across difference. With the involvement of leaders reflecting many racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, the Partnerships Council will create educational program opportunities for communities, schools and workplaces. ICP is currently inviting the participation of such leaders.

The Partnerships Council will proceed in multiple stages. The groundwork has already been laid; ICP knows that the interest is there. In Phase One, ICP will launch the Partnerships Council by bringing together leaders from various ethnic, racial and religious groups. The Partnerships Council will create opportunities to express personal viewpoints, gain insight into areas of differences, and create relationships across racial, religious and ethnic lines. ICP will ask Partnerships Council participants to commit some of their time, and their willingness to express their views and to listen to the viewpoints of others in a respectful manner. Participation in these dialogues will lay the groundwork for Phase Two–programs for the community.

Phase Two of the Partnerships Council will flow from the specific ideas and interests of participants. Early ideas include informal educational opportunities targeting varied ages and settings–workplaces, schools and communities. Such activities might include a Speakers Bureau, Study Circles, workplace discussion groups, cultural festivals or performances, and distribution of printed and electronic materials. Through the Partnerships Council, ICP will identify individuals who can present information and programs to others, and work with varied organizations to host such presentations. The Partnerships Council will be a valuable resource for schools, businesses, health care and human service organizations, faith-based organizations, and many other agencies and institutions in the Capital Region.

Building Program Support
ICP will work with funders to create a fund to support innovative mini-grant proposals for inter-group programs and bridge-building ideas and projects. With the availability of funding support, the Partnerships Council will create a mechanism to review and select the most promising of these projects.

At this time, ICP is also seeking Charter Members–business and civic leaders–who share these concerns and this vision for the Capital Region. Charter Members will share one key thing in common–their desire to see a Capital Region that values respect for differences and rejects intolerance and bigotry. ICP will ask that Charter Members endorse this mission, and make an investment in this community by helping to underwrite the work and activities of the Partnerships Council, either through their organizations or personally. Charter Members can also participate in the Partnerships Council if they choose. Non-participating members will be given regular updates on the progress of the Partnerships Council.

Evaluation & Assessment
ICP will build in to the Partnerships Council opportunities for evaluation and assessment of effectiveness in order to guarantee that the money and time invested by both Charter Members and community members is productive.

Differences can breed stereotypes, prejudice, and fear. Alternatively, having real human relationships across “differences” can help to create connections, break down stereotypes, and reduce fear of the unknown. These human connections that the Partnerships Council will foster will have a real impact on the quality of life in the Capital Region.

ICP invites you to join this effort.

To learn more about the Partnership Council Initiative, please contact Shalom Staub, ICP Executive Director.