A community meeting which purposes to address inter-racial conflicts, provide a safe place for repentance and healing, celebrate ethnic identity, and build bridges between divided neighbors.

 

OVERVIEW

Churches within an ethnically diverse community have the privilege of being blessed by the wealth of culture from the people around them. However, they also face the dilemma of how to address the often times obvious tension between the different racial groups.  It is important for a church in this position to be a place of raising community awareness concerning racism and concerns within the different ethnic communities.

 

LEADER PREPARATION

 

Phase I: Research the community regarding to the concerns within the different ethnic communities:

 

1.       Have one to ones with individuals (i.e. clergy, police, associations, etc) from different ethnic groups within the community.

2.       Ask them to tell their stories (i.e. how did they come to the U.S., what are some of their struggles, how has the community at large been beneficial or hostile, etc)

3.       Let them express some of their concerns for their specific community (both their ethnic and geographical community).

(Expect Phase I to be a long process of building trust and friendship with individuals.)

Phase II: Organize a meeting with the different ethnic people.

4.       Invite those from Phase I to join you with other people from the community for a discussion and race and ethnicity.

5.       Keep the meeting somewhat small, about 8-10 people, in order to foster a comfortable place to express oneself.

6.       Make sure that each ethnic group is represented by at least 2 people and that there is a good mix of females and males.

 

GROUP BUILDING

 

1.       Icebreaker: Have everyone briefly introduce themselves to the rest of the group and answer the question: “What do you like most about your (ethnic) community?”

2.       Give an introduction to the purpose of the meeting and why the church feels it is important to host this discussion.

 

 

GROUP PRESENTATION

 

Have each ethnic group take turns sharing their story including a little about the history and culture of their people. (You may need to give heads up so they are prepared for the meeting.)

 

 

GROUP DISCUSSION

 

Discuss the following questions:

1.       What are some of the stereotypes of each culture represented here? Where do they come from?

2.       How have you been misunderstood by majority culture? Other cultures? Your own culture?

3.       What some struggles you and your family face in your community?

 

 

WRAP-UP

 

1.       Summarize some of the similarities and differences between the different groups represented.

2.       Recognize that this meeting is just scratching the surface concerning racial and ethnic identity and issues within the community.

3.       Emphasize that in order for us to gain cross-cultural understanding, we have to understand and appreciate our own culture as we learn about and appreciate others.

 

 

FOLLOWUP

 

1.       Set a date for a potluck dinner where participants bring a dish representing their ethnic group. This dinner gives each person a chance to share more about his or her culture. Encourage people to bring their families, pictures, and stories to this party.

2.       Start having these potlucks on a regular basis (every other month perhaps) to continue to foster sharing and discussion in a safe, fun, and celebratory environment.

 

 

IMPLICATIONS

 

Racial and ethnic division and conflicts are bound to continue if the church does not step in and provide a place for discussion concerning the issues. However, discussion is not merely talk. It needs to address the conflicts, but also provide a safe place for repentance, healing, and celebration of ethnic identity. Only then can we begin to build bridges between divided neighbors.

 

Anita Colombara, Copyright 2002 CYS