 Programming Update
Still space available to start class January 20th!
The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance will be offering a 12-week course in beginner's conversational Spanish this winter, Tuesdays from 3-5pm, starting January 20 and ending April 14. For more information, [click here]. For questions, please contact Sarah Salguera at (616) 836-9074 or program@ethnicdiversity.org Migrant Mentoring Program  The Migrant Mentoring Program matches children from local migrant camps with community volunteers in a social mentoring relationship. This program is designed to build cultural bridges between the local community and the migrant worker population by developing relationships, while meeting the social and educational needs of the children. The program goals are to increase the comfort level of migrant children and families in functioning within the local community, to increase access to community resources, to build cultural bridges between the local population and the migrant community, and to assist with the academic achievement of migrant children. Each volunteer mentor meets with a child to provide social opportunities and academic support once a week for the duration of the migrant workers’ stay (usually late Feb to late Nov). In addition to academic help, children receive support during difficult school transitions and exposure to new experiences that create awareness of community resources and assets for the whole family. Bridges are built and friendships bonded between cultures. For further information on becoming a mentor or to apply, please contact Program Director Sarah Salguera at program@ethnicdiversity.org or (616) 846-9074. Calling All Colors:
Middle School Fall Conference If the sideshow above does not load, please [click here]. On December 16th, almost two hundred students from 12 area middle schools participated in the winter Calling All Colors conference held at and co-sponsored by Hope College. The conference began with the sharing of student action plans designed to create a greater appreciation for diversity in their schools. Participants then engaged in "Mix It Up" activities which provided an opportunity to interact with students from other schools and racial/ethnic backgrounds. In the diversity dialogue, students broke into small groups and participated in an activity-based dialogue focused on race in the media. The students analyzed the popular show "Hannah Montana" and discussed the portrayal of the characters and racial implications of these characterizations. In the afternoon, the students participated in cultural activities taught by community members from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The students learned Brazilian samba dancing, Mexican folkloric dance, and henna art from India, among other activities. The day culminated at the Knickerbocker Theater where the students presented the activities they learned. The conference was an important step to help students understand racial issues and prepare plans to create change in their school communities. As one student shared, "Calling All Colors gives you a whole new perspective on how you look at racial diversity."  of Commerce is scheduled for Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm from February 05 to March 26. Co-facilitation will be provided by Gail Harrison, Executive Director of Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, and Fred Johnson III, Associate Professor of History, Hope College. Cost is $100; tuition scholarships are available. To register, contact Patricia Strachan, at the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce (616) 392-2389, ext. 110 [download application] | In this Issue: ... Programming Update *New Spanish Class*
... Gail's Corner ... Grant Received ... Volunteer Spotlight ... Community Events Calendar Gail's Corner  I was thrilled to find many donations in response to our year end letter which featured a showcase of answers to "How has the Diversity Alliance impacted you the most?" [view here] I am proud to be a member of a community that despite these difficult economic times, still continues to support the understanding and elimination of racism.   In the coming months, keep watch for our 2008 Annual Report, which will feature a ten year reflection as we embark on the Diversity Alliance's tenth year as a staffed organization. We will also be organizing a large celebration in late spring - I'll hope to see you there!  Executive Director
Grant Received from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Outstate Michigan
 The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance would like to recognize and thank the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Outstate Michigan for providing a generous grant for the Migrant Mentoring Program, which provides academic and social supports for children of migrant farm workers.  to thank Tony Castillo (right), owner of three McDonald’s restaurants in Holland, who advocated for this funding. Volunteer Spotlight  Community Events Calendar [click here] to view the Community Events Calendar and see what's upcoming in your area! To add an event to our calendar, email admin@ethnicdiversity.org |
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Major Support Provided by
Johnson Controls ... Ronald McDonald House Charities ... Springview Foundation learn more about supporting our work... |
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e-Newsletter 2009-01 |