Community Cultural Education serves to familiarize current residents with the strengths and characteristics of newcomer populations. Education is offered through presentations and workshops at various locations including area nonprofit organizations, businesses, and schools. Cultural proficiency
workshops are offered throughout the year.
In the past, we have partnered with the Human Rights Commission of Austin and brought facilitators from the St. Paul Foundation who led discussions about race, racism and white privilege. New Conversations is designed for use by neighbors, friends, family members, co-workers, members of faith communities and civic and recreational clubs. The primary audience is people who may not have thought a lot about race and racism. The New Conversations About White Privilege tool is designed for individuals and groups who have begun to explore racism and want to learn more about the various facets of the issue. The white privilege tool draws on the work of author Dr. Peggy McIntosh, who defines privilege as unearned advantage. During the course of New Conversations, participants watch scenarios on DVD and complete activities designed to help them explore and understand their perspectives and behaviors on the issue of race and racism. Our goals are to encourage individuals to take part in New Conversations to promote racial/cultural competence.
