Multiculturalism is Easier Said Than Done

(A/K/A Having bilingual  brochures is not enough)

 

How have you connected to your neighbors?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will be sponsoring its 2nd Annual National Prevention Week from May 12-18, 2013.  This week-long event was created to spotlight community events that inform and educate the public about the dangers and consequences associated with unhealthy behaviors including underage drinking, substance abuse, obesity and nutrition, and problem gambling; and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being

In preparation for NPW, SAMHSA is looking to expand its outreach to involve different ethnicities and cultural groups and has requested the assistance of local community organizations to provide ideas on reaching people where they "work, live, and play." 

Since reaching a balanced approach to cultural diversity tends to be an issue that most community based organizations and groups have to confront on a regular basis, this would be a excellent opportunity to hear from you about ways your agency or group has been able to reach other ethnic, cultural, or religious groups in the neighborhood.

 

Post your comments below on how you've connected to other ethnicities in your neighborhood....

Specifically,

·         What tactics have worked for your organization, to reach multicultural audiences? 

·         Is it important to translate materials?

·         What media is most important to your communities when looking for news? 

o   Radio?  If so, what networks?

o   English-language news sites?  If so, what sites?

o   Multicultural news sites?  If so, what sites?

·         What national multicultural organizations do you trust, or have worked with successfully in the past?