COMMUNITY HARMONY & UNITY

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The Bay Area is comprised of distinctive people reflecting differences in cultures, values and interests. By valuing diversity and promoting pride in our uniqueness, we live in a community characterized by harmony and understanding. Open and trusting communication has continued to change attitudes and diminish barriers. Leaders at all levels demonstrate high trust and mutual respect among ourselves, groups and individuals. As a result of building these cultural bridges, our community experiences success in economic growth, education, government and social well being.

An over riding concept for the Community Harmony & Unity Task Force can be summed up by a phrase so aptly promoted by The National Conference: "Our strength lies in our diversity." There is not only a need, but a benefit to honoring our differences and similarities. In our county and throughout South Texas, we are a wide mix of cultures, religions, and ethnicity's, in fact, a truly multi cultural society. Yet, as a community we have not taken advantage of the possibilities this brings. Through the adoption of the recommended actions, positive results will take place across all aspects of our community including social, educational, and business.

Currently there are a number of cultural activities held in Corpus Christi, however, they are not well publicized or attended. Better marketing strategies should be created to promote diversity programs and cultural events throughout our county. The City can also allocate more resources to aid this effort through the Senior Employment, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and by establishing intern opportunities with local colleges and universities. The creation of a multi cultural board for the center can serve to actively promote programs and increase cultural awareness in the community.

Also significant is the lack of knowledge of the historical contributions of local minorities and the role they played in the development of our area. Often they are inaccurately or incompletely portrayed, if they are not omitted altogether from educational curricula. Cultural events to promote cultural harmony should be part curriculum beginning at kinder level and throughout all levels of education. There are numerous organizations that are rich in historical information specific to any cultural or ethnic segment in our society that can provide content for curriculum development. A search for accurate local histories can also be implemented specific to South Texas and Nueces County.

At this point a united front is not evident among local governments or public education regarding the promotion of cultural unity and harmony. Neighborhood associations, an additional focal point for these activities, are few and are lacking in cross communication. Leaders of local governments, school districts, places of worship, etc., can set an example and create an environment which promotes harmony and unity. Activities can include calling together civic, religious, ethnic, military, business, and cultural leaders, to develop strategies for community involvement. We should also support the expansion of neighborhood associations allowing neighbors better opportunities to know one another.

Many business do not equate the value of cultural understanding to business development. With the development of different international trade agreements the need for cultural understanding is paramount. Locally, business organizations such as the Black and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce are perceived to focus on minority interests, where the Alliance may reflect inadequate representations of these interests. All chambers should regularly conduct workshops regarding diversity to promote better understanding between these groups, as well as ways to promote beneficial collaborations. Businesses can form advisory groups that represent the diversity of our community. This should lead to better understanding of cultures and customs that can lead to more effective competition in local and worldwide markets. An additional enhancement would be the creation of a multi-lingual workforce. This would require the inclusion of principle foreign languages in the core curriculum of schools from elementary through colleges and universities.

Finally, is the underlying concept of community trusteeship. Vision 2000 has helped us to become aware of the role of trusteeship and the value of working for the common good of the community. To perpetuate and promote these principles organizations from all facets of our society, including civic clubs to ethnic groups, must become involved. Additionally, cultural harmony and unity should be adopted as a goal for all. Leadership Corpus Christi should adopt the promotion of community trusteeship as a part of its mission. Program graduates, by virtue of their involvement in civic activities will exemplify the fulfillment of this portion of their mission. Training programs, available to all, can be offered that will promote trusteeship to the entire community and help ensure that this concept is basic to all community initiatives.