Who came?
Eric, Gerard, Charbel
Question?
What difference will it make? Immigrants just want to live in the big cities. They will not stay in our communities
Immigrants might want to stay in our communities but will not if they don’t feel welcome or acknowledged.
Immigrants should initiate the contact. They are the ones who came here.
Breaking into closed groups especially in smaller communities is difficult at the best of times. So imagine coming from a different culture.
Notes & Ideas
Impairments
Old concept that immigration is a taboo subject
Fear of causing awkwardness by speaking of cultural differences or visible characteristics
Shy by the lack of cultural knowledge
Fear of others reaction
Solutions
Approach the person with respect and dignity
If the person says he\she is from halifax, respect the answer
Listen to understand not to answer
Respect the pause, the person may need to process the information in their head before verbalizing the answer.
Actions
Introduce yourself to 1 newcomer in the next month
Volunteer at the local multicultural centre
Read or research about an ethnic community in your area
Encourage your children to embrace cultural diversity
Take away
Be the change you want to see