When is the last time I went out of my way to have a conversation with, connect with, a newcomer

​

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 center

• 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