May is bringing some changes for the Welcome Center. We would like to share some of what has been and will be happening...
--The Community Garden is in full swing with 30 families anxious to get something in the ground. The warm spring has prepared things for an early planting, so we look forward to a good harvest. Some other options are still being explored to see if we can't increase the amount of land and produce for participating families and the community.
--A very beneficial dialogue was held April 15 between downtown business owners and members of the Somali community. The Welcome Center and the Faribault Chamber of Commerce worked together to facilitate the gathering. The cultural behavior of Somali men gathering in groups outside the Banadir Restaurant to share news and visit had become a concern to neighboring business owners. The hesitancy of customers to pass through a large group of unknown people had meant that some customers simply chose to stay away--which presented another challenge to already struggling businesses. Joseph Mbele, a St. Olaf College professor and Diversity Coalition Board Member, started the dialogue with an explanation of the cultural factors at work. He explained that Somalia did not have a written language until just recently, and that they behaved as an oral culture. Those gatherings on the street corner were their newspaper and their books, their way of being community and sharing what was going on. They gather almost as a cultural imperative, being "good people" by socializing with others as they are expected to do. The shop owners shared very honestly and respectfully how their clients at times reacted to those gatherings, not just because they were African men, but because they were a large group. There is an element of intimidation. The elders present were very apologetic, making it clear that their community had no intention of causing any harm to anyone, and that they would pass the word to their community to be attentive to how their behavior could be perceived. The beauty of the dialogue was the atmosphere of respect and good will that everyone showed.
--A former pillar of the Diversity Coalition is again showing the value of community connection. Several members of the Sudanese community have been working at passing their driving test and looking for some help at tuning up their skills. Dan Burns, a part time driving instructor, has generously made himself available to them to give some pointe sand some extra time behind the wheel. He has also offered to teach a class for a wider audience on safety and driving. Thanks, Dan!
--The Immigrant Energy Project is again moving ahead with plans to help immigrant workers and entrepreneurs interested in the field of energy conservation. A Core Four business training is planned for June 5-6 (16 hrs) to lay out the basics for beginning a business. Jose Mendoza will be presenting the class in Spanish/English. Interested persons are invited to call the Welcome Center at 507-333-5036. Community is built in many ways by the many people who reach out, who participate in dialogue, who join the garden, who teach others.This is not just our work, but the work of the community. Thanks to all of you for the part you play.
Bob Kell, Welcome Center Director
