When Africa meets Faribault, the Story

So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.

This is a quote from Morrie Schwartz, in "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom

This came to me yesterday while Joseph J. Mbele, Professor at St. Olaf College was talking to us at the Library about his life here in the United States and the differences of our cultures.

Life in Africa, Joseph explained, is family first everything else second. There are no rest homes, families take care of their elderly. There are no invitations, when there is a marriage, a party of any kind, you hear about it and go. You hear music and noise in the next block, you go.

Schedules are loose in Africa, you start out an hour early to go because you naturally have to stop along the way and talk to your aunt, friends, or just someone along the way and talk about the weather, your family or any other news of interest. You'll still be late because being social is more important then being on time.

Joseph explained about how hard it was to learn to look people in the eye while talking, that is not the custom in Africa. Don't feel bad if we look away often, he explained.

Education is the key to mend cultural differences he explained to the interested group attending on a beautiful spring morning. We need to learn and accept our differences and try to understand why people feel the way they do about our new immigrants.

By learning why Immigrants do what they do, (stand in groups on street corners, look away when talking to them, not learning English fast enough because the lack of ESL teachers, not joining our organizations because of lack of trust, working more then one job because of low pay, and more), we can learn to accept our new friends.

Joseph said that anti-immigrant groups also need to be heard and understood why they feel like they do. What happened to them to feel the way they do. There needs to be understanding on all sides.

Joseph said he gets meaning in his life through teaching his students about the meaning and differences of cultures and his work with the Faribault Diversity Coalition.

He sees the Diversity Coalition as way of loving all people and devoting oneself to the community and creating something that gives purpose and meaning, like Morrie said.

Thanks Joseph for more understanding of the African Culture.

The day ended with wonderful Somalian food brought by Hashi Geedi, Community Outreach Worker for the Welcome Center. The rice, goat meat, and chicken among other foods was delicious, and the desert was a better knowledge of the African Culture.




Have a gentle day, Milo

Circles of Cross-Cultural Sharing

Faribault residents from different cultures have been gathering over these last four weeks in cross-cultural Sharing Circles. The groups have taken place weekly, providing an opportunity for people to share backgrounds and experiences, to learn about one another’s cultures, and to form friendships across cultural lines. As one Somali gentleman said, “Animals get to know one another by smell. People get to know one another by talk.” The talking has opened up our understanding of others who share Faribault with us as a home.

People shared difficult memories of how civil war disrupted their lives, of how things were before and after. People spoke of growing up, of family, of values, of simple life, of reasons for moving on. Questions were raised and answered about how people make a living, of what people eat or don’t eat, of rules here that are important to understand.

In the end, people felt positive about the experience. They could now say “hello” to someone who was no longer a stranger. We had all understood more about one another: about the welcome people wanted to extend, about the struggles of settling anew, about the unity we all desired.

The groups are only a beginning. All said they would welcome other opportunities to continue the conversation. The community gardens, a summer picnic, or shared projects can be the opportunity to build upon what has begun. We encourage others to join with us in what is an ongoing effort to create community among us all.

Bob Kell

*A Lesson in Making Space for People to Contribute in Their Own Way*

Healthy communities use inclusive processes to achieve community goals, which are not reached through pre-determined outcomes developed by a few; they use a fluid, collaborative process that is widely owned.

*A Lesson in Making Space for People to Contribute in Their Own Way* On its Web site, the Faribault Diversity Coalition describes its monthly meetings as a focal point for public work. “You don’t have to belong to an agency or hold a certain position,” the site says. “You don’t have to commit to a long-term involvement. All we seek are people who come to respectfully participate in this effort to understand, to educate ourselves, to work for welcome.”

Coalition member and blogger Milo Larson says that this openness is crucial to building momentum for tackling public problems. “People get involved if they feel welcomed – if we give them space to express their voice in a collaborative way. In general, if people feel not listened to, they won’t engage. If new ideas are pushed aside, it deflates the idea.”

People also need opportunities to contribute in ways that tap their unique skills and talents, and fit their self-interest. When the coalition organized community members to build a bus shelter for neighborhood children, all hands were welcome. Some people contributed by bringing food to the construction site, or donating building materials or money. Jason, a quiet, second-year carpentry student, served as foreman of the project. “He didn’t really speak much, but he came every day to work on the project. It was a great learning experience for him,” said Bob Kell, director of the Diversity Coalition’s Welcome Center.

Kell added, “As organizers, it can be difficult to give people space to be involved at the level they’d like to be involved. Sometimes we have to back off enough to allow for others to express their creativity. Power is generated when people can find a place for themselves in [a community project].”

This story was collected through a group interview conducted by staff of the University of Minnesota's Center for Democracy and Citizenship. The center is working with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation's Healthy Together grant recipients.

Ellen Tveit
Program Manager
Center for the Study of Politics and Governance
Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota
301 19th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-8330
612-624-0068 fax
www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/cspg

When Africa meets Faribault

If this doesn't download, flyers will be at the Faribault Print Shop or Welcome Center.
Have a gentle day, Milo

Impatient and Anxious

The older we get, the more impatient and anxious we become because there is not that much time left to see changes. I want to see more than what I've seen. I want to see some real changes. I want to see a society where I don't have to explain, argue, plead or insist. I want to see a society that will be to me what I want it to be, because I am an American, another human being, and color should not matter. I think the more knowledge and education or history you have, the more difficult it is not to express despair, not to express yourself intemperately. That's difficult and I struggle with it.

This is what John Hope Franklin said in an interview called "Confronting History II" with Dick Gordon on "The Story" http://thestory.org/ ,. In the interview, the 92 year old writer and historian tells stories about his growing up in racist United States. He talks about what has and what has not changed.

As I listen to this, I feel that racism still shows its ugly head, disguised as concern about illegal immigration and resulting in the loss of jobs by the new immigrants.

I am not saying that illegal immigration is right or wrong. I am concerned about how the human being, the soul, is being treated by white America, by the Americans whose grandparents or great grandparents were immigrants.

This "Story" is still being written today all across the country, in our restaurants, clothing stores, schools, service clubs, all over the sector. I am hearing stories of how badly the immigrants are being treated because of not being able to speak perfect English or any English at all.

I believe it is a small minority who feels this way but they are becoming very vocal. I believe we all have to be aware, to be educated about the differences in cultures, to be kind to everyone, lend a helping hand when needed and smile.

Immigrants are not only mistreated but ignored. To be ignored is equally as bad as being mistreated. We have to take a chance and speak up for anyone being mistreated or abused.

I realize while so active in the Faribault Diversity Coalition for 7 years that I am more aware of the good and bad happening to our new immigrant friends. I also realize that if we ignore each other, tensions will rise with mistrust on all sides.

These thoughts came to me after hearing this story and being interviewed by two organizations this past week. I realized that the time is now to make this nation a better place to live. As I get older, I too, am becoming more impatient and anxious.

Have a gentle day, Milo

P.S.

As I was going down to work after Sunday's snowstorm to snowblow the sidewalk, I got stuck in the plowed snow. As I finally gave up rocking the truck back and forth, I was about to get out and in front of the truck was an Hispanic Angel. He pushed the truck as I rocked it back and forth and got free.

I thanked the smiling man as he crossed the street to get back in his warm car, heading in the opposite direction. He could have gone by like dozens of other cars did, but stopped.

After I finished and was heading home, I ran across 6 Somalians standing around a car stuck in the snow down the street. So, paying it forward, I stopped to pull them out with my tow rope and a guy on a bobcat cleaning the sidewalk down the street came up and pushed and they were free. They were as grateful as I was a few minutes before.

In a few minutes a Norwegian, Latino and 6 Somalians bonded and made this world a little better place.

Seeking Space for Food/Furniture Project

The Faribault Diversity Coalition is looking for a space where a new food and furniture project can be located. Due to funding limitations, an in-kind contribution of the space or a reduced-rent agreement would be most appreciated.

Limited income leaves some immigrant and established members of the community with periodic food or household needs that are not completely met through current community programs or family income. The project would seek to engage participants in cooperative efforts to meet those needs through this self-help program. Participants work together to produce food through community gardens; provide volunteer hours to assist in ordering, purchasing, and distributing food; and assist in the moving, repair or construction of furniture for re-sale. Participants will share in project organization and decision-making, as they each contribute “sweat equity” to the project according to their capacity.

Other community volunteers are also sought to teach furniture repair, upholstery, cabinetry or furniture building skills; to share in community gardening; or to assist in other ways in the project. Contact the Welcome Center, 333-5036, for more info.

Seeking Community Gardening Plots

The Faribault Diversity Coalition is seeking plots that could be used this summer in a community gardening project. The plots would be made available to families or individuals who wish to grow vegetables for their own use or to share with others in the community. Both immigrant and established families are welcome to participate. It is also hoped that working side by side will provide a chance for people to get to know one another and build a closer community.

Anyone who is aware of possible garden plots is asked to contact the Welcome Center, 333-5036.

Fostering and Sustaining A Network of Diversity Coalitions in Rural Minnesota.

Katherine Fennelly
Professor of Public Affairs
Humphrey Institute
University of Minnesota

Although the absolute number of immigrants and the percent of foreign-born in Minnesota (5 percent) are quite low relative to many other states, the rate of increase in the foreign-born population from 1990 to 2000 was among the highest in the country, leading one anti-immigration organization to call Minnesota a ‘new Ellis Island’. Over half of the foreign-born population entered the state between 1990 and 2000, and between the last two censuses this number increased by 138 percent, compared to 57 percent nation-wide. Rates of increase and overall percentages of foreign-born residents are particularly high in cities and towns with meat processing businesses—core industries in many non-metro communities that rely upon a young, foreign-born labor force that is not available locally. To cite two examples, immigrants comprised 16% of the population of Worthington in 2000, and 21% of the population of Pelican Rapids (homes to West Central Turkeys and Swift Companies respectively.) When one adds the children of immigrants to these numbers, the figures are even more striking. In Worthington, for example, over 60 languages are spoken in the public schools, and in 2005 42% of Worthington public school enrollment was composed of ‘protected’ students.

In spite of the fact that foreign-born workers have contributed substantially to economic development in non-metro communities and their children have slowed or reversed declining school enrollments, negative attitudes toward immigrants are particularly strong in rural areas, both nationally and in Minnesota (see Fennelly and Federico paper on this topic, 2007; and the Minnesota Community Survey, 2004). To counter this sentiment, a number of communities have spawned diversity coalitions or welcome centers to serve foreign-born residents (2). A few examples of these organizations include the Migrant Council of Plainview, the Worthington Collaborative, the Welcome Center of Austin, and the Faribault Diversity Coalition.

Community-based ‘diversity coalitions’ (1) have the potential to help facilitate the integration of immigrants and decrease xenophobia on the part of US-born residents in communities that are rapidly diversifying. Yet, almost nothing is known about their locations, membership, goals or successes. We are in the midst of a research project (3) that entails conducting a census of ‘diversity coalitions’ in rural and suburban Minnesota communities and studying these organizations to document their implicit and explicit objectives and accomplishments. Particular attention is being paid to the organizations’ levels of inclusivity in goal-setting, governance and membership, and the extent to which they are advocating for immigrant rights, and attempting to reduce xenophobia among US-born residents, rather than merely perpetuating the status quo. The project will culminate with a networking conference to be held at Neighborhood House in St. Paul on April 26, 2007, at which organizations can share goals, tactics and successes. The conference and the research should stimulate communities to critically examine the makeup, power structures, purposes and expected outcomes of diversity coalitions, as well as to promote regional collaborations and communication among them. Published papers from the study will be disseminated broadly to inform immigration researchers, foundations, community activists and policymakers in other states as well.

1. ‘minority’ students; note that these include both US- and foreign-born students.
2. these residents are sometimes called ‘newcomers’ although they may have been in the community for many years

3. supported by funds from my Fesler-Lampert Chair and from the Otto Bremer foundation

Welcome Center Outreach Efforts Increase

Welcome Center Outreach Efforts Increase

Meet Hashi Geedi and Lisvel Valerio, two new outreach workers who will assist with the Healthy Together and Immigrant Empowerment Projects of the Diversity Coalition.
• Hashi has worked with the Somali Community Resettlement Service in the Welcome Center and is chair of its Faribault Board. Hashi has a good knowledge of the Somali community here and will work to invite participation and engagement of Somali residents in our various projects.
• Lisvel moved to Faribault from Austin, where she had coordinated their Welcome Center’s youth program. She will be doing outreach in the Latino community to listen to concerns and invite residents to take an active role in the community dialogues and community-building projects.
We hope that their efforts will help people see the Welcome Center as a place where their gifts and voice are welcomed, and where they can be part of the efforts to build a strong, and united, multicultural community.

Healthy Together and Immigrant Empowerment Projects Underway

New grant funding from the Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Foldcraft foundations has strengthened the Diversity Coalition’s capacity to work toward community unity. The projects dovetail well to promote cross-cultural exchange that will lead to greater inclusiveness and integration.

The projects provide a broad variety of activities that promote dialogue and interaction. All persons interested in working together for greater understanding and an improved quality of life for all are invited to join us.

• Self-help “Food for All” Initiative: Working through community gardening and cooperative efforts, we will work together to increase the availability of affordable, culturally appropriate food to families of low-income and other community partners.
• Cultural Exchange Group: Through the sharing of cultural traditional art, handiwork, and cooking, immigrant and established residents will gain insight into one another’s cultures and perhaps form new friendships…
• Cross-Cultural Group Dialogues (March 2007): During the spring and fall, small groups representative of community diversity will be formed to converse about various themes. The sharing of experiences and perspectives will be enriching for all.
• International Festival (Sept. 1, 2007): An international market, music, art, activities and exhibitions will celebrate the beautiful diversity of Faribault.
• Leadership Development: We all need to grow. We will bring in immigrant resources to provide immigrant residents the opportunity to reflect on and further develop their leadership gifts. (More later)
• Summer Youth Walk: A several day cross-cultural experience designed for youth from Faribault’s different cultural communities, to share time, conversation, and fun that will help participants gain deeper understanding of one another.
• Skill Training: Cross-cultural mentoring and training opportunities will help community members learn skills for construction, home maintenance, or other life skills.

Join us! We need planners, group participants, vendors, musicians, artists, gardeners, people young and old, who want to be part of this community initiative. WE NEED YOU for the exchange to happen! Please call us at 507-333-5036 and speak to Bob, Hashi, or Lisvel about how you can be part of these activities.



When Africa Meets Faribault…
A Conversation about Culture and Traditions
Presented by Professor Joseph Mbele, St. Olaf College
Saturday, March 24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Buckham Memorial Library, Great Hall (2nd Floor, south entrance)
(A small lunch will be provided—suggested donation for food: $2/person)
Please join us to hear a wonderful presentation about differing perspectives when Africa and the U.S. meet.

Chickens In The Bus.......

Submitted by Joseph L Mbele



Chickens in the bus? Yes, in rural Africa, you might find chickens in the bus. Is that funny? Perhaps. Is it embarrassing? I don't think so. In my book Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences, I tell Americans that if they visit my village, they will be well received. When they leave, they will get a live chicken, a very significant gift for a guest. That is part of our culture. You go into the bus with your live chicken under your arm. I know Americans find this funny, and many Africans find it embarrassing. However, I talk about such things with confidence, knowing that the Africans are not dumb.

There is nothing wrong with carrying chickens in the bus. I tell Africans and Americans that I often see Americans carrying dogs in their cars. The Americans are comfortable with that. I have not seen them trying to explain their practices to the Africans. So, why are some Africans embarrassed to acknowledge that Africans carry chickens in the bus?

Such embarrassment is a result and a sign of colonial and neo-colonial miseducation, which gave the Africans the notion that African ways are backward and European or Western ways are the best, Consequently, many Africans will adopt anything Westerners do, believing that to imitate Western ways means to be modern. Some day, while embarrassed about chickens in the bus, these Africans will start carrying dogs in their cars.

There is nothing wrong in adopting foreign cultural practices, if there is equality and mutual respect among all involved. In the present world, however, some cultures see and present themselves as superior to others and have imposed their perspective on others. There is cultural imperialism and cultural dependency. As victims of this situation, the Africans need to take corrective measures, including thinking for themselves, cultivating self-respect, and respect for their culture.

Joseph L Mbele, who teaches in the English Department at St. Olaf College, is the author of the book, Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences; available online at: http://www.lulu.com/content/105001 or by sending an email to: info@africonexion.com

We will have more stories like this:

When Africa Meets Faribault…
A Conversation about Culture and Traditions
Presented by Professor Joseph Mbele, St. Olaf College
Saturday, March 24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Buckham Memorial Library, Great Hall (2nd Floor, south entrance)
(A small lunch will be provided—suggested donation for food: $2/person)
Please join us to hear a wonderful presentation about differing perspectives when Africa and the U.S. meet.

Positive News

Showing the Positive Side.

Last night I followed a link to a website "Immigration History Research Center" (http://www.ihrc.umn.edu/index.php?entry=65370) from the College of Liberal Arts, U of M. The front page made reference about how good news very seldom makes the front page but the only immigration news we read is bad news.

As I read and scroll down the page they are talking about the positive and good news from Guiford County, North Carolina working to foster cross-community understanding with a link to their website. Further down the page talking about the upper Midwest and their unique reasons for trying to bridge the cultural gap between long-time natives and newcomers with a link to the startibune.com. Another story about Worthington and the positive things happening there, and a story about Girl Scouts and their story on the adaptation to life in their new environment and ending with a story about Intermarriage between older and newer Americans.The piece ends with them being unsuccessful in finding much media attention to this phenomenon and the reader must be willing to dig deeper.

In the middle of these stories it was suggested that Minnesota readers might also want to check out this Faribault Blog that you're reading. I am very proud and humbled to be part of this very positive story. We as a Faribault Diversity Coalition have tried since it's conception to be positive and be sensitive to all people. Thank you IHRC for showing the positive side of Immigration news and discussing both sides.

The IHRC has one of the largest and most important collections of materials documenting U.S. immigration and refugee life to be found anywhere in the world. I highly recommend you checking this out. Go to links on the right side of this blog.
Thanks, Milo

Sowers of Seeds
Submitted by Greg Caron

Have you ever looked at yourself as the sower, a generous sower that threw the seed every where, on the field road, on the line fence where there are rocks, thorn bushes and trees, and on the tilled soil?

Well I think we should, I will give you an example:
There was a clothing drive for the needy, anyone could bring clothes and anyone that needed clothes could get them. (These people are the seed sowers) God used this occasion ! The place where the clothes were being brought to was a business. A mother brought her little girl in a couple days before the opening date and asked if she could go through the clothes to get some clothes for her daughter, she had no mittens, hat or coat and it was cold outside. She was given permission to go through the clothes. They found mittens, a hat, and a nice warm coat. She looked adorable in them with her big smile.

There are people kind of on the fence about this clothes drive "for those people". The little girl melted their hearts. In other words she tilled the soil so the seed could take root. The people that gave these clothes probably don't know that they sowed some seeds, but they did, and so did the people that were responsible for organizing the clothing drive.

Thank you and God Bless, Greg Caron

Foldcraft Foundation Grant
Submitted by Bob Kell

On behalf of the Foldcraft Foundation Board of Directors, I am pleased to report that the Foundation Board has authorized a grant to the Faribault Diversity Coalition in the amount of $5,000 for the Welcome Center Immigrant Empowerment Project. We were impressed with the scope of this program and the Faribault Diversity Coalition’s unique ability to provide it.

In the application of its resources to serve the public interest, Foldcraft Foundation gives high priority to the realization of equality of opportunity for all members of society. Accordingly, it is the Foundation’s expectation that in administering this grant your organization will take appropriate affirmative action steps with respect to women and persons of color.

Dennis Blackmer
Treasurer, Foldcraft Foundation

Sometimes it's the simple things...........

Sometimes it's the simple things that really count. I think at times we try too hard.

Last week, a mother brought her 6 year old daughter, wearing only a light sweatshirt, into the printshop looking for a coat that would fit her, a day before the temperatures would fall into the single digits.

A warm smile came over their faces as they waded through the mountains of clothing that for the past 2 weeks people from all over Faribault had been bringing in for the "Warm Clothing Drive". The Drive was organized for newcomers coming into the city from warm climates, little knowing how cold it can get here, or for people that don't have the means to afford warm coats, mittens, gloves or boots.

Fifteen minutes later the petite little girl, adorned in her new pink down coat, new hat, scarf and glove combination (which someone bought at the Woolen Mills for this drive) walks out the door, lighting the day with her big grin. (By the way, they came back Saturday to help set-up and work with people receiving the clothes.)

There were similar stories like that throughout the day on Saturday when over 100 people came--large families, young couples, and also older people. People came wearing light coats, sweatshirts, and no mittens, and left after browsing for an hour with warm bodies and brighter hearts.

We learned a lot about people during this drive. When Bob Kell made a flyer and put the notice in the paper, he made reference to how our Scandinavian ancestors coming from the old country in the 1800's warned family and friends planning to immigrate to Minnesota to "bring warm clothes." Minnesota winters still present challenges to new arrivals, especially those who come from climates much more moderate then ours. People brought in clothes daily for two weeks, many telling of their ancestors moving here. Some wanted to give the clothes to someone rather then sell them at a garage sale or see them being sold at a Second Hand shop. Some people who didn't have anything to bring, went out and bought new clothes just to give from their hearts.

There are many huge hearts in this town: Carol, seeing the article in the paper came in three half-days to sort and organize the clothes (She now wants to come to the Welcome Center and volunteer), Aseneth, Graciela, Greg, Hashi, Armando, Nora, Coral, Bob and myself lent a hand Saturday. And we can't forget Mario-- a teenager who helped all Saturday morning, greeting people, translating, organizing, and entertaining us with his modeling of coats and hats. All made this a wonderful project.

We can't forget to especially thank all the wonderful people who brought in the clothing with words of encouragement; the many business who gave, especially Faribault Woolen Mills who donated ten beautiful woolen blankets; the BlueCross/Blue Shield Foundation for making it possible to do this gesture, Buckham Library for letting us use their space again, and many others.

We are bombarded with negative news about the war in Iraq, immigration, social injustices etc., so it's nice to be part of something that from start to end leaves people with a light heart. We don't have to always solve the major problems. Maybe once in awhile all we have to do is put a warm coat and a smile on a little child.

Have a gentle day, Milo

Dispelling the Myths About Immigrants

MYTH: Immigration is a drain on the U.S. economy.

FACT: Immigration grows the U.S. economy. An estimated 17.9 million immigrants are currently working in the U.S.—accounting for 14% of the total civilian labor force (1). Compared to the native-born, a significantly higher percentage of immigrants are of working age (between 28 and 54 years of age) (2). Immigrants are just as likely to be self-employed and start new businesses as the native-born. They generate employment, and bring new innovations and creative diversity to our communities. Additionally, new immigrants often take positions that U.S. workers are less likely to fill – in manufacturing, computer technology, service work, and engineering. These immigrants help keep the U.S. internationally competitive and give U.S. businesses a more global perspective—an outlook that is becoming increasingly necessary in this era of globalization.

MYTH: Immigrants abuse the Social Security and welfare systems.

FACT: While all immigrants pay taxes, only refugees, asylees, and some legal immigrants are eligible to receive any public benefits. Those who are eligible for benefits are subject to time limits. Undocumented persons are not eligible for any public benefit programs (3). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1999, approximately one in five foreign-born householders received benefits such as food stamps and housing assistance (4). This use, however, is heavily concentrated among refugees and elderly immigrants – populations we are committed to and legally obligated to assist. Furthermore, immigrants are large contributors to—rather than recipients of—Social Security, and will play an integral role in financing Social Security as the U.S. population ages. A study in 2005 found that undocumented immigrants pay $6-7 billion in Social Security taxes alone that they will never be able to claim (5).

MYTH: Immigrants cause urban problems.

FACT: The U.S. Census Bureau reports that “the foreign-born population is more concentrated than the native population in metropolitan areas and in their central cities” (6). However, areas that receive new immigrants are most often transformed and revitalized by these newcomers. Dominican immigrants revitalized Washington Heights in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and an array of new arrivals revitalized Nicollet Avenue (“Eat Street”) and Lake Street in South Minneapolis. These examples are repeated hundreds of times across the country. According to the Alexis de Tocqueville Institute, a study carried out over an 18-year period in Washington D.C. revealed that there is a positive correlation between the number of immigrants in a neighborhood and increasing property values. As one real-estate agent put it, with immigration “there goes the neighborhood—up” (7).

MYTH: There is a higher percentage of immigrants in the U.S. now than ever before in U.S. history.

FACT: Although the actual number of immigrants currently living in the U.S. continues to grow, when considered as a percentage of the population, the levels are not as high as they have been in the past. Currently, about12% of the U.S. population is foreign-born (8). However, between 1890 and 1910, about 15% of the population was foreign-born (9).

Currently, about two-thirds of immigrants settle in six states: California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey (10). European immigrants—historically a large portion of immigration to the U.S—today make up 14% of newcomers; 52% come from Latin America; 27% come from Asia; and 6% from other parts of the world (11). In 2004, the top ten countries of immigration to the U.S. were: Mexico, India, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Cuba, and Korea (12).

MYTH: The United States is being overrun with illegal immigrants.

FACT: The estimated number of illegal aliens living in the U.S. ranges from 10 to 11 million (13). Even the highest estimate accounts for less than 4% of the U.S. population. Many people that currently do not have legal permission to reside in the country did, in fact, enter legally. Experts estimate that between 25-40% of all undocumented immigrants came legally to this country and became illegal by remaining here after their visas expired (14).

MYTH: Most immigrants to the United States are illegal, undocumented aliens who come only for economic reasons.

FACT: According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 946,142 immigrants were legally admitted to the U.S in FY2004. This number includes both people who were adjusting their status and new arrivals. Smaller numbers of people came to the U.S. without legal permission (15). It is estimated that a net average of 500,000 people came annually in the last decade.

U.S. immigration policy allows immigration for three main reasons: 1) family, 2) work, and 3) freedom – in that order. Of the immigrants coming legally to the U.S. in 2004, 66% came to be reunited with immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, or spouses), 16% were sponsored by U.S. employers to fill in positions for which no U.S. worker was available, and an additional 8% came as refugees or asylees, fleeing persecution and looking for safety and freedom in the U.S (16). Undocumented people come for a variety of reasons. We often talk about these reasons in terms of “push” and “pull.” “Push” factors are the reasons at home that cause someone to leave – examples include poverty, lack of job opportunities, natural disasters, and political instability. “Pull” factors are the reasons elsewhere that cause someone to arrive – examples include increased freedom, job opportunities, and joining family members. Like generations of immigrants before them, all of these immigrants come to this country looking for a better life, and their energy and ideas enrich all of our communities.

Sources of Information

(1) Urban Institute. “A Profile of the Low-Wage Immigrant Work Force.” 2002. Accessed Jan. 06 from: http://www.urban.org/publications/310880.html.

(2) "Profile of the Foreign Born Population in the United States: 2000.” U.S. Census Bureau. Dec, 2001. Accessed Feb. 06 from: http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/p23-206.pdf.

(3) Levinson, Amanda. "Immigrants and Welfare Use." Migration Policy Institute. August 2002. Accessed Feb. 06 from: http://www.migrationinformation.org/USFocus/display.cfm?ID=45. The only situation where an undocumented person may receive assistance is in the case of a health- or life-threatening emergency.

(4) “In 1999, 21.2% of households with foreign-born householders participated in … means-tested programs.” “Profile of the Foreign Born Population in the United States: 2000.” U.S. Census Bureau. Dec, 2001. Accessed Feb. 06 from: http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/p23-206.pdf.

(5) Capps, Randy and Fix, Michael. “Undocumented Immigrants: Myths and Reality.” The Urban Institute and the Migration Policy Institute. Oct, 2005. Accessed Jan. 06 from: http://www.urban.org/publications/900898.html.

(6) “Profile of the Foreign Born Population in the United States: 2000.” U.S Census Bureau. Dec, 2001. p. 16. Accessed Feb. 06 from: http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/p23-206.pdf.

(7) “There Goes the Neighborhood – Up” by Bronwyn Lance, Margalit Edelman & Peter Mountford through the Alexis de Toqueville Institute. Accessed Jan. 06 from: http://www.adti.net/imm/neighborhood_execsumm.html.

(8) U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Yearbook of Immigration Statistics: 2004, Table 1.1a. Accessed Jan. 06 from: http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/statistics/yearbook/YrBk04Im.htm.

(9) Historical Census Statistics on the Foreign-born Population of the US. 1850-1990” Gibson & Lennon. US Census Bureau Feb 1999. Accessed Feb. 06 from: http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0029/twps0029.html.

(10) Passel, Capps, and Fix. “Undocumented Immigrants: Facts and Figures.” Urban Institute Immigration Studies Program. 2004. Accessed Jan. 06 from: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/1000587_undoc_immigrants_facts.pdf.

(11) U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Yearbook of Immigration Statistics: 2004, Table 3.1a. Accessed Jan. 06 from: http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/statistics/yearbook/YrBk04Im.htm.

(12) Migration Policy Institute. “Global Data Center.” 2004. Accessed Jan. 06 from: http://www.migrationinformation.org/GlobalData/countrydata/data.cfm.

(13) Capps, Randy and Fix, Michael. “Undocumented Immigrants: Myths and Reality.” Urban Institute and Migration Policy Institute. Oct, 2005. Accessed Jan. 06 from: http://www.urban.org/publications/900898.html.

(14) Ibid.

(15) U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Yearbook of Immigration Statistics: 2004, Table 5. Accessed Jan 06 from: http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/statistics/yearbook/2004/table5.xls.

(16) Ibid.

From: Minnesota Advocates For Human Rights

Faribault Diversity Coalition receives second Blue Cross Foundation grant to promote good health among new Minnesotans

NEWS RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Bob Kell, 333-5036

Faribault, Minn. (December 27, 2006) — The Faribault Diversity Coalition has received a $100,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation under the Healthy Together: Creating Community with New Americans initiative. It’s one of 11 grants awarded to promote good health among Minnesota’s growing immigrant populations — and longtime Minnesotans — by increasing their sense of connection with each other. Research shows that communities that are more cohesive are also healthier, overall.

The Faribault Diversity Coalition will use this second grant to extend its program, building on work done through an earlier grant from the Blue Cross Foundation. The Diversity Coalition works to promote cross-cultural respect and understanding through opportunities where immigrant and mainstream residents of Faribault engage in dialogue and exchange. The Coalition also works to assist immigrants in accessing needed resources and to support their full integration as participating members of the community. During the planning grant phase, the building of a school bus shelter at the Cannon River Mobile Home Park and a series of immigration forums provided opportunities for community members to engage with one another in meeting a need and looking for greater understanding. This new grant will allow expanded efforts over the next two years to create such opportunities and to invite all Faribault residents to join in building a welcoming community. Ongoing information can be found on the Coalition blog http://faribodiversity.blogspot.com.

“The funded projects serve new Minnesotans from all over the world,” said Joan Cleary, foundation vice president. “We’re proud to be able to continue our support of the important work the Faribault Diversity Coalition has been doing in the community.”

“The Blue Cross Foundation grant is a tremendous lift to our efforts,” says Bob Kell, director of the Coalition’s Welcome Center. “We believe strongly that when people open doors, either to welcome or to generously share the newness they bring, the resulting community is healthier, stronger, and richer. We look forward to what we can accomplish together in the coming years.”

The Faribault Diversity Coalition began in 1995 as a gathering of community members seeking to understand and respond positively to the growing cultural diversity of the community. Operating for a time as a committee of the Chamber of Commerce, it has since become a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission of supporting immigrant integration and community unity.

For more information on the Faribault Diversity Coalition, contact the Welcome Center, (507) 333-5036, 24 W. Division St., Faribault. For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.bluecrossmn.com/foundation" www.bluecrossmn.com/foundation or call (651) 662-3950 or toll free 1-866-812-1593.

The Blue Cross Foundation’s purpose is to look beyond health care today for ideas that create healthier communities tomorrow. By addressing key social, economic and environmental factors that determine health — beyond genes, lifestyle and access to health care — the Foundation’s work extends beyond the traditional reach of the health care system to improve community health long-term and close the health gap that affects many Minnesotans. Since it was established 20 years ago, the Foundation has become the state’s largest grantmaking foundation to exclusively dedicate its assets to improving health in Minnesota, awarding $20 million since 1986.

Winter Clothing Drive

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I wish all of you a very special Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

This has been a very special year because so many of you have given so freely of yourselves for welcoming the immigrants and making this city a more hospitable community. I believe we have all benefited from this past year in building relations in all cultures by building the Bus Shelter - "For The Children", having great food and friendships at the first "International Market", the Ice Cream Social at the Band Concerts in the Park, the many forums, workshops, talking circles, and learning about each other's cultures and stories and getting to know our new brothers and sisters as well those that have been here for many years.

I wish to thank all who gave of themselves this past year and the donations during the year from friends in Faribault, a librarian in St. Paul, Angels from New York, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Rochester, and all over Minnesota for filling a need to bridge a gap between all people no matter of race, color or creed.

I thank all the Foundations, Business's, Law Enforcement, Faribault Chamber of Commerce, South Central College, Fire, Government, Health and Educational institutions and Organizations who helped us make Faribault a welcoming community.

I especially want to thank Bob Kell for leading us this year and the past 6 years with his grace and knowledge and thanks to Dan Burns and Larry Lumblad who were a great part of our mission this past 6 years and moved on this past Summer on their new careers. Also a special thanks to Greg Caron for being the go to guy for everything and being a special friend and bridge to the Latino Community. Thanks to Dan Zelzke for organizing the Ice Cream Socials at the Park and making it possible for the International Market which Vicky Carrillo so wonderfully led. I also want to thank current Board Members, Luis Aguila, Kymn Anderson, Vicky Carrillo, Shirley Drentlaw, Edna Garcia, Gwen Jackson, Joseph L. Mbele, Sally Peters, and Pat Wieseler for there generosity, guidance, friendship and organizing our many projects. There are so many more to thank and am terribly sorry if I've missed your name or organization. Thank you all for your support and attending our monthly meetings and for exercising hospitality to our neighbors, sometimes it just takes a smile.

I thank you for the honor of letting me be the President and Communicator of the Faribault Diversity Coalition for which I cherish and take very seriously. You have all shown the Christmas Spirit throughout the year to this great organization.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Milo

Rehus-Beal-Ledeats, Feliz Navidad, Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny, Novy Rok, Glædelig Jul, Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!or Zalig Kerstfeast, Mele Kalikimaka, Froehliche Weihnachten, Nollaig Shona Dhuit or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat, Buone Feste Natalizie, Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay, Nollaig Shona Dhuit or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat, God Jul or Gledelig Jul, Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie, Chung Mung Giang Sinh, Cestitamo Bozic, God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År, La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou, Feliz Natal, Maligayan Pasko!, Merry Keshmish, Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!, Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah, Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto, Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova, Kala Christouyenna!, Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo, Gesëende Kersfees. and many more around the world wishes.

Faribault Diversity Coalition Video on www.bluecrossmn.com/foundation

A new video on the Faribault Diversity Coalition is now on The Foundation of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota Website.

This summer we were filmed by a video crew on the work of the Faribault Diversity Coalition and Welcome Center. Scenes from the International Market, Bus Shelter, and various shots around town were also added to the video as well as interviews from a number of our coalition members.

You can see the video at: http://www.bluecrossmn.com/foundation or click on the The Foundation of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota link on the right side of this blog under links. When at the website click on Healthy Together: Creating Community with New Ameicans under Current Programs.

Thanks to the Foundation of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MN for a job well done on the video and all the help given to us the past two years.

Have a gentle day, Milo

Diversity Coalition, What we are about.

If you have the opportunity, join us for our Quarterly coalition meetings the first Thursday of the month, 12 noon, at South Central College! These meetings are open to anyone interested in joining the effort to build a welcoming community. Anyone may come to share ideas, participate in learning opportunities, or get involved in coalition projects. The meetings are really the core of the Diversity Coalition and the forum for community involvement around diversity issues and education.

While there is a Board of Directors that guides the operation of the Diversity Coalition as a non-profit organization, and the Welcome Center that focuses some of the efforts in support of the immigrant communities, much of the history and ongoing life of the Diversity Coalition centers around the monthly meeting. As a focal point for “public work”, it is the “table” where anyone can sit. You don’t have to belong to an agency or hold a certain position. You don’t have to commit to a long-term involvement. All we seek are people who come to respectfully participate in this effort to understand, to educate ourselves, to work for welcome. People’s interests may lie in different places and their passion might be for a project or an issue. But whether you can join us for a day or a year, we are glad that you have brought your voice and your question to the table. It enriches us all.

Please do join us and find out what we are all about!

Connecting the Gifts…A Guide to Community Development

By Bob Kell

John McKnight of Northwestern University in Chicago presented a workshop Nov. 8 in Owatonna entitled “Mobilizing Assets to Create Hospitable Communities”.

In the workshop, Professor McKnight talked about how the key to effective community development is valuing the assets and gifts of each member of the community, including those often overlooked, and finding ways to connect those resources. It is the creative engagement of citizens that drives community development.

John McKnight told several stories about how communities have put these principles to work. We would like to share these stories with you.

Logan Square is a heavily Puerto Rican community on Chicago’s north side. A group seeking to practice community development believed that the members of the community with disabilities had much to offer, but were so often not included. So they committed themselves to helping some of these community members find a way to identify and connect their gifts.

Eddie was a young man they could simply describe as being the happiest person they had ever met. Eddie’s smile and manner were contagious. If his gift was happiness, they thought they needed to find somewhere where that gift was needed. They looked to places that lacked happiness: the police station, the high school, the hospital. They decided on the hospital and took Eddie to meet the director. They presented Eddie as “the happiest person they knew” and asked the director if there was somewhere Eddie could help out. He was hesitant but told them to take Eddie around and see what he might like. Eddie spent a few days in the hospital and then informed them that he would like to work in the operating room, but that option was not workable. They had also noticed Eddie’s interest in the mail, so it was decided with the director that Eddie could help with mail delivery within the hospital. Since he couldn’t read, animal stickers helped him identify the different departments. Though there were mistakes, Eddie cheerfully walked the halls, greeting patients with a routine conversation of “Hi, how are you? …That’s good”, regardless of the patient’s reply.

When the group returned after a time to visit the director to see how Eddie was doing, the director responded: “You know, there are 400 employees here in the hospital. Everyday, someone is absent because of illness, care of a child or something. People rarely notice. But if Eddie isn’t here, everybody is asking for him. And now departments are talking to each other much more…what started with misdelivered mail became an avenue for increased communication. Eddie has brought us and the patients something special.”
A gift connected, a better community…

McKnight told a second story of another young man we will call “Jose”. Jose used to just stand. He said nothing, he did nothing…just stood. His only reaction was when a police car went by. He would clap and cheer and come alive. The group saw his gift as being a love for the police, so down to the station they went. The Irish police captain was not too sure about what he could do with this man, so wasn’t too fond of the idea. But one of the women who had a son who was a policeman challenged him. “Think about it. In this neighborhood, people hate the police. They see you as people who harass them, yell at them, arrest them. Here you have the one man who LOVES you. Certainly you can find something for him to do.” So they let Jose stay. And he just stood around, but was happy doing it. He found one officer that he grew fond of, and would simply stand or sit next to him all day. The officer came to see him as his guardian angel.

One day Jose wandered out an open door, into the streets. They were concerned that he wouldn’t find his way and would be in danger. The captain explained: “We called a Code 5. A Code 1 means we send 5 officers, a Code 2 means 10, etc. A Code 5 means that every officer in the station is activated. We hadn’t called a Code 5 since World War II! In 7 ½ minutes, we had Jose back here in the station!” Jose had found a place where he belonged, where he contributed, where people cared. His gift got connected.

Professor McKnight spoke of other persons with disabilities who also got connected as a friend in a scripture study group and godmother to a hairdresser-friend’s child, or as a woman who after 60 years in institutions was taken in as a “grandmother” to a family. They too were so valued for what they shared with others, gifts so often overlooked.

As the Faribault Diversity Coalition, we see that this perspective rings so true. So often society can see immigrants as a liability, as people with needs that have to be attended. But this perspective teaches us to look with different eyes. Instead we see people with tremendous gifts to contribute to the community—skills, experience, values, traditions, and culture—unique to each person. As those gifts are shared, we all become so much richer and our community stronger. Our challenge is to help unleash that potential, to let people know that they are wanted and needed. The rest will follow.

Hard lesson to learn.....My Story

Watching and hearing people scream at each other all of a sudden made my blood pressure spin out of control and I felt light headed and asked my colleague to shut the movie off.....

A few minutes before the start of our Diversity Coalition meeting, I was asked by some people from a neighboring community to show a movie that would be “very educational”. I thought, “Why not? That's what we try to do: to educate others and ourselves.” Thirty seconds into the homemade movie showing a Latino group protesting against the immigration policies that were being discussed by the State Government, the movie showed them waving banners, flags, and screaming at people around them and at the camera.

In my eyes, after hearing and seeing glimpses in the background of local white people egging them on by telling them to go back to their country and blocking their paths, what happened was that the protesters lost it and fought back by yelling obscenities back at them. I have witnessed this behavior before in protest rallies.

I felt that I was set-up. I felt wronged. I turned it over to my colleague to finish the meeting when I couldn't continue because of my own hatred coming out. The rest of the day I was very upset and later emailed a new member, a professor from St. Olaf, on how sorry I was for letting the meeting get away. I said we try to do things the gentle way and was disappointed how I acted. He emailed back and said it was one of the best and exciting meetings he's been at in a long time. He felt that all sides were heard and there was some great dialogue afterward. By the way, he is now a board member.

With those words, I began to see things differently. I realized that we need to hear all sides of the spectrum, to hear the stories of how the different sides got to where they are today. What is their background? What happened to make us think the way we do? Was it how we were raised? Our parents? Friends? Did something negative happen along the way? Was it our teachers? Was it the press? Was it television or movies when we were growing up? Or, is it not knowing other cultures, their way of life, their languages?

Why do all people on this earth know down deep to love our neighbor, but can't get past the barriers, the color, religion, or political differences? Why so much hatred and division? Elizabeth Kubler Ross, who wrote Death, the Final Stage of Growth, says, what is important is to realize that whether we understand fully who we are, or what will happen when we die, it is our purpose to continue to grow as human beings, to look within ourselves to find and build upon that source of peace and understanding and strength, which is our inner self, and then to reach out to others with love, acceptance, patience, guidance and hope for what we may become together. We need each other to grow.

I am very thankful for that meeting last spring for turning my world upside down to grow, to learn, to try to understand, and to listen to other people's stories and hopefully help others to listen to ours.

Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.

Have a gentle day, Milo

A Story of an Undocumented Family

For a story of an undocumented family please click on the title above or go to, http://thestory.org/archive and go to ( All in the (undocumented) Family.

Put the sensational headlines aside and listen to a moving story where Dick talks to two families in Florida which extends beyond work. Listen to insights and feelings of why they are here and hope to accomplish.

I also have a link (American Public Media, The Story) under Links on the right side of the blog.

Thank you, Milo

Workshop on Leadership and Personal Development

Do you think there is a problem with access to services?
Are you satisfied with your children’s school?
Is there something in your mobile home park, apartment, or neighborhood that you would like to confront for the good of your family and your children?


• A morning with others who also want to “raise their voice” and grow in confidence
• Effective methods for presenting your ideas and working with other to improve our lives


Two Workshops
Session I: November 16, 10-1
Session II: November 30, 10-1

Food will be served. Child care available.
Cost: $1/session (adults) to help with the cost of the food.

Place: Welcome Center, 24 W. Division St.
Call 507-333-5036 for more information
Register please by November 14

Organized with support of “El Fondo de Nuestra Comunidad”

Winter Energy Fair

What a Wonderful World/A Jane Addams Experience

What a week! First, a phone call that woke a sleeping giant. Then I find myself sitting at the Jane Addams School for Democracy in St. Paul at 8 pm on a Monday night, helping a kind, older Hmong man study for his Citizenship exam.

The experience began two hours before at a BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation Healthy Together Workshop at the Jane Addams School, sitting in a Circle with about 25 Hmong, five of us who were attending the workshop, five students from the U of M who were translating and facilitating, as well as facilitators from the Humphrey Institute.

I was participating in what they call "Cultural Exchange" in the Hmong Circle, an atmosphere of warmth and friendship. We started out introducing ourselves and sharing our previous weekend. Laughter filled the air as I told how my wife and I went to Redwing to see the beautiful yellow and red leaves along the bluffs. We drove an hour to get there and they were all brown and on the ground. :( .

Most had a story, though a few women shied away because they don't feel their life is very interesting. They just work 12 hours, go home, make supper for their family, clean house, and go for 3 hours to the Jane Addams school 2 nights a week for socialization and to learn English, share, and study for their citizenship papers. Yet, they were happy and very accepting of us strangers coming into their group.

We split up into two groups and played a card game "Pictionary" where we had to guess what was being drawn on a blank card by one of our group. There was no language barrier as we all were on our feet guessing if it was a boat, 1/2 moon or a banana. "It was a boat".

After several games we split into pairs. I was paired with a Hmong gentleman. With Limited English, he started reading the questions and answers about the Constitution on the first page of the Sample INS Citizenship Questionaire. He read slow and deliberate through the second page until a Bi-Lingual student helper from the U of M joined us. He then confided in her in Hmong that he didn't understand what the words on the second page meant. Without understanding the meaning, he couldn't remember the answers.

So began the slow process of learning the words.

Question: Name the three rights of freedom guaranteed by the Bill of Rights?

Answer: "The right of freedom of speech, press, religion, peaceable assembly" was the start of the answer.

That's where we spent the next 45 minutes. I would give my spin on "Freedom of Speech", then my partner would translate to Hmong and I would repeat in English. Finally he would understand and give a big grin, go over the question and read the answer to that point again and again and say, "I understand".

This went on for each word: press, religion, and peaceable assembly. The time went so fast and we felt a closeness that is hard to describe.

He was so proud to learn that much, and the student and I felt so gratified. I also relearned parts of the Constitution and was reminded of much regarding our Democracy. There are 100 questions and I bet there are very few of us that could answer them all. A survey was taken recently of lifetime American Citizens and most people couldn't answer 1/2 of the questions. They ranged from how many stars and stripes, the colors of the flag, the first and current president, how many branches of government, what is congress, can you name the two senators from your state, and 93 more.

I left the night feeling a new appreciation for the Hmong people and all immigrants, working to learn a new language and working to get their citizenship. The Hmong people are a warm and friendly group of people, trying so hard to fit in and start a new life.

There were other circle groups there also, Spanish speaking circle, East African circle, a children's circle that includes small political group of older teens, and a teens' circle, which is mostly newly arrived Hmong teens.

I highly recommend a site visit to the Jane Addams School to see our work in action.

The Jane Addams School for Democracy is a community based education and action project based in Saint Paul 's West Side neighborhood. The school brings together immigrant families, college students, and other community members for mutual learning about citizenship and democracy. This learning takes the form of dialogue, public work, and education with the goal that people can work together across language, culture, gender and age differences to address issues that impact their everyday lives. The Jane Addams School is loosely based on the tradition of settlement houses from a century ago, and seeks to break down traditional model of social service to those in "need." The school was created as a community effort, where people come to work together as equals, learning from each other.

I believe that all we do-- the BC/BS Foundation, the Humphrey Institute, the Faribault Diversity Coalition and all people that belong to or are a part of these organizations-- and anybody else that tries to make life a little bit better for all people, make for a happier and healthier world. Happy people are healthy people.

Until next time, have a gentle day, Milo

A phone call that woke a sleeping giant.

The other day I was identified in the newspaper as president of the Faribault Diversity Coalition and quoted as mentioning our need for volunteers to offer GED support in Spanish. The project would support Spanish-speaking residents who wish to study further or who would like to document their education in their home country by obtaining their GED. The following day I received a call from a retired school teacher.


Her first words were, " I really think it would be more important to learn English and forget the GED until they can speak English".


I was immediately taken aback and became defensive, saying that we were also going to discuss that aspect too. I then realized that this was too short of an answer and I was avoiding a needed confrontation.


I began to explain how ESL (English as a Second Language} classes are filled and have a waiting list of over a year, and that ESL program funding has been cut by the government. I continued by noting that immigrants are being paid less than the white population, thereby having to work two and three jobs to support their families and send money back to the home country to feed their starving families. If the shorter route to a GED opens up opportunities for living wage jobs sooner, it seems a worthwhile effort to support.


I asked how long it took her and my ancestors to learn English. From what I hear from most people, it took generations. But current immigrants are being expected to telescope that process into a few short years.


I explained that we, as a Diversity Coalition and Welcome Center, are a referral and educational system, a helping hand to ALL people. We don't ask and can't ask anyone of any culture if they are legal or illegal. Our concern is to help build an inclusive community where all can participate and belong, where needs are met and persons are respected. Whatever can further that mission has our support.


We have been a bridge between all cultures since we started. We have been trying to be "Minnesota Nice" and have been proud of that Minnesota characteristic. But since "9/11" we have all come up a little short. It all comes down to what's morally right. Do we turn our backs on people because of their race, color or creed? How can we turn someone away who is sick, has a toothache, needs a drivers license, needs something translated so they can understand or be understood, seeks a place to live or wants to know their rights, or wonders where to learn English? It goes on and on. Most people would be happy just to have someone smile at them. That is a bridge we all can build.


I grew up with wonderful and helpful Norwegian parents who were always helping out family and friends, yes, even those Catholics that differed from our Lutheran ways. I might add that when I turned Catholic after I left home, it did get a little rocky for awhile but they got over it. Diversity has probably meant different things to all of us through life, but the challenge will always be to live with mutual respect.


After I took a breath, the caller saw my point and had understood where I was coming from. The caller agreed we need to get "Minnesota Nice" back again and wondered how she could help. I referred her to the Welcome Center, where we are always in need of volunteers to man the office and phones and to join the dialogue, to learn from one another and especially offer a welcoming smile.


With that, I thanked God for the phone call that interrupted my day and made me see and put into words what I have been so passionately involved with the past 6 years. I guess a little adversity is good for the soul.


Have a gentle day, Milo

Faribault's Own International Market Day: A Success

To see more pictures or watch a slide show of all the pictures not shown below, click on the above title.












I am pleased to announce that International Market Day was an extreme success. Thanks to Gloria Pozuelos, Antonia Navarro, Vitaelvia, Kuresha Dolal, Milo larson, and led by Joel Raaen and Vicky & Eddie Carrillo.


Many different foods, coffee, tea, and jewelry from Mexico, South America and Sudan were offered along with great conversation and happy faces.


Joseph Mbele from Tanzania, a professor at St. Olaf College, showed his books and talked about the African Cultures differing from ours. Conflict and differences in people come about from not knowing each others cultures he explains.


Two musical groups entertained us with American and Spanish music while the scent of food permeated the air.


A special thanks to Dan Zelske who spent several Thursday nights at Central Park Music Concerts this past summer for raising money to help pay for this event.


More information can be found in the Faribault Daily News, Sunday, Oct. 1st addition, online or newspaper.


Thanks to Julie Fox for making a video to be put on FCTV and Julie Lee and company from BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation for making a video of this event and more from the Faribault Diversity Coalition to be put on their Website at a later date.


Thanks to everyone working and attending for getting to know a little more about each other and embracing each others cultures. I believe we are a little healthier and wealthier in being in the presence of so many wonderful people.


Have a gentle day, Milo

Faribault's Own International Market Day

The Diversity Coalition is putting on it's first Annual International Market Day.

A Thought

A THOUGHT
People that walk the earth have a heart inside,
Put aside differences and join hands,
When prayers and dreams are answered,
Only then will we realize that
World Peace and harmony make us one.
--Brandy Smith

History of the Welcome Center

The Welcome Center is an information and referral center and assistance resource for immigrant and other residents of the Faribault and the surrounding area.  Sponsored by the Faribault Diversity Coalition, the Center opened May 5, 2001 to help immigrants connect to needed resources, learn how to manage their own needs, and to facilitate communication for those with limited English.  

Since its opening, the Welcome Center has provided assistance through more than 3,000 client visits, helping immigrants (primarily Spanish-speaking) with communication with social services, job applications, health care needs, assistance with correspondence or phone communication, housing, legal matters, child protection, and various other needs.  For three years, it hosted a multicultural prenatal outreach program to assist immigrant mothers in accessing prenatal care early in their pregnancy.  It also sponsored contract interpreter services for several years until the program was discontinued.  In January 2006, the Somali Community Resettlement Service became a new tenant, partnering with the Welcome Center to provide Somali-language services to community residents.  Other services provided from the Welcome Center include the Rice County Driver License Diversion Program and emergency assistance through the Catholic Charities Rural Emergency Support Fund.  

The Welcome Center has also been a focal point for diversity dialogue efforts of the Coalition.  A "Talking Lunch" series in 2005 and a later "Talking Circles" series in 2006 have brought immigrants and established residents together to learn from one another.  The Coalition's Cannon River Mobile Home Park Bus Shelter project was also directed through the Welcome Center, bringing park residents and community members together in a common effort to improve conditions for the children.

The Center began in response to a challenge by the Faribault's Future Leaders class of 1999-2000, which developed a plan for a multicultural resource center and asked the Coalition to put that plan to work.  The Center has had support from the City of Faribault, which provides the space at a very low rent and has offered grants of $2500 for the last several years to support operations.  The United Way, Rice County Family Services Collaborative, Foldcraft Foundation, Xcel Foundation, El Fondo de Nuestra Comunidad, March of Dimes, and other individual donors have helped along the way, with current support from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of MN for our Healthy Together Project.

In the pictures above are Bob Kell the director of the Welcome Center talking with Theresa who works at the Center. The Welcome Center is located at 24 W. Division Suite B., Faribault, MN 55021.

Somalis worry about their homeland

6/8/2006 Faribault Daily News Article, by Joe Augustin.

FARIBAULT -- For some Somalis, life in Faribault is a far cry from the war and fighting going on in their homeland.
In recent weeks, the eastern African nation has been host to increased fighting as Islamic militia has asserted itself as the central authority in the capital city of Mogadishu, overtaking a coalition of warlords.

Hashi Geedi, a member of the board of directors for the Somali Community Resettlement Service in Faribault, said the fighting in Somalia is not likely to stop unless the country gets a centralized government.

"They fight from today, to tomorrow and to another day," Geedi said. "People are running for their lives."

There are about 30,000 Somali refugees in Minnesota -- thought to be the largest concentration in the United States -- with about 25,000 of them in the Twin Cities, according to the Associated Press.

The communication to people in Somalia is nonexistent, Geedi said. The information that he acquires about the conditions in his homeland is typically done through news sources such as newspapers, the British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC) and the Internet.

When Somalis want to seek refuge from the fighting, they typically flee to neighboring countries such as Kenya. It is there that the United Nations is able to step in and assist them, he said.

As for a preference on the type of government he would like to see established, Geedi said stopping the fighting is the most important issue.

"The first thing I'd like to hear is that there is no war and no fighting at all," Geedi said. "Too many have died for the sake of control."

Geedi has spent five years in Faribault. Before his journey to the United States, he spent a long time in a refugee camp in Kenya, away from the fighting that has continued to go on in Somalia for well over a decade.

Geedi said the process to come over to the United States can take from two to four years or more, but that it is a journey that saves lives.

"When people run away and the U.S. government has helped them, it is saving their lives," Geedi said.

Hashi Buralle, who has lived Faribault since November, said communication is so bad he doesn't know whether people he knows from Somalia are still there, have died, or have left the area.

"It is very restricted," Buralle said. "You don't know about where people are."

Besides the noticeable changes in climate from Somalia to Minnesota, Buralle said that adapting to a new life in the United States takes time. Sometimes, he is unsure of how some of the traditions of Somalis are interpreted by others in Faribault. However, he said, steps are being taken to help bridge communication gaps and hopefully others will ultimately see Somalis as good people.

Geedi feels as though the community has been accepting, and he enjoys the calm environment of Faribault.

"It feels like our home," Geedi said.


-- Joe Augustin can be reached at 333-3135 or jaugustin@faribault.com.

How Peace Begins

HOW PEACE BEGINS
Peace begins with saying sorry.
Peace begins with not hurting others.
Peace begins with honesty and trust.
Peace begins with showing cooperation and respect.
World Peace Begins With ME!

Halley Hall
D.W. Babcock Elementary School
Sacramento, California

"Good Bye and Good Luck Larry"

Larry Lundblad, a dear friend with a big heart, a wonderful leader as well as a team player will be sorely missed as he leaves to be President of Central Lakes College in Branerd MN.

Larry has served as vice president and chief academic officer at South Central College in North Mankato and Faribault since 1993.

A Diversity Coalition Board Member for the last 6 years, Larry has done it all from moderator at several forums, planning forums, bringing in several speakers. Leading us with his expertise, coming out in Dec. & Jan, in 15 below temperatures to help build the Cannon River Mobile Home Park Bus shelter and so much more.

Larry has led us with his smiles and calm demeanor. What really showed up most in the six years of his leadership and friendship is his caring for all people, he will be a wonderful president at Central Lakes College.

Thank you Larry from all of us in the Diversity Coalition, and everyone in Faribault that you have touched.

Milo

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8