Capital Region Partnerships Council
Background
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th,
our country has experienced shock and fear like never before.
The devastating and indiscriminate loss of life has brought
out the best in Americans–amazing courage from the rescuers
and the outpouring of unity and support from citizens, and
the worst–the “backlash” harassment and violence
against Muslims, Arab Americans, and others, like Asian Indians
and Sikhs, who may “appear” to have Muslim or Arab
characteristics.
The
Capital Region has seen these same patterns locally. An inter-faith
effort to express support and unity with the families of the
victims was supported by hundreds of clergy representing Methodist,
Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish,
Muslim, Hindu, Bahai, and other faiths and denominations.
This inter-faith group also called upon the public to reject
and repudiate any acts of bias, harassment and violence based
on a person’s identity, religion, or national origin.
Still, even here in the mid-state, Muslims, Arab Americans
and Asian Indians have been targeted. Businesses have been
vandalized, car windows smashed, and individuals intimidated.
The Institute for Cultural Partnerships worked behind the
scenes to help create this inter-faith coalition, out of which
emerged the recognition that our community remains very separated.
We are isolated from one another in so many ways, but particularly
by race, religion and ethnic background. This seems to be
even more true today than before, as our region continues
to see the in-migration of more people from more diverse backgrounds,
languages, religions, and national origins. Following the
September 11th attacks, it became clearer that we all need
ways to learn more about each other, understand each other
better, be better neighbors and co-workers, resist bigotry
and intolerance, and ultimately be able to work together to
build a stronger community.
The Capital Region Partnerships Council
The Institute for Cultural Partnerships formed the Capital
Region Partnerships Council to bring together individuals
and communities across difference. With the involvement of
leaders reflecting many racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds,
the Partnerships Council creates opportunities for education
and advocacy.
Since its inception,
the Partnerships Council has created opportunities to express
personal viewpoints, gain insight into areas of differences,
and create relationships across racial, religious and ethnic
lines. The Capital Region "Meet
Your Neighbors" Initiative has been inaugurated
with the new resource materials
now available on the ICP web site on immigrant communities
in the Capital Region.
The Partnerships
Council created the Building Bridges of Understanding
mini-grant program to support grass-roots collaboration
among individuals and groups from diverse racial, religious
or ethnic backgrounds. ICP is pleased to acknowledge
the funding support of Highmark Blue Shield and Hershey Entertainment
and Resorts, Inc. to make the Building Bridges Mini-Grants
possible.
In the first round
of grants made in 2002, The Building Bridges of Understanding
mini-grant program supported five
projects.
Follow this link
for the Guidelines for
the 2003-04 Building Bridges of Understanding Mini-Grant Program.
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