Arlington County Opens Community “Diversity Dialogue”

First effort in the region to hold community conversation

by

September 5, 2008 | | Arlington, Virginia

Arlington County will host a three-series of community conversations  this fall that will bring together community members of  diverse ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and perspectives in a civil and supportive environment.

“The 2008 Diversity Dialogue Initiative” is a unique effort by Arlington County to foster frank, open discussions among residents to learn from one another on sometimes sensitive issues of income, education, gender and cultural differences. With about one quarter of its residents born outside the United States, Arlington is home to one of the highest proportions of immigrants in the Washington area. Its residents hail from over 100 nations and all 50 states.

“In a time when several hot-button issues are being discussed across the nation, Arlington reaffirms its commitment as a welcoming community that sees its diversity as its greatest strength,” said County Board Chairman J. Walter Tejada. “With Diversity Dialogues, we are inviting residents to come together and talk, listen and learn about ways we can all work together to keep Arlington a community that attracts people of all cultures, backgrounds, and identities.”

Three dialogues scheduled for fall

What are some traditions that we each hold dear and why? What are good ways to build positive connections across our diverse community? What can we do to realize Arlington’s vision of being “a diverse and inclusive community…in which each person is important?”  These are some of the questions the Diversity Dialogues Task Force, appointed by the County Board, will explore with residents through the dialogues.

The task force will report back to the Board before the end of the year on ways to better foster diversity and inclusion through targeted services, policies and programs.

“There is no better time than now to come together to converse across cultures and backgrounds in the nation and in Arlington.  The strength and character of tomorrow’s community is determined by what we do today. These dialogues are more than opportunities to converse but moments to lead. I encourage you to take this opportunity and have your voice heard”, said Reverend Leonard Hamlin Sr., Chair of the Diversity Dialogue Task Force.

The scheduled Diversity Dialogues will all take place in Arlington, Virginia:

• Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m , Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street
• Thursday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m., Barrett Elementary School, 4401 N. Henderson Road
• Sunday, Oct. 26, 1:30 p.m., Drew Model School, 3500 S. 23rd Street

The sessions are free and open to those who live, work or do business in Arlington County, but registration is required.

Background

Chairman Tejada unveiled the Diversity Dialogues on January 1, 2008 as part of the chairman’s three-pronged Agenda for Progress.  The Arlington County Board later appointed a 12-member task force, chaired by Reverend Dr. Leonard Hamlin Sr., to coordinate the initiative. Other task force members are: Raina Rose Tagle (Vice Chair), Dr. Rosa Briceño, Andrea Brickhouse, Leni Gonzalez, Krysta Jones, Stanley G. Karson, Kris McLaughlin, Melinda Patrician, Hoang Taing, Dr. Tsehaye Teferra and Wuiping Yap.

The dialogues follow a long-standing Arlington tradition of fully exploring issues in public forums – sometimes called “the Arlington Way.” Throughout its history, Arlington has turned to charettes, town hall meetings and other public gatherings to discuss issues. 

For more information or to register to attend, please visit the Diversity Dialogues Web site call 703-228-0751, or email. 

http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Communications/PressReleases/65821.aspx

Learn more: Diversity