Community leaders agree: Cultural relations in Greeley need help

http://www.greeleytrib.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... 7101260093

Vanessa Delgado, (Bio) vdelgado@greeleytribune.com
January 26, 2007



City and religious leaders agreed Thursday that cultural relations in Greeley are in need of repair, and they proposed community dialogues to bring the issues to the forefront and help devise solutions.

The meeting at the Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., included discussion about inter-cultural relations and the importance of integration in the community.

"The goal to is move toward cultural proficiency," said Rev. Juvenal Cervantes, co-chair of Latinos Unidos of Northern Colorado, who helped to organize the event. "We want to create a safe and thriving community for all peoples and we are convinced that is not the case now."

Cervantes suggested expanding diversity at administrative and managerial levels, creating departments of equity and inclusion, adopting policies of no tolerance for ethnic intimidation and providing cultural proficiency and training for staffs. He also said people should promote events that build communities.

"This concept isn't something new," said Rhonda Solis, who spoke on behalf of Hispanic Women of Weld County. "We must ask ourselves, what kind of community do we want to grow up in?"

Solis talked about the value of integration and how important it is to make people of all races feel that they are important to the community. Through that and by respecting each other, she said people can work together.

Kay Norton, president of the University of Northern Colorado, also spoke about diversity issues students face on campus and how they relate to issues in the community. She proposed the university work with city leaders to address integration.

"We have come to realize that it takes more than goals," Norton said. "We are dealing with climate and culture. How do we create a welcoming environment?"

The meeting was closed to the public, but was aired on Channel 8, Greeley Government TV. Organizers said they plan to continue hosting meetings in Greeley to discuss solutions on the issues facing cultural integration.


COMMENTS


Re: Community leaders agree: Cultural relations in Greeley need help
by Anonymous on Friday, January 26 @ 19:47:14 PST
Be an HONEST citizen who doesn't gang bang, steal identities, run to the church when you get caught, do you doctor visits in the emergency room, drive without a license and no insurance, run back to Mexico when things get "hot", and then come back, and deplete the food bank with your 10 kids.

That's what Greeley LEGAL citizens want, white and hispanic.


Re: Community leaders agree: Cultural relations in Greeley need help
by Anonymous on Friday, January 26 @ 10:17:30 PST
The reason that there are differences in Greeley is because we have a large illegal population that is being catered to. To work for the City of Greeley they "prefer" you know English/Spanish, why do they assume that the illegal immigrants are to ignorant to learn English? If we can have Latinos Unidos why can't we have Caucasions United, if we have a Hispanic Committe that meets why can't we have a Caucasion (or anything but Hispanic) Committee. The problem is not Mexican vs. Caucasion it is legal vs illegal and as long as our city/nation does not follow the law of the land which is come legally or be deported, the situation will only be worse. I am sick to death of for English press 1 for Spanish 2 - if you are going to do this should you not also have the message in every language of legal immigrants? It is time that the legal citizens of the United States of America take there country back.


Re: Community leaders agree: Cultural relations in Greeley need help
by Anonymous on Friday, January 26 @ 09:30:49 PST
What's not to get. It is wrong to demand that a foreign culture be adapted by the indigenous culture (and I'm not talking American Indian because returning the land to them is just not possible).

It is wrong to demand that the laws be ignored and breaking the law be forgiven just because you think you have a right to work here.

It is wrong (and illegal) to fly a foreign flag above this countries flag. I'm not even sure it is legal to fly a foreign flag in this country with the exception of foreign consulates and the U.N. building.

It is wrong to demand that a foreign language be spoken/written on all government documents and in our schools.

I do agree that learning about other culture is a wonderful thing. I have participated and enjoyed many Mexican festivities and rituals. Some of my oldest friends are of Mexican origin but they came here legally. I also hope before life is over for me to participate in other culture's. What I don't want to do is to lose my heritage by having it usurped by someone else's.



Re: Community leaders agree: Cultural relations in Greeley need help
by Anonymous on Friday, January 26 @ 09:30:49 PST
Need we forget this country was built by foreign cultures? Need we forget that a majority of Greeley were immigrants from Europe? I guess we forget if we remain to be ignorant.