Celebrating Diversity at IFSI
By: Ly Huynh
Intercultural Family Services, Inc.'s mission is rooted in the belief that respect should exist for different beliefs, customs and values, in addition to promoting similarities among people and celebrating the culture and customs of all people. The organization's motto, Diversity in Action, exemplifies its work environment. Here at IFSI, everyday is a cultural celebration.
Cultural diversity is celebrated daily, evident by IFSI's diverse, multi-lingual staff and multi-ethnic clientele. IFSI staff represents many nationalities across the globe and combined, speaks over 22 different languages. On any given day, Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Hindu, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Yorub can be heard in the office. The staff at IFSI understands the importance of diversity from veteran employees to recent hires, all recognize the specialty of this unique organization. IFSI staff agrees that cultural diversity is the key to the future.
Once a month, IFSI celebrates cultural diversity formally with a spectacle performance that showcases a particular country or region. These festive celebrations can be traced to many parts of the world. Celebrations in the past included the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year; Black History Month; Brits and Blarneys- a hilarious play that highlights the similarities and differences among the British, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh; the Cambodian New Year; El Cinco de Mayo- a celebration of Latin cultures through dance and music; Philippine Fiesta Celebration; African Festival; the Caribbean Festival; El Dia De La Raza Nueva- The Day of the New Race, an informative program that addresses the issues facing the multicultural/multiracial community; and Thanksgiving Potluck, an annual tradition that brings together staff, donors, board members, and the community.
The monthly cultural diversity celebrations are occasions for staff to bond in addition to allowing staff the opportunity to share their heritage and ethnic backgrounds with IFSI's multi-ethnic community. A recent poll was conducted amongst both new and old staff inquiring about staff opinions concerning the importance of celebrating cultural diversity and personal contributions to the celebrations. IFSI staff agrees that the monthly cultural diversity celebrations are an attractive feature of the organization.
Glentis Wyre, Purchasing and Requisitions coordinator of eight years, of Caribbean heritage, is actively involved with the Caribbean celebration. Glen states, "This is my opportunity to be involved in a show that celebrates Caribbean culture. Not only does the show convey a multicultural perspective which benefits my colleagues, I also benefit in that the show strengthens my own appreciation and pride for my culture." The cultural celebrations allow IFSI staff to be exposed to an array of cultures. Julie Luu, Assistant to Deputy Executive Director/ SCOH Case Manager of four months, of Chinese heritage, enjoyed the Native American celebration. Julie explains, "It was the first time that I had direct exposure to Native American culture. I was particularly fascinated with the Native American dance troupe's performance at the show." Most staff participates in cultural shows that showcase the nation(s) of their heritage(s); they also participate in shows that highlight their colleagues' cultures. Harry Myers, Data Coordinator of three years, African American, states "I enjoy the African celebration because I feel a personal connection to Africa, but this doesn't limit me from participating in many of the cultural shows. I was a Monk in the Cambodian celebration." Mr. Myers went on further to stress the necessity of the cultural celebrations and attributes the celebrations in part to the prolonged survival of the organization. "The celebrations are very important because we need to be able to relate to our clients and community," said Mr. Myers. The personal responsibility that both the organization and staff feel toward the cultural shows is a testament that IFSI is dedicated and committed to its mission.