YMCA Cultural Diversity Office

History of a Cultural Diversity Plan for
the City of Cambridge

In February of 2008, the YMCA of Cambridge created a Cultural Diversity Program Advisory Committee (CDPAC). The committee was made up of various stakeholders across sectors. Through several months of meetings and conversations, a three-year Cultural Diversity plan emerged. Click on the "diversity" icon below to view the original 3 year City of Cambridge plan.

Vision

We envision an inclusive community where everyone belongs and lives in harmony.

Mission

The program will mobilize the skills and capacities of our diverse community, by providing opportunities and resources to create an inclusive, respectful and engaged Cambridge.

different colours holding handsGuiding Principals

  • Promote harmony and respect for diversity
  • Foster partnerships among individuals, groups and organizations
  • Sharing information and coordinating activities
  • Creating opportunities for cultural learning, and building on community strengths

Priority Areas of Focus

i. Inclusion—In the context of this program plan, the term 'inclusion' is about being accepted and being able to participate fully within the context of community and society. A community can be considered 'inclusive' when everyone feels part of the community, while respecting and cherishing their own culture and respecting the cultures of others and actively participating in all aspects of community life.

ii. Advocacy—Successfully having a positive impact on the lives of Newcomers and Immigrants in our community is enhanced when other community partners are engaged and involved in the process. A meaningful network of organizations could review, consider and advocate for change both locally and regionally and help to mobilize the skills and capacities of our diverse community, by providing opportunities and resources to create an inclusive, respectful and engaged Cambridge.

iii. Education—Public education ensures that everyone feels part of the community, while respecting and cherishing one's own culture and respecting and valuing the cultures of others. Effective education also works to combat all forms of discrimination that prevent citizens from becoming equal and active members of the civil society.

iv. Capacity Building—more than education. Capacity building can be defined as "activities which strengthen the knowledge, abilities, skills and behaviour of individuals, and improve organizational structures and processes such that the organization can effectively meet its mission and goals in a sustainable way.'

v. Intervention—In the context of this Cultural Diversity program, an intervention is the reactive component of the program. It assumes cultural misunderstanding or conflict has occurred and efforts are made to consult, facilitate or support individuals/groups to reach mutual understanding or resolve. Any process that has the effect of modifying an outcome is considered intervention.