P1: Purpose

First, there can be no relationship building until both the dominant and non-dominant cultural groups can see benefits to a mutual dialogue process. If the benefits accrue only to the dominant culture group, any attempt to create a process will not be successful. The desired increase in participation by non-dominant cultural group members will not be achieved.

Each of the cultural groups involved should initially have a separate process for discussing their reasons for wanting/needing to engage in dialogue with the other group. This separate initial communication structure is extremely important so that the non-dominant group can be empowered to think of their own interests without pressure to consider the other parties interests. The group will be more empowered to think about how a successful dialogue can be to their benefit and will set the context for remaining engaged in the process.

Relationships at the Center

In this community dialogue model, the primary consideration, or central focal point, is the attention that must be paid to the long-term relationships that exist between cultural groups. All of the "P" steps can only be perceived as successful when they contribute to positive relationship building. This consideration should be the criteria for evaluation.

Core relationships are those that are very immediate to the marginalized cultural group, primarily internal to the group. Individuals, families, and cultural affiliations are usually part of Core relationships.

Lifeline relationships are between the marginalized cultural group as a whole, and other groups in physical proximity that impact on day-to-day community development and decision making. Local governments and schools usually fall into this category.

Attenuating group relationships are those that are more disconnected physically from the group but whose impact is felt continually. National and regional governments, and institutions such as health care often fall into this category.

Slideshow

9P Planning

The secret of 9P Planning is that it is a step-by-step way of making sure that a planning strategist is considering all the factors that make it possible for people of many cultural backgrounds to be able to consult together in an atmosphere of full collaboration. Over the next few blogs I will talk about each of these and what they mean.

The 9 P's are:
Purpose
Participant
Problems
Personal Links
Place
Preparation
Principles
Procedures
Product

Long ago, when most of the world was water, Great Spirit decided to make a beautiful land with lakes and rivers that turtles carried on their backs. One day the turtles began to argue and three of the turtles began to swim towards the rising sun while three began to swim towards the setting sun. The earth shook! It cracked with a loud noise. The turtles could not swim far, because the land on their backs was heavy. When they saw that they could not swim far enough to get away from each other they stopped arguing and made up. But every once in a while, the turtles that hold up the earth, argue again, and each time they do the earth shakes.