What can you do? (for communities)
1 – Multicultural Festival
2 – Family Night
3 – Potluck
4 – Media Campaign
5 – Petition Signing
6 – Reconciliation Walk / Parade
7 – Talking / Sharing Circle
MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
THEME: Awareness Building / Learning / Fun
AGES: All
MATERIALS: Options include games, art, food, performers, etc.
VOLUNTEERS: Number depends on the size of the event;
A Multicultural Festival is an excellent way for a community to come together in a spirit of sharing and learning. Teach each other about cultural traditions through traditional games, foods, songs, and dance. Invite people to tell stories about their culture, and share in their art, literature and spirituality.
FAMILY NIGHT
THEME: Unity begins at home
AGES: All
MATERIALS: Options include movies, games, food, etc.
VOLUNTEERS: 2-3 for set-up
Family night can be a combination of all sorts of activities, you may wish to show an informative movie, play some games, or even put on a talent show… the possibilities are endless. The idea is to bring people together in the spirit of a great cause. Encourage people to bring their family and friends. Have a wide variety of activities that both inform and celebrate so that everyone finds something of interest, but most importantly, have fun!
Give everyone involved a chance to suggest one activity they would like to participate in that evening. This can give your evening some spontaneity and ensures that the level of participation is high.
POTLUCK
THEME: Everyone chipping in!
AGES: All
MATERIALS: Tables, chairs, refrigerator, stove, etc.
VOLUNTEERS: 3-5 to organize the food, location, etc.
Eating food as a community is a wonderful bonding experience. It reminds
us that we all have the same basic needs and that together we must be strong to fulfill those needs. It is also a time of remembering where we came from. Get everyone involved in making the food; be sure to invite all community members and neighbours.
Suggestion:
Potlucks are often the best approach to a community feast. Getting everyone to bring food not only reduces the time and cost involved, it ensures that everyone is included.
MEDIA CAMPAIGN
THEME: Generating Support and Awareness of NDHR
AGES: All
MATERIALS: Media kits
VOLUNTEERS: 5-8 to make up the committee
Promotion of NDHR through local radio and television programs is a great way to get people involved. Talk shows, informative clips, and public broadcast announcements are all excellent ways to get the message out. You might also consider submitting written articles to community newsletters and newspapers.
Find out what kinds of advertising and publicity are available to non-profit organizations at little or no cost.
Suggestion:
There are a number of resource books available to you and your organizing
committee on how to put together a media kit, finding inexpensive
advertising, etc. Start your campaign by visiting your local library or searching online!
PETITION SIGNING
THEME: Healing and Reconciliation
AGES: All
MATERIALS: A petition, table, pens
VOLUNTEERS: 2-3 to monitor the petition signing
To heighten awareness and gain support for the official NDHR petition,
lobby elected leaders to proclaim that they support the efforts and objectives of the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation. This can be done publicly or privately. Many communities choose to do this as part of their NDHR activities. The petition itself can be modeled after others found through online research, or you can go to our web site to download our version at www.ndhr.ca. The petition should be available to be signed in a public gathering place, like your NDHR event, city hall, local shopping mall, etc.
Suggestion:
Make copies of the petition to be posted on bulletin boards throughout
the community. Make sure to include the address of where to send the completed petition or when it will be picked up.
Reconciliation Walk / Parade
THEME: Supporting a United Community
AGES: All
MATERIALS: Map of the route, banners/flags, water, PA system, etc.
VOLUNTEERS: 5-10 to serve as parade marshals, MC, guest speakers, refreshment servers, etc.
Reconciliation walks have the potential to become a very big part of NDHR events all over Canada. NDHR walks can help to bring awareness
to all people in your community because there are few things as eye catching as a group of people marching together for a common cause.
Other activities on the walk could include singing songs together. Perhaps a special song could be composed for the occasion. Guest speakers can speak at the end of the walk rally. This could include proclamations from elected representatives.
Suggestion:
The route should be chosen to include the needs of those with mobility
concerns like strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters. The walk could also be used as a fund raising activity for NDHR. Ask participants to gather donations from their family, friends, and coworkers.
Another Suggestion:
Try to do this in conjunction with a school and/or a local church!
Talking / Sharing Circle
THEME: Addressing Issues from our Past
AGES: All
MATERIALS: Location, chairs, talking stick/feather, spiritual tools, etc.
VOLUNTEERS: 1-2 to lead and focus the circle
To some, the circle is a symbol of the never-ending cycles of nature and life. To others, a circle symbolizes the sun or the universe. In any case, circles are an important part of many cultures as sources of warmth, strength, wisdom, knowledge, healing, and empowerment. Aboriginal elders use the circle to explore feelings on everyday issues.
This tradition is still utilized today to encourage learning and healing. Many groups chose to have an elder say a prayer before and after a talking circle. You may wish to include sweet grass or a pipe, if appropriate. Utilizing such items as the talking stick or a feather keeps the circle respectful and ensures everyone gets heard.
Suggestion:
Circles can provide an excellent opportunity for recognizing people for their outstanding efforts in working towards a healthy community. You may wish to use the time to allow people to tell others how they are appreciated for their outstanding efforts in working towards community wellness.