GAPP and the Forest Hills School District collaborated in 2006 to bring adults and students together for dialogue about diversity in our community. During four sessions, participants shared their experiences, examined issues and developed action plans to promote respect for diversity in our area. Here’s an update on their activities:

1. GAPP’s Religious Diversity Task Force held a “Getting to Know Your Neighbor” event allowing participants to learn about the variety of area religious traditions. A follow-up to the event included tours at three places of worship: Congregation Beth Adam (Judaism), Hindu Temple of Cincinnati and Greater Cincinnati Islamic Center (Muslim). More “Getting to Know Your Neighbor” events are in the works for 2008.

2. The GAPP Book Club meets monthly for fun and frank discussions on titles related to diversity and inclusion. Click here for the latest books and reading schedule. And don’t forget to purchase books through our Amazon shopping link on our home page too — GAPP receives a financial contribution!

3. The Turpin students who created DISCO (Diverse Individuals Seeking Community and Oneness) had an active first year. Two Mix-It-Up lunch days were planned to encourage students to sit in different groupings. The inaugural event included more than $2,000 in merchandise certificates and discounts from area businesses. A movie night showing Crash with post-movie discussion and a Gay Awareness Day held on the Day of Silence were also student-initiated events. The group is planning for more Mix-It-Up days this year and is proposing an Ethnic Extravaganza for Mercer students. Students are also working out repeated opportunities to broaden their horizons with student exchanges or soup-kitchen/nursing-home visits to develop a sense of relationship with others. A Save Darfur event is being planned for the fall with guest speaker Nick Clooney.