GAPP and the Forest Hills School District collaborated in February and March to bring adults and students together for dialogue about diversity in our community. During four dialogue sessions, participants in Open Doors: Community Conversations shared their experiences, examined issues, and developed action plans to promote respect for diversity in the greater Anderson area.

Students came from Turpin, Anderson and McNicholas high schools; seven adult groups included both long-time residents and newcomers.

Students groups plan to use music and dance to develop multicultural understanding, and encourage students at lunch and after school to get to know people outside their usual circle. Adult teams plan to develop: a book club, a welcoming organization, a 5K run/walk, quarterly cultural events, and field trips for inter-religious understanding. They also will: encourage diverse businesses, strengthen community-police relations, foster interaction between schools and community, and involve local merchants in multi-cultural events.