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Summaries
of Notes from Five Different Discussion Groups
Discussion Questions NW Ohio Community View Fremont U. S. A.
Presented by the MultiFaith Council of NW Ohio and Erase the Hate Toledo
[Question 1
was Group Introductions]
2. In what ways are Toledo
and Fremont
alike / different?
· Alike in that they are trying to promote
community diversity among races and religions.
· Different because the film did not
portray many of the issues that effect Toledo.
Lack of jobs, crime, historic politics, involvement of a powerful and
influential newspaper, transient travelers that only stop for a short period
of time and oft times lack any concern for the community and the influence of
strong political parties.
· Both diverse, Fremont more Asian. Fremont more
first generation; Toledo 2nd/3rd generation; Toledo had first mosque in Ohio, 3rd in US
· Like – diversity, problems, common
humanity, thinking we’re superior.
Different – weather, older, economic issues
· Fremont leadership, both religious and civic were
focused on bringing community together
· Toledo mosques and Hindu Temple
have been very open to invite MultiFaith Community
· Diversity, many different religions, Toledo has greater physical difference, warmer in Fremont
3. What community building activities or programs were
mentioned in the film?
· Human relations discussions, tolerance of
other religions, festival and celebration sharing.
· Opening homes to each other, adjoining
church/mosque share parking; community festivals; Bridge Project; commitment
to older immigrants
· Central park, Logo/icons, community relations
· Feed the hungry, Festival, Human Relations
Programs through city council, 4th of July parade, clothe the less
fortunate
· Volunteer over 6000 blankets, soup
kitchens, city council very active, hands around the lake – fifty year
festival, festivals
4. If a person from a religious minority group was
murdered in your town, what sort of response might there be? What would your
response be? Are there other ways that Fremont
might have responded to the tragedy?
· The same as in Fremont. Fear, communities coming together
to denounce the crime by community groups and religions and a through
investigation by the Toledo
police and the press. //Not really.
· Candle light vigils
· Need EMS
type MultiFaith response team
· Maybe retaliations, media
football. In Fremont – had many memorials – embracing
for the women
5. Both the Mayor and Sarabjit Kaur Cheema place their
hopes in the next generation. How do you think our youth will handle
the challenges of a diverse community?
· I feel that the youth in Toledo on an organized
basis has yet to reach its potential.
· Organize youth leaders in Toledo; maybe encourage
through community service hours
· Might overcome so much diversity – are
moving in the same community. Less
racism in the future; We are coming closer than in the past
6. Toledo has demonstrated some very strong support of its
religious diversity. What are some concrete ways that we can become an
even more compassionate community?
· By continuing to reach out to the youth
and those in need. By utilizing the Toledo Board of community relations as an
additional conduit to city government.
· MultiFaith Council expansion and
integration of civic, faith, & government
· More forums – religious forums topics
· Intentional about being invited into
Black and Hispanic communities
· Teach World Religions in schools
· Why don’t we make a film about Toledo?
· MultiFaith Health Awareness Day;
MultiFaith Domestic Violence Awareness; Feed the Hungry; EMS team; Alcohol
& Drug Dependance Awareness Day
· Concentrate on spirituality, churches
share a meal, different ethnicities
· Churches, religious centers visit
other churches
· Youth come together more in multifaith
youth groups – not so segregated
·
City
Council more active role
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