A client’s Latino father is having a hard time getting a job. Everywhere he goes, he is told that he needs to have a Social Security number or driver’s license. What should you do?
This is one of several exercises discussed at the Multicultural Heritage Center of Daviess County’s Multicultural Workshop Tuesday. Presenter Maura Robinson, a native of Venezuela who is a licensed social worker, adjunct teacher at the University of Evansville and business owner, discussed the differences between Latino and North American culture — and how the two cultures can work together for the good of the community.
Attending were representatives from Daviess Community Hospital, Eastgate Manor, American Family Insurance, Advance Manufacturing Productivity Center and the city of Washington.
“We represent everyone in the city of Washington, and we want to be able to serve all cultures,” said Mayor Larry Haag.
Latinos have come to America because of political unrest in their native lands, economic hardship, guerrilla warfare and military repression, said Robinson.
The 2000 census showed 242,518 documented Latino immigrants and 45,000 undocumented in Indiana, and those numbers are growing, she continued, so it’s important for communities to understand and work with Latino cultures for economic growth.
Latinos think more in terms of groups and families rather than individuals when making decisions. They prefer to keep smooth social relationships so will usually agree with whatever a person in leadership says, even if they intend to do something else. They also tend to believe that there is little a person can do to alter fate.
Therefore, hospitals and schools need to work with the whole family when expecting activities unusual in the Latino culture — like putting babies in car seats, keeping children in school or not leaving very young children at home alone, said Robinson. Police officers and firefighters need to build relationships within the Latino community since Latinos generally fear law enforcement and don’t understand how the American legal system works.
After the workshop, participants discussed the possibility of community identifications to help Latinos get jobs, and getting Latino community leaders involved in future workshops.
Robinson will continue the workshop series Oct. 1, 8 and 22. The Multicultural Heritage Center, part of Daviess County Partnership, is sponsoring the series of workshops through a Daviess County Community Foundation grant to reduce barriers and build a stronger, healthier community, said center coordinator Mary Swarn.
For more information or to volunteer with the Multicultural Heritage Center of Daviess County, contact Swarn at 257-2656. The center meets at 4 p.m. every third Wednesday at their office at 108 Southside Ave.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Maura Robinson discusses the challenges facing Latino’s living in Washington---Photo by Sally Petty.
Discussion
Daviess County Multicultural Heritage Center holds workshop
- Local News
-
-
Seidel crowned WC's homecoming queen
Madison Seidel, daughter of Jane and Richard Seidel of Washington, was crowned 2012 Washington Catholic Homecoming Queen at the Birdcage on Saturday.
-
Car becomes stuck on railroad tracks; driver cited
Kevin Michael Williams, 5303 S. Alexander Rd., was cited for disregarding a stop sign after a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier he was driving became stuck on CSX railroad tracks in Washington near the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce. Tri-County Towing removed the vehicle at 5:41 p.m. after CSX officials had been contacted.
-
Schnitzelbank has No. 1 sandwich in Indiana
Indianapolis had a great time hosting the Super Bowl and although most of the attention appeared to be focused on all things Brady, Manning and Manning (sounds like a law firm), however, we know the star that shined the brightest was the Indiana Super 46 sandwich contest.
-
Messmer in Washington to discuss current legislation
District 63 State Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) held a town hall meeting Monday at Washington City Council Chambers to discuss current legislation passed by the Indiana House of Representatives, to answer questions from constituents and to hear their concerns.
One bill of local interest that has passed through the House is HB 1149, the smoking ban. It would prohibit smoking in public places, enclosed places of employment and within 12 feet of a public entrance to those places. It also would prohibit smoking in certain state vehicles if signed into law. -
Messmer hears concerns
District 63 State Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) held a town hall meeting Monday at Washington City Council Chambers to discuss current legislation passed by the Indiana House of Representatives, to answer questions from constituents and to hear their concerns.
-
Car finds railroad tracks
Kevin Michael Williams, 5303 S. Alexander Rd., was cited for disregarding a stop sign after a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier he was driving became stuck on CSX railroad tracks in Washington near the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce. Tri-County Towing removed the vehicle at 5:41 p.m. after CSX officials had been contacted.
-
Pierce named B-R Homecoming Queen
Rebekah Pierce, daughter of Russell and Beth Pierce of Washington, was crowned 2012 Homecoming Queen at Barr-Reeve High School on Friday.
-
ND crowns Steffey, McAtee
Anthony Steffey, son of Jim and Bridgette Steffey, and Shelby McAtee, daughter of Ron and Lynn Cox, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen at North Daviess High School on Friday.
-
Car causes garage fire on Edwardsport Road
A car caught fire at the home belonging to Robert Wichman at 5295N 100W.
-
Washington native on short list for Indiana Supreme Court
Washington native the Honorable Maria D. Granger is one of 15 under consideration to fill a vacancy on the Indiana Supreme Court.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
