Remember your target audience
Building harmony and community cohesion is not just about ‘CALD communities’. Too many ‘harmony’ projects forget to include Anglo Celtic Australians. Don’t just include the ‘converted’. Try to engage those less comfortable with difference.
Widest audience
Think about how to access the widest possible audience. Projects that occur in public spaces are important. Try not to rely too heavily on very small scale ‘feel good’ activities.
Local media
Build relationships with your local newspaper. Get them on board. Work with ethnic community press also. Remember, you might only have 20 participants in your initiative, but you can affect the attitudes of thousands with good media coverage. Think of media and marketing as central to your project, not an ‘optional extra’.
Don’t be afraid to discuss the ‘hard stuff’
Councils need to discuss the ‘hard stuff’ before it simmers to racism or overt tensions. Do not rely on access and equity committees.
Community capacity building
Be aware of the importance of networks between communities. Between ethnic communities, and also between mainstream local organisations and ethnic community organisations.
