Multiculturalism
Building a Multicultural Organization = Building an Effective Human Rights Movement
What is Multiculturalism?
AIUSA strives to draw upon the richness of our society to increase and strengthen the diversity of our membership. This richness includes people of different races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, ages, economic status, gender, sexual orientation, and physical and mental abilities. We work to ensure that members of different social identities are represented, can freely participate in all aspects of the organization and are treated fairly and equally.
Why is Multicultural Organizational Development Important to Amnesty International?
Amnesty International’s integrity, sustainability and effectiveness as a human rights organization depend on our commitment to multiculturalism. The more we reflect all aspects of our society, the more effective our organization will be in creating a more just society and world. Building a multicultural organization is essential to building an effective human rights movement.
In addition to holding others accountable to human rights standards, we must create just relationships within our own organization if we want our work to really reflect our values. At this level, respecting human rights means nurturing an environment where people from all backgrounds can freely participate and are equally valued.
Moreover, to effectively confront human rights violators, we must understand the causes of human rights violations. Often, unjust social systems—i.e. systems of oppression like racism, classism and sexism—are at the root, and when we can identify those causes, we will be better equipped to find effective solutions. A more diverse membership increases our capacity to do both.
Is Multiculturalism a "New" Priority for AI?
Since 1982, AIUSA has taken steps toward being more multicultural. Since then, committees, campaigns, and networks have been created to provide special attention to the human rights concerns of various identity groups (including women, people of color, indigenous people, and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender people) and to ensure that these perspectives are integrated into our work.
Staff members are evaluated on their work to support multiculturalism. In 1986 the Ralph J. Bunche Fellowship was created to attract enthusiasts from communities of color in the areas of organizing, constituency building, and human rights education. The fellowship helps AIUSA broaden its perspective and capacity to respond to human rights abuse against marginalized communities within the context of AI's programs and mission. AI has also developed training and materials to educate members and the public on multiculturalism.
What Strategies Encourage Multiculturalism?
- To build diversity into recruitment efforts, identify opportunities to reach out to a variety of people of different backgrounds and identities. Consider, for example, tabling at a wide variety of locations with appropriate materials and actions.
- Reach out to new audiences through targeted events, speaking engagements and actions. Follow up with new people who show interest.
- Encourage members to seek and form relationships with a variety of people. Find out their interests and affiliations, and invite them to attend a group meeting or event.
- Be prepared to alter the way your group works (e.g., where it meets) to become more inclusive.
When Do We Know If We're a Successful Multicultural Organization?
There is no finish line, because this is an ongoing process, but there are some indicators of success. At every level, AI is continuing to build a just environment and a diverse membership that effectively addresses the concerns of diverse communities.
Resources
Multicultural Organizational Development Plan for AIUSA 1999-2009 and Beyond, available at www.amnestyusa.org. Please contact your Regional Office to find out about training opportunities, speakers, and readings.
The Funky Cartoons
(Intro to Multicultural Organizational Development)
Whereville Local Group #715, "You meet where?"
Genericville University Group, "I don't represent the race"
Random High School, "Making the Human Rights Connections"
Respectburg Local Group #802, "Now here's a group I can get with"
