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Forums and Discussions [ CONTENTS ] Dialogue on social issues is necessary to improve community relations and cultural understanding. Cultural Literacy is important to race relations, the security of individuals, the economies of communities, the continuity of diverse cultural activities, quality of life and equal opportunity in all facets of life. Cultural Literacy is the main objective of our educational components. Events, workshops and travel experiences provide learning opportunities and help improve community appreciation and support for cultural arts, as well as the benefits of diverse interests. Through forums and discussions, community members are able to share the knowledge they gain from their cultural experiences and challenge others to consider diverse ideas and the needs of a diverse city. We are currently working on this aspect of our organization through several established forums, the live September 11 Cultural Literacy Project and our on-line Globalization Topics Forum that encourages classrooms and organizations to discuss complex issues. We are presently leading two topical discussions that are important to us locally and globally: What Issues are Artists and Organizations Facing in Our Community Today?; and, The Value of Cultural Literacy in the Global Electronic Village. We also address issues of cultural sensitivity by organizing group discussions that improve cultural understanding. | Volunteer Needs To make important forums and discussions possible, volunteers are needed to host these simple and highly beneficial events at their schools, churches and community centers. Additionally, volunteers are needed to recruit interesting panelists from diverse communities to discuss social and cultural issues, and to promote cross-cultural dialogue in under-represented neighborhoods, as well as schools for the benefit of students. |
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Educational Programs and Events [ CONTENTS ] The organization sponsors and co-sponsors many educational programs and events, sometimes offering one per month. We plan to increase the frequency of these educational events in the future with increased funding. We plan to share these types of activities with various communities throughout Houston, following the example of the Austin organization, Texas Folklife Resources, which brings cultural events to communities throughout Texas. These events are facilitated by Houston Institute for Culture volunteers using prepared media, or by experts in cultural arts, such as the classical Indian dancer, Namita Bodaji, who has graced us with her outstanding lecture/demonstration format on an annual basis. The goal is to involve more community members and aspiring artists, as well as area teachers and college professors. We will continue to offer our programs free to the general public in most cases and try to concentrate them in under-served communities. We produced a radio transcript, "A Legacy of Defiance, A Century of Honor: The Mardi Gras Indians" for a program on KTRU and began a series of educational programs, "Masking Indian: The Black Indians of New Orleans," that we first presented at the African American Studies Program at University of Houston and will offer to HISD Schools in February during Black History Month. The audio collected for supporting material to visual presentations designed for live audiences interested in the "Four Territorial Periods of New Mexico" was edited for use on radio and for educational recordings for our auto tours of New Mexico. To truly make effective use of our resources, we have to create a network of results: Materials prepared for radio broadcast, or documentary projects being conducted in neighboring states, should be utilized in educational presentations where interaction of audience members is possible; Interaction and dialogue should in turn be documented on line to extend the usefulness of the discussion beyond the captive audience; And, most importantly, community members should be encouraged to take an active role in their own ideas and community viewpoints to both live audiences and electronic venues for the wider Internet and radio audiences. The principles of community involvement on all levels -- from the innocent mind of a child to the well-trained thinker, artist and activist -- and diverse interactive audiences are essential to the mission of the organization. We combine many of our cultural adventure tours with educational presentations, which serve to develop interest in the trips for those who might otherwise miss these valuable opportunities. We offer a "Cultural Survey of the Southwest: Four Directions, Four Cultures, Four Corners" for those who are interested in traveling to the Southwest, and "Separation Rapid: The Contradictions of John Wesley Powell" for our Western Canyon Explorers Adventure or for anyone interested in environmental and social issues associated with the Old West. We offer a wide range of diverse cultural subjects based on our travels, including "The Creoles of the Cane River" and "The Tarahumara of Copper Canyon." Over the past few months we began a series of "Listen for Clues" summer kids programs, such as "The Ancient Puebloans and the Modern Navajo," featuring lessons from a Navajo fable, "Who Wants to Be a Prairie Dog?" Centers with greater resources for providing educational programs had more disciplined audiences better able to focus on the material than centers with little resources, where the children were often uninterested and distracted. We are not in a position to increase the programs we provide to schools and community centers, but we will work to increase our resources in the future and make more organizations aware of the benefits of focusing their programming in under-served communities. | Volunteer Needs Events are often highly effective means to inspire dialogue. Our events always feature an educational component and usually conclude with an informative discussion or questions and answers with the presenters. As with Forums and Discussions mentioned above, volunteers are needed to bring these to the community and to help get the community involved. |
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Virtual Classroom [ CONTENTS ] In the Virtual Classroom, Internet users can study cultural history by reading important works of regional authors and comparing notes to the chapters. The first Virtual Classroom series follows Cabeza de Vaca's Relaccion of his mysterious and revealing journey across Texas and Mexico more than 450 years ago. Resources linked in the section include historic timelines and related topics. We are developing Virtual Classrooms on important regional subjects, such as The Contradictions of American Explorer John Wesley Powell, in "The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons". There are many more great regional subjects we plan to offer, including "Death Comes for the Archbishop" by Willa Cather, "Bayou Folk" and "A Night in Acadie" by Kate Chopin and "The Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit," the African folktales compiled by folklorist Richard Chase at the Laura Plantation in Louisiana. | Volunteer Needs We particularly need volunteers who are enthusiastic about interesting cultural literature that is important to our region. It is necessary to be able to develop a plan to be followed over a short period of time and lead a discussion of the information or other qualities of the literature. |
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Educational Media [ CONTENTS ] As described in "Educational Programs and Events" above, we have created several informative programs on compact disc to support our educational trips and other activities, including "A Legacy of Defiance, A Century of Honor: The Mardi Gras Indians" and a tour through time, "Four Territorial Periods of New Mexico," explaining the origins of centuries-old traditions like the Feast of San Lorenzo. As an extension of our documentary projects and our effort to present them to audiences through radio and other electronic media, we are creating a wealth of cultural and educational information ready to be produced in various formats. We are working toward establishing resources (finances, equipment, and trained volunteers) needed to produce these projects consistently for greater educational distribution. For students who are interested in gaining experience, we welcome assistance with our "Documentary Projects" on Page 1, and we have additional goals to produce educational Public Service Announcements. All of these projects offer excellent opportunities for those who are dedicated to cultural and social causes to reach wide audiences. | Volunteer Needs Students and professionals in communications and education are welcome to help produce valuable electronic media to be presented in classrooms, Internet or radio. From writing scripts and recording voice-overs to scanning images and designing interactive CD-ROMs, there are many rewarding challenges awaiting volunteers. |
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Cultural Advocate of the Year [ CONTENTS ] In an effort to recognize those who generate significant interest in cultural topics and cultural activities that improve our quality of life, we name a Cultural Advocate of the Year. This honor is not intended to benefit the successful nominee, but to educate the public about the importance of those who advocate for cultural causes in a limited media environment that recognizes the most mainstream and profit-oriented entertainers. We would like to develop an attended event to recognize the recipient, but with special attention to establishing an atmosphere that is inviting to all people. | Volunteer Needs The nominations process needs volunteers to serve on the nominations committee. As we move forward with our plans to develop a Cultural Advocate of the Year live event, a program coordinator, who will serve as event chairperson, is needed. In fact, this valuable program may only be possible once a dedicated volunteer is identified. |
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Event and Media Planning [ CONTENTS ] While we organize cultural programs with strong educational benefits throughout the year, it is more important for us to help develop public interest in the many great cultural activities that go on in our city and region. Smaller organizations often lack the resources big institutions invest in planning and promoting events. Resources, like well developed media plans and experienced staff who coordinate and publicize events, can make the operations of big organizations successful, but they may still face problems and signs of weakening support if diverse interests in arts and cultural activities are not developed citywide on many different levels. Community non-profit organizations often face challenges in attracting audiences to their events, sometimes finding it difficult to attract a desired total attendance, and other times finding it difficult to interest an audience represented by diverse communities. Other challenges stem from larger media issues, where media will often inform the public of commercial ventures over cultural activities. It is absolutely necessary for all of us in the cultural community to support diverse activities and promote better understanding of the educational and social value of cultural activities. As much as we are able we provide assistance to organizations and artists, by offering advice and maintaining resources, such as listings of media and potential event collaborators. Finding affordable venues for smaller organizations to hold performances and recitals is a major challenge. We are preparing a campaign to improve the Resource Listings section for artists and organizations, and to encourage community involvement. We are working on larger future solutions for organizations that lack venues for their events and organizational functions by developing plans for a Cultural Arts Center. | Volunteer Needs Professionals in event and media planning can make a great contribution to Houston by offering assistance to the thousands of non-profit organizations, student groups and community associations that don't have the resources of many companies and elite organizations. It is very important for quality of life and social issues in our community that arts programs and cultural activities remain strong. Volunteer professionals and trainees are needed to improve modern circumstances non-profit organizations, by helping us develop a cultural resource guide, a media list exclusively for non-profits and a network of advisors who are willing to contribute their expertise to help organizations plan and publicize their events. |
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Exploration Boating [ CONTENTS ] From 5,000-year-old canoes in the cypress swamps of Florida and earthen mounds found throughout the tributaries of the Mississippi to Indian camps on the Old and Lost River and ancient petroglyphs in the canyons of the Pecos, our most historic highways were waterways. Necessary to understanding our cultural history is understanding human relationship with water. Following the course of water has allowed us to better understand the fragile condition of life for the First People, and the modern people of our region, as well as the explorers who changed the course of our history. The little boat, La Jornada de Cabeza de Vaca, has toured Galveston Bay and landed at a prehistoric Indian shell midden encampment and motored far into the industrial bays of the modern Houston Ship Channel.* On the Gulf of Mexico, we have conducted important research on the probable route of Cabeza de Vaca and many Spaniards who are believed to have perished on the Texas Coast. The effort, tentatively titled "Gulf Currents Research and Survival Project," tested both the ability of the Spaniards to move against the Gulf currents and to survive winter conditions on the Gulf in the month of November. Interest in John Wesley Powell, enhanced by experience traveling on the Colorado River and the new fragile environments of Lake Powell, helps us consider the social issues faced by Western settlers -- past, present and future. We are redeveloping plans to travel Amistad Reservoir into Seminole Canyon (which were abandoned two years ago, ironically, due to draught conditions which made sections of the ancient waterways inaccessible to modern boats) with the goal to experience remote territory and rugged canyons that may have seen by Spanish explorers. *NOTE: This was an approved project to document water quality testing by the Cullen College of Engineering. Industrial waterways, such as the Houston Ship Channel, are usually off limits to private citizens due to national security issues. | Volunteer Needs We will likely include boating and rafting in several upcoming Educational Adventures. Volunteers may help us gage interest in this type of activity. Future plans may also include kayak and canoe touring in various sites, including the Neches River through the Big Thicket National Preserve and coastal wildlife refuges. As well, we would like to take part in traditional Houston activities, such as the Buffalo Bayou Regatta, and offer assistance to cultural events like the annual Dragon Boat Races at Allen Landing. |
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Parade Project [ CONTENTS ] Parades are an interesting cultural activity. From the West Indian Parade in Brooklyn, New York to the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California, most all interests are represented. Most traditional and nontraditional activities are exhibited in the public spectacles, including: the eclectic Art Car Parade in Houston; the massive George Washington Birthday Celebration Parade in Laredo, Texas; the unusual "Box of Wine" and mocking Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club Parade in New Orleans, Louisiana; regional Fiestas Patrias Parades and Processions for the Virgen de Guadalupe; the contrast of marching bands and horsemen in the Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade; the highly sponsored Carnival Parades in Veracruz; urban Gay Pride Parades; New York's large celebrations of the Irish, Dominicans and Puerto Ricans; and rural Mardi Gras in the Louisiana Parishes. Parades are educational in their own way and they offer opportunities for further education. Consider the connections between the Junkanoo parades of the Caribbean, Carnival, and the Mardi Gras Indians' Super Sunday. We would like to present stories of these parades on line and maybe even sponsor educational and fun exhibits in some of the parades (Most of all fun, since they are supposed to be for children, after all.) In the Caribbean Parade for instance, it would be a worthy goal to enter a "Chutney Soca" float to promote interest in cultural diversity through the cross-cultural music developed by Indian immigrants in Caribbean and South American nations like Trinidad and Guyana. | Volunteer Needs This kind of project will have to be championed by an enthusiastic volunteer with a love of music and friendly competition. Having a childhood dream to drive a big Soca truck may also be important. But seriously, there are many opportunities to promote cultural education at big events like parades, and to explore cultural histories through parade traditions. |
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Special Projects [ CONTENTS ] Cabeza de Vaca The fantastic adventure of Cabeza de Vaca along the Gulf Coast and into Mexico is one of the most important events in our cultural history. The Sixteenth Century story, in which three Spaniards and one Moroccan survive eight years and six thousand miles wandering aimlessly, foreshadows the cultural conflicts and strife that were to come in the Americas through colonization. Cabeza de Vaca's Relaccion of his miraculous adventure has the power to captivate even the modern resident who may be indifferent to Texas' past and help develop cultural understanding. In addition to offering this significant book on line, we study the events of 1528 -1536 in the Virtual Classroom and research projects, such as our Gulf Currents Research and Survival Project using 'drifters' and reenactment of human experience on the Gulf of Mexico. To include more people in these educational activities, we offer presentations on the subject and a new travel series to explore the Route of Cabeza de Vaca. Our La Ruta de Cabeza de Vaca series will kick off next year with the first in the amazing adventure, La Florida. Others will include Perilous Voyage on the Sea, Survival on the Gulf Coast, West to the Pacific, El Camino Real: Culiacan to Mexico City, Return to Spain by Veracruz. September 11 Cultural Literacy Project The events of September 11, 2001 will be an important topic in the United States and throughout the world as emotional reactions give way to intellectual discussions over time. We want to encourage public discussion on issues of cultural literacy. Studies and Surveys It is helpful, even necessary, to have background information and surveys available for readers to explore many of our important topics further and to help frame public participation in topical discussions. Though we are not yet at a stage where we can conduct many extensive surveys of public interests or opinions, those we have done have proven extremely valuable in helping us consider important cultural issues today. We have surveyed community members' interests and use of their leisure time, as well as participation in community and cultural organizations. Globalization Topics Globalization is one of the hottest topic of the day and it is relevant to nearly all cultural issues. It is a subject that is difficult for many to understand and it is highly contested by most everyone else. Globalization will be a controversy and a reality for all time to come. In addition to a provocative section on modern media culture, spearheaded by a series of discussion topics on globalization, we are actively encouraging community members to take part in major events of our times -- Central American Free Trade Agreement talks in Houston, the GOP Convention in New York City, and many more -- as observers, reporters, editorialists and panelists serving on public forums. Even Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston will present an interesting venue for globalizing forces and anti-globalization activists. | Volunteer Needs Our current and future special projects need strong leadership by committed volunteers who can see these projects through to useful and productive conclusions. Largely this involves conceptualizing a plan for the project and recruiting a small group of interested volunteers to participate in its development. Seeing the project through to the conclusion of a public forum or publishing of a report is usually needed to extend the life and usefulness of each special project. |
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