Developing the Cultural Diversity Alliance The Cultural Connections partnership is in the process of building the Cultural Diversity Alliance. Under the leadership of the Center for Cultural Understanding and Change at The Field Museum, the Alliance is in its second phase of strategic planning (through June 2005) to set up a governance structure and fundraising plan. Available for download: Cultural Diversity Alliance Phase I: Strategic Planning Executive Summary (PDF format, 112kb, 18pp). Cultural Diversity Alliance Phase II: Governance Development (PDF format, 416kb, 29pp). Working Vision: The Cultural Diversity Alliance is a consortium of Chicago-area ethnic museums, cultural centers, and historical societies in partnership with external institutional stakeholders dedicated to promoting the value and public understanding of cultural diversity. Working Mission: The Cultural Diversity Alliance's mission is to serve as the public voice and convener of local community-based ethnic museums, cultural centers, and historical societies in partnership with external institutional stakeholders to promote the value of cultural diversity as a powerful asset in our communities through public/private partnerships, advocacy, public education, and tourism. The Alliance will: Develop a dialogue that promotes public understanding of the value of diversity in building healthy communities. Build partnerships with public and private institutions by sharing and leveraging institutional resources for educational programs, public exhibitions, promotions, and events. Address issues of change and transformation in local communities and advocate on public policy issues of mutual concern for alliance members. Design educational diversity programming for youth, families, schools, and general audiences. Promote tourism in the region through marketing campaigns that highlight local ethnic communities. Offer member organizations mentoring services, professional development programming, and technical support. Assist member organizations regarding facility management issues and identifying ways to share resources. Create awareness and raise the general profile of member organizations. For more information e-mail us at ccuc@fieldmuseum.org. *Diversity Alliance development has been made possible by support from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.