Additional Resources Successful Community Principles, Diverse Cultural Histories, Community Forums, and More Successful Community Principles It is important for all members of the community to have a stake in its civic, cultural, social and economic success. In a successful community: -People know and support their neighbors -Diverse interests thrive -People are involved in education -Media provide outlets to express local views -Walking to stores, schools and churches is common -People support local businesses -People have access to local agriculture -Goods and services are available nearby -People develop and support community activities -People are represented fairly and share ideas -Policy makers care about local issues -People support charitable causes -Unique and diverse traditions are alive -Diverse religions are accepted -Recreation is for everyone Diverse Cultural Histories Texas is made up of many diverse populations that have had a positive impact on the state. Their broad interests helped them establish thriving communities across the state. Pluralism is the key to the success of many communities. Note: The following cultural histories will be provided for Spring 2007 classroom and educational support. Eighteenth Century and Earlier Indigenous Spanish Canary Islander French Mexican Nineteenth Century Anglo American African American German Czech Polish Wendish Alsatian Irish Italian Cuban Haitian Chinese Japanese Filipino More Twentieth Century and Beyond Vietnamese Korean Indian Nigerian All Nations Represented Films and Forums Topics Include: -Economic and Cultural Diversity -Local Community Solutions -Business Ownership and Consumer Issues -Expression of Community Voices -Sustainable Energy and Environment -Cultural Interests and Community Identity Recommended Films Argentina - Hope in Hard Times The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil The End of Suburbia - Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream Walmart - The High Cost of Low Prices Thirst Radically Simple Cosponsored Film Screenings Houston Institute for Culture will screen films from our library during cosponsored events for organizations, community centers and education departments. The films are licensed for public performance during events which are free to the public. The organization prefers to cosponsor events that offer opportunities for audience discussion. Film categories include: Localism, Sustainability, Poverty, Globalization, Urbanization, Immigration, and other issues. Positive Action Messages Public Service Announcements to Positively Impact Texas Communities Organize and Educate Steps You Can Take to Raise Standards and Quality of Life in Your Community Community Gift Giving A Model Program for Holiday Initiatives to Support Local Artists, Authors, Organizations and Businesses Kids Community Voices Thinking and Writing Exercises for Students (with Guidelines for Educators) Resource Downloads Weblinks and Printable Posters to Inform Community Members About the Benefits of Local Ownership Sol Communities Resources to Preserve the Distinctive Cultures and Identities of Texas Communities Informative Webpages Definitions and Frequently Asked Questions About Community Advocacy Additional Resources Successful Community Principles, Diverse Cultural Histories, Community Forums, and More Texas Community Advocate    Support    Contact