PVA Working Groups

Building Alliances Working Group

Human beings have more things in common then we usually are aware of, and an important aspect of building alliances is the discovery of commonalities, which will make us more effective in our work together.

It is especially important in a multicultural society that we be able to trust each other and support one another's agendas. When any group is oppressed or is being affected in a negative way, we are all affected as well.

One way that we have approached this process is through the presentation of a variety of panels at the PVA meetings. These panels will consist of members of different groups, like elders, gays, Native Americans, etc. By listening to the panelists, we'll develop a better understanding of what it is like to be a member of that particular group, and especially how to be better allies for them. Since every one of us is a member of several groups, we will all have an opportunity to inform those outside of our group about ourselves.