Kaleidoscope: An Ongoing Multicultural Conversation

Thirteen years ago, Mason District Supervisor Penelope Gross founded Kaleidoscope, a monthly dialogue on diversity because of her concerns about negative public and private discourse in Mason District.

The goal of Kaleidoscope is to allow residents to have open conversations that create greater understanding and working relationships among citizens in Mason District.

Gross recalled how she was concerned about people referring to anyone different as "those people". She felt that the series of speakers and open-ended discussions since 1998 had made it possible to reverse negative stereotypes. According to Gross, participants have developed a greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse members of the community, which has "established relationships even before you need them."

During 9/11, Kaleidoscope facilitated a discussion of how to approach and interact with the Muslim community, three Elders from the Mosque came to her, asking how they could help. They organized a community-wide prayer service at the Mosque, made possible because of the relationships previously developed.

Mort Glassberg, who has attended Kaleidoscope meetings since 1998, said “the group was not as heterogeneous as before," but it is "still a diverse group." He recalled his early concerns when so many of the signs were in Korean and he wondered how non-Korean speaking citizens would feel and whether that would affect business here in Annandale. The discussions pointed out that most ethnic communities start in a similar fashion, but become more broad-based as these businesses need to expand their market. "Just live with it, it will change." was the advice at the time.

Other discussions have aimed to shed light on multicultural diverse family values and traditions and to help community agencies and school personnel understand and provide assistance as needed. Originally, Gross extended an invitation to representatives of civic associations, Parent-Teacher Associations and community leaders to attend meetings. The membership has grown, changed and shifted over the years. “A few people come all the time and new people are always welcome,” said Gross.

The meetings are usually scheduled for the last Wednesday monthly from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Mason District Governmental Center here in Annandale. The topic of discussion for last week’s meeting was “After Tucson: Beyond the Rhetoric, Civility in Public Discourse".

All residents who want to learn more about Kaleidoscope or attend a meeting can RSVP to Fran Tunick through Gross’ office by calling 703-256-7717 or e-mail mason@fairfaxcounty.gov. The schedule for meetings can be found here on the Mason District calendar.