“Future adults” are more likely to be affected by the possible results of misunderstanding among cultures as they are growing up in a world of conflict. Hence, the are vulnerable to intolerance and prejudice. As the residents of this country have diverse demographic backgrounds, it is our responsibility to eliminate divisive and polarizing points and to improve the social cohesion among the members of different cultures. These thoughts inspired us to carry out a Children’s Festival that would represent the Arizona’s various cultures by children’s performances. We believe that the Arizona Children’s Festival will serve to increase our children’s awareness to appreciate the diverse cultures of the United States, which they daily face in their ordinary environments.
The Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue (FID) is an independent and non-profit organization established in 2004 by a group of Turkish Arizonans. Our mission is to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation among different cultures and faiths that make up our society. As members of FID, we believe that diversity of values and beliefs is not a threat to social fabric; rather it may be a basis to moving all different groups toward reaching common goals that are vital to our society. The first step for this framework is to initiate a productive dialogue among the members of our community.
If we are determined to leave a more peaceful world to the new generations, we need to educate our children to learn the importance of dialogue among people. Along with performing their cultural dances, the children would observe the diverse cultural expressions of joy and happiness.
Groups from different cultural group make dance performance that reflect their traditions. It could be folkloric dance, a small theater, a chorus for singing.