December 9, 2004 | Read Time: 1 minute
Leading Diverse Communities: A How-to Guide for Moving From Healing Into Action, by Cherie R. Brown and George J. Mazza, is a guide to abandoning stereotypes, resolving conflicts, and developing skills that foster interaction among different groups of people. The book proposes 32 recommendations for thinking about race and prejudice that are designed to make it easier for nonprofit groups and others to encourage diversity. A few of the ideas challenge conventional wisdom. For instance, Ms. Brown and Mr. Mazza, both of the National Coalition Building Institute, write that an emphasis on treating everyone the same can actually build resentment because it may stifle dialogue. For each principle, the authors present examples from their experience and suggestions on how to put their advice into practice. The book is based on the leadership-development program of the National Coalition Building Institute, in Washington, which has trained staff members of the U. S. Congress, as well as employees of the Public Broadcasting Service and the NAACP.
Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 989 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94103-1741; (317) 572-3986 or (800) 956-7739; fax (317) 572-4002; http://www.josseybass.com; 168 pages; $26.
