About Cultural Bridges
The mission of Cultural Bridges is to promote diversity and inclusion among the next generation of young professional and community leaders in Houston.
"Cultural Bridges is one of Houston's most dynamic and inclusive groups for young business and community leaders in Texas."
- Marc Sharpe
Objectives
Objectives of the Cultural Bridges program are:
- To cultivate and develop a diverse business and community leadership in Houston,
- To foster communication and collaboration throughout Houston's many varied networks,
- To raise awareness about the strengths of Houston's diversity and its rich cosmopolitan make up,
- To raise awareness around modern-day genocides and to advocate to improve the lives of all the world’s citizens,
- And to encourage involvement in Holocaust Museum Houston and the great work being done there to promote inclusiveness and education.
Why Join?
Cultural Bridges brings together a diverse group of young leaders interested in building bridges across ethnic, religious, international and other cultural lines.
It is not only a great place to build your network, but also provides a fabulous resource to educate yourself about important issues around the world and current events taking place in Houston.
Cultural Bridges participants benefit from:
- One free year-long membership to Holocaust Museum Houston,
- Invitations to special Cultural Bridges member-only events,
- Access to Holocaust Museum Houston Board members,
- Networking opportunities with a diverse community of young Houston professionals, and
- Houston Museum District discounts and special offers with other partner organizations.
Who Should Join?
Cultural Bridges is open to young leaders in Houston from all social, cultural, ethnic and international backgrounds. Our target demographic includes two groups, both in the age range of 25 to 45 years old:
- Young Professionals with Families: Attend one of our family-friendly events each year for members who are married with young children. Whether it's creating arts and crafts for our Butterfly Project or joining in our special "America's Table" Thanksgiving event, Cultural Bridges offers a variety of opportunities to teach young children the value of diversity and inclusion.
- Young, Free and Single: Cultural Bridges hosts a number of unique events each year that bring together a dynamic cross section of Houston’s young, emerging leaders.
History
As Dr. Stephen Klineberg, a leading sociologist and demographer in Houston has proven, "prejudice has not disappeared in this still segregated city, but it is now less conscious and more difficult to address."
Cultural Bridges was founded in Spring 2004 and charged with developing a dialogue of diversity among future community leaders to help support the mission of Holocaust Museum Houston.
Cultural Bridges is made up of young leaders from numerous social, cultural and geographical backgrounds; all with a common interest in bridging differences, overcoming stereotypes and educating our peers, friends and families on the dangers of prejudice, indifference and modern-day genocide. We seek to find new ways to bring community leaders together to build bridges and explore new joint ventures.
Governance
Cultural Bridges is governed by an Executive Committee elected to two-year terms and consisting of a chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer. Six sub-committees - Program and Events, Communications, Cultural and Arts Outreach, Community Outreach, Religious Outreach and International Outreach - fall under the Steering Committee and together bring events and awareness to the community.
