1. Achieving Unity through Diversity
Dr. Rodney H. Clarken
School of Education, Northern Michigan University
Presented at the 2008 UNITED Conference
September 21-23, 2008
Selling your ideas is challenging. First, you must get your listeners to agree with you in principle. Then, you must move them to action. Use the Dale Carnegie Training® Evidence – Action – Benefit formula, and you will deliver a motivational, action-oriented presentation.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

2. We need a new and comprehensive vision
of a unified global society, supported by new values that honor human diversity:
acceptance of the oneness of humanity
profound consciousness of the indisputable interdependence of all the peoples and nations of the world
world citizenship
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

3. Unity in diversity supports
legitimate loyalties that honor wider loyalties
cultural expressions that do not conflict with other’s rights and freedoms
national autonomy that recognizes the value of a united federated system
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

4. It does not impose uniformity
suppress diversity of ethnicity, history, language, thought, tradition, habits, etc.
support excessive centralization
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

5. Education
is the most effective way to shape the values, attitudes, behaviors and skills to function effectively in an integrated society and world that abides by the principle of unity in diversity.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

6. Teach unity in diversity
as the foundation principle for social integration for all groups.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

7. Cultivate
tolerance, love, brotherhood, equality, compassion, understanding, sacrifice, humility, and an active commitment to justice.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

8. Nurture
an appreciation for the richness and importance of the world's diverse cultural, religious and social systems, in as much as they contribute to social integration, justice and unity.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

9. Build
on the country's positive efforts and highlight its tangible successes with social integration, including models of racial, religious, national and ethnic unity.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

10. Have
at their heart the moral development of the individual, emphasizing virtue as the foundation for actions that foster individual and collective spiritual and material well-being.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

11. Convey
 an understanding of the rights and corresponding responsibilities of all people.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

12. Be free
of stereotyping based on religion, culture, gender, race, class, nationality and ethnicity.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

13. Foster
an ethic of service to the entire human race, including one's family, neighbors, community, and nation; and provide the practical means for its expression in the education process through service- oriented programs.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

14. The values, attitudes, and skills
taught through the various educational programs must also be translated into action.
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008

15. References
Most of the material in this presentation was adapted from Bahá’í International Community statements
© Rodney H. Clarken 2008