Aims

• To offer advice, support and information to mixed race people, couples and families
• To create opportunities to explore mixed race issues and to encourage mixed race people to have a positive view of their identity
• To empower people to challenge racism and racist stereotypes and to evolve strategies for coping and dealing with racism
• To influence and promote positive images in the media

Objectives

• To provide a telephone helpline and set up a network of local groups
• Organise workshops, discussion groups and encourage our children towards creative self definition and self expression
• To publish a newsletter, papers, resources and information lists
• To participate in radio and television programmes covering mixed race issues and respond to newspaper and magazine articles

People in Harmony acknowledge terms such as 'race', 'racism', 'mixed race' and 'interracial' have arisen out of specific social and economic circumstances. We therefore understand that such terms are, rightly, subject for debate and invite comment from those involved.

Definitions of terms in common use:

'Race'

used to refer to groups of people with specific and clearly identifiable common characteristics. We believe that this view should be challenged as inaccurate and inadequate and that humans cannot, and should not, be classified into clear cut categories.

'Mixed Race'

used to describe people or families whose origins are described as being from different 'races'.

'Interracial'

used to describe a mix of 'races' or relationships between 'races'.

'Racism'

the belief that discrimination against a person on the basis of race or ethnic grouping is justified. When we speak about racism, we include not only the racist behaviour but also racist attitudes