Mission Statement
What are the objectives of MIA?
The basic purpose of the Association is to promote understanding and harmony between peoples of different cultures.
Sometimes the intersection of different cultures generates mutual misunderstanding and incomprehension of lifestyle choices and ways of behaving in society. In the worst cases, there may be expressions of xenophobia and resentment which can sometimes manifest as hate or prejudice of one group toward another.
One way to prevent or break down animosities resulting from cultural misapprehension is to find a common ground, and one of the most effective means for achieving that end is through sharing cultural experience, including artistic expression. When people can come together in joy and pleasure, the problems, real or imagined, that may have prevented communication often will fade into the past.
Each of us has probably experienced the feeling of surprise, if not delight, when getting to know a person's good points after holding a negative opinion of them. This is what we hope to achieve by providing a cultural platform for assembling people of different cultures here in Mendoza.
The three founders reflect the bicultural nature of the Association: two are from the United States, Ellen and Riccardo, and one is a Mendoza native--Pablo Falconi. (See About MIA for more about the founders.) In Pablo, we are fortunate to have what amounts to a personal guide to the local culture. Through Pablo's friendship and his generous sharing of experience, family and friends, we have been able to appreciate a deeper and richer understanding of Mendoza's lifestyle and, beyond that, a sense of the Argentine identity. The Association aims to extend that appreciation to all expats in the community, and it is formed to achieve that end.
Thus the mission of the Mendoza Intercultural Association is to serve as a vehicle for facilitating uderstanding and relationships between both expat residents and short-term visitors, and the Argentine people. To see specific examples of current projects dedicated to that purpose, please click on the PROJECTS link. Click here to go to our Spanish for Grownups program.