Mission of the Cultural Diversity Committee: Identify, educate and facilitate the understanding and the needs of REALTORS^®; in the community in relation to cultural diversity, as well as ensuring adherence to local, state, and Federal Housing Laws.

Committee Responsibilities: This Committee will assist in efforts to ensure adherence to local, state and federal fair housing laws and will develop programs to create broader understanding of cultural diversity issues among the Members of the Association and our clients/customers. In addition to the above listed responsibilities, the 2009 Cultural Diversity Committee is charged with applying for grants, planning the 2009 Cultural Diversity Day in June, and work on a membership survey on Cultural Diversity.

Cultural Diversity Committee: Cheryl Abrams - Chair, Sydney Harrison - Vice Chair

Members: Donahue Aitcheson, Pauline Brisbon, Gabriella Gamez, Arthur Greene, Dick Harbin, Deidre Jackson, Janet Jackson, Keisha Jones, Melody Newson, Bertram Reed, Mylene Talavera, Jamie Wilson

In an effort to identify the needs of our Association members and bridge the gap in cultural diversity, stay tuned for more information about our upcoming project!

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability).

The Maryland Association of REALTORS^® sponsors an annual Fair Housing Calendar Contest. Contact PGCAR to pick up a packet and enroll an elementary or middle school to participate. It's never too early to teach our children about Fair Housing.

MAR C.A.R.E. Award: Are you giving back to your community by coaching, mentoring or making a difference in someone's life? If so, we want to hear about it. PGCAR has a chance to win MARs CARE Award which gives $10,000 to use for whatever cause we select. Your service activities could have a greater impact than you imagined. Please take time to share your activities with us by completing the online MAR C.A.R.E. Award form by visiting the Community Service link on the PGCAR website. Together we can make a difference!

• The Maryland Association of REALTORS^® needs REALTOR^® sponsors to help defray the cost of printing for the Fair Housing calendar. Contact PGCAR for more info.
• Famous inhabitants of Prince George's County Include: Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets (University Park); Mya, R&B/Pop singer (Glenn Dale); Kathie Lee Gifford (Bowie); Martin Lawrence, actor/comedian (Landover); JC Chasez, former member of 'N Sync & Brad Schumacher, Olympic gold medalist (Bowie)

The Committee has identified a number of reference resources to assist you in bridging the gap on diverse issues.

• Go to www.mdrealtor.org and www.realtor.org
• Spanish/English Real Estate Dictionary* ($19.00)
• Spanish for Real Estate Professionals
• Bow, Kiss or Shake Hands* ($17.95)
• MAR and HUD Brochures available on line

*Available at Prince George's Association of REALTORS^® Office

The City of Asuncion, which today is the capital of Paraguay, was founded in 1537 . Paraguay is the only South America nation with two official languages: Spanish and Guarani. Most executives speak Spanish, if not English. Every politician and civil servant is required to be fluent in both languages. Paraguayans process information subjectively and associatively. This makes their solutions subjective and particular to each situation, rather than rule-based or law-based.

The male is the decision-maker, but he always keeps the interests of the family or group in mind. When conducting business it is expected that you will arrive on time, but despite this formality business meetings rarely start on time. It would be unrealistic to expect your Paraguayan counterpart to be on time. Mornings are best for appointments and the best time of year to conduct business in Paraguay is from June through October, as December through February is vacation time in Paraguay.

• Though many executives you meet will speak English, all printed material you distributed should be translated into Spanish; this includes everything from business cards, to report as well as brochures.
• Personal relationships are far more important than corporate and this means each time your company changes its representative in Paraguay, you are essentially starting from scratch.
• Paraguayans are great sports fans, so discussing sports is generally a good way to open a conversation. Football and soccer in the United States, is the most popular.
• Many still go for lunch, however, with enough notice, Paraguayan executives may consider a business lunch.
• Business entertaining is done over dinner, and typically held at 9pm or 10 pm. Most restaurants will not serve dinner before 9pm. Do not discuss business at dinner unless your counterpart brings it up.
• Except when greeting close friends, you should shake hands firmly with both men and women. At a gathering such as a party, it is important to shake hands with everyone both as you arrive and as you depart.
• Paraguayans converse at a much closer distance so you must restrain from tying to back away.
• Never cross the index and second fingers, it is considered offensive, as well as displaying the thumb and index finger curled into a circle (which means "okay" in the United States). When done with the wrist bent and others fingers pointed downward it considered to be obscene.
• Business dress is conservative, dark suits and ties along with a white blouse for women. In business, never wear jeans or shorts.

Source: Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands by Terri Morrison, Wayne A. Conaway, and George A. Borden, Ph.D.