Facing the Challenge: Issues on the Job for People of Color

Designed to help persons from ethnically diverse backgrounds recognize and meet the challenges of securing gainful employment in this country, this program explores a number of relevant issues, including discrimination because of color or sex, language barriers, lack of education, overcoming stereotypes, teen pregnancy, transportation, and childcare. Vignettes and personal experiences related by several individuals of diverse backgrounds show how these challenges can be overcome. Tips for preparing for a job interview and responding to inappropriate questions are presented along with suggestions for using resources found in most communities such as public libraries, educational and financial assistance programs, and mentoring/networking programs. Newsreel footage of 19th century European immigrants, as well as from the Civil Rights era, is used to introduce each segment and highlight the main points in this quickly paced program, while objectives are repeated in written form and summarized at the end. Targeted to a young adult minority audience, utilizing a language level consistent with basic English skills, this very effective presentation uses realistic situations and clearly identifies problems as well as their solutions in an encouraging, positive, upbeat manner. Highly recommended. A companion volume, Accepting the Challenge: Issues on the Job for People of Color, is also available for the same price, or $149 when purchased as a set. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)