ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
The mission of Hybrid is to educate and programmatically support the multiracial population as well as the transracial adoption population in Central Ohio. We believe that through knowledge, understanding and the strength of community and fellowshipping that we may understand, embrace and appreciate intra-diversity.
2000 marked the 1st year that the US Census allowed persons to indicate two or more races for demographic information. This was a major achievement for the multiracial population and an eye-opener for the country. In the Columbus, OH area alone, 18829 people or 2.6% of the population self-reported multiracial status. By the year 2020, the United States will have a larger multiracial population than any single race population, which is great for diversity. But everyone doesn’t support multiculturalism and multiracial people need to be prepared for the real world. Hybrid, a non-profit organization, was established in 2006 to stimulate growth and development to assist in preventing, managing and working beyond challenges faced by multiracial people and transracial adoptees.
[ Read More about the Founder and Board of Directors for Hybrid, Inc. ]
WHAT WE DO
Hybrid’s education workshop and program categories include:
- Informational programs - A source of education for the multiracial and transracial adoption community. May include conferences, workshops, retreats, cosponsored events, focus groups, speakers, or field trips.
- Social programs - Fulfills the celebration of the multicultural experience. May include parties/receptions, open houses, galas/soirees, art shows, or movies.
- Guided group meetings - Allow fellowship and discussion of any and all issues pertaining to the multiracial and transracial adoption experience. Meetings will include a facilitator and a task or charge to encourage growth and personal development.
- Creative workshops/events - Enable expression of thoughts, feelings and perspectives through multiple artistic outlets. Workshops or events may include expression through painting, drawing, poetry, photography, film, writing groups, reading clubs, theatre productions, etc.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Research has shown that being of two or more races is an existence accompanied by several developmental challenges. The following are needs of the multiracial and transracial adoption community:
- Exposure to peers with common experiences
- Societal coping mechanisms
- Cultural/racially affirming materials
- Cultural experiences
- Peers, friends and role models
- Knowledge and relatability of persons outside of minority groups
- Building/developing positive cultural/ethnic identity
- 5 components of self-esteem (from Self Esteem in Children of Color: Developmental, Adoption and Racial Issues by Jan McFarlane from Adoptive Families magazine (formerly OURS), January/February 1992.)
- Safety (from psychological harm)
- Identity and belonging (family name, gender and race)
- Competence and purpose (functioning members of social groups)
- Individual talents (encouragement of gifts and special talents)
- Parental self-esteem (confidence in ability to nurture children)
