Meet Guillermo Lopez

CLUB: Kiwanis Club of Allentown Downtown, Pennsylvania

FORMER STEELWORKER: During his 25 years with Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Guillermo was the civil rights representative for the United Steelworkers of America, where he advocated for changes in laws, represented the laborers in civil rights issues, and made sure the workplace was a hostile-free environment.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING: Guillermo is a senior trainer for the (US) National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), a nonprofit leadership-development institute. He is responsible for the development of Latino/a leaders within NCBI and consults with community organizations, school districts, and major corporations. He contributed in the creation of NCBI’s book Healing into Action , which is used as a textbook for leaders.

RECENT HONORS: Guillermo was selected as a delegate to the 2001 United Nations World Conference on Ending Racism, Xenophobia, and other Intolerances in Durban, South Africa.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: “To change a community culture means everybody involved must change,” Guillermo says. Below is a short list of things everyone can do:

• Read a book written by someone who is of different race or culture.

• Take a look at your circle of friends and do a diversity assessment. Ask yourself, “Who is missing from my circle.”

• Visit cultural events and festivals. Include your family and friends.

• Practice saying hello to people you don’t know and who don’t look like you.

• Visit a multicultural house of worship.

• Celebrate holidays with a group different from yours.

• Join or participate in a cultural organization.

• Practice the art of listening, asking questions, and listening again.

• Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. We all should know how to clean up after ourselves.

GUILLERMO’S PASSION: “I’ve learned to take the passion and put it into practical aspects,” he says. “It’s important to challenge people to do their best and not point out what’s wrong. It makes sense to teach this in a place where people have the right heart. Kiwanians have that heart. Real Kiwanians make room for everyone.”