As we get set to celebrate a new year of cultural diversity, let's work on how we can create a stronger integrated community.

Before we can celebrate our diversity, we need to begin speaking with one another and it's going to take more than just food, festivals and dance to make this happen.

It's great that people encourage gatherings that include these elements; however, it sometimes starts and stops there.

I was recently reading an article that stated: "In 1976 there were only six ethnic enclaves all of Canada, however, according to the latest statistics there are more than a 110 ethnic enclaves in Metro Vancouver and 230 across Canada."

Is this something that we should be concerned about?

There's some beauty in enclaves and people find comfort within their own, however, the one disadvantage is that it can limit us in how we interact with one another.

Throughout the years, many people have made comments to me about the large South Asian population in west Abbotsford, and I have addressed some of the concerns relating to this issue.

The one that comes up most often is that neighbours don't speak with one another, especially if they are from a different race.

This is the challenge for 2012, that we must make a point to step up as individuals in the community and start connecting with one another within our workplaces, neighbourhoods and schools.

We can all be very judgmental at times; this behaviour generally stems from personal biases or assumptions.

Let's challenge ourselves in recognizing our individual biases and work through them so we can connect with one another and enjoy our community on a different level.

Recently, I was approached by Henry Bridge of Abbotsford who took the time to share some of his thoughts.

He told me that he enjoys the various diverse cultures within Abbotsford and appreciated my work.

Another example of local people reaching out is Gurdip Dhaliwal. In 2008, she began the annual New Year's Day meal at the Salvation Army for people in need. The event has been a wonderful success and is growing each year.

Diversity is about connecting with people and these examples demonstrate the positive benefits of how we can celebrate our differences but still be connected with one another within the community.

Sometimes it may take personal sacrifice to make this succeed. This begins with examining how we're living our lives. By doing so, it allows us to identify the changes that must be made.

While writing this, the following question came to mind: Do we have any intercultural clubs locally to discuss the health of diversity in our community? Please e-mail me and let me know.

On another topic, "Let's Talk . . . Mental Health" is having a discussion on Feb. 8 from 5: 30 p.m. - 7: 30 p.m. at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford in room B121.

The goal is to change the way we think about mental health and treatment.

For more information you can check out the Facebook page "Canadian Association of Philosophical Counselling" or contact Sheetal Deo at sheetal. d30@gmail.com.

- Ken Herar is a freelance writer with the Abbotsford-Mission Times. Contact him via e-mail at kenherar@ gmail.com.