The Greater Mankato Diversity Council (GMDC) exists to enhance the Mankato area’s commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming community through diversity education. Our mission is to provide diversity education as a catalyst for social and economic success. GMDC strives to give people an understanding of diversity and build their cultural competence through Promoting Respect Workshops, multi-cultural activities, diversity events and more.

GMDC is a non-profit organization that actively affirms and promotes the full participation of all. GMDC is not an advocate for any particular group or individual. It serves as a resource to all and emphasizes respecting differences.

"One Thousand Peace Cranes"

:Promoting Peace and Unity  

 In the Japanese culture, the crane is a symbol of longevity which can only be achieved through peace. Therefore it has become a tradition in Japan to fold one thousand origami cranes and hang them together (as one sculptural unit/mobile  called 千羽鶴 Senbazuru  in Japanese) to symbolize peace, unity, health and happiness. People from all over the world have folded millions of paper cranes which are currently displayed in the Hiroshima Peace Park at the location where the first atomic bomb was dropped. This park is dedicated to promoting everlasting peace. 

We want to promote respect, tolerance and everlasting peace by inviting everyone in the Mankato area to fold paper cranes in order to create many "one thousand peace cranes sculptures" (Senbazuru) to spread throughout our community thus declaring the Greater Mankato area is united for peace.

 This project was featured in the Mankato Free Press.

To learn more, please contact Kuma Takamura at 507.385.6651 or email him at ktakamura@mankatodiversity.org.

Nominate someone today for a 2018 MLK Pathfinder Award!