MAN (American): Yes, hello. Can I help you?
WOMAN (British): I’m trying to find out more information about the Arab Cultural and Community Centre.
MAN: Oh, yes. You called the right place.
WOMAN: Great! Can you tell me where you are located?
MAN: Sure. We are located at 14 Park End Street in downtown Oxford, next to the Yellow Submarine restaurant.
WOMAN: Thank you. What kinds of programs does the Centre offer?
MAN: Good question. We provide social and educational services for the Arab community here. We also promote cross-cultural events. Tell me, are you Arab?
WOMAN: I am, I guess. My father is from Saudi Arabia, but I was born in Durham. My father wants me to get more involved in the Arab community now that I am at university.
MAN: Uh-huh, I understand. And do you speak Arabic?
WOMAN: A little. I speak with my relatives.
MAN: I see. Well, we have quite a few heritage speakers in the area.
WOMAN: Yes, I think I met many of them last weekend when I went to the Arab Film Festival.
MAN: Excellent. The Film Festival is one of our many community-building initiatives. It’s a popular event.
WOMAN: I enjoyed it. I saw a film about Egyptian dance music that I thought was really fascinating.
MAN: Great. The filmmakers are British and friends of the Centre. As I said, the Film Festival is very popular. And a lot of work!
WOMAN: I’m sure. What other events do you host?
MAN: Well, we have a cultural festival every autumn. We also offer regular Arabic classes to the public.
WOMAN: That sounds terrific! I know my father would love for me to speak more Arabic.
MAN: I thought you might be interested in that. In turn, since you are British, we could also use your own knowledge and familiarity with English.
WOMAN: Oh, yeah? How?
MAN: Well, we offer cultural competency training for Arabs who have just arrived in the area. It’s a very helpful program for these people.
WOMAN: Yes, absolutely.
WOMAN: So how do I get involved?
MAN: Well, there are a few ways. You can become a member. You can also volunteer, or both.
WOMAN: What does the membership include?
MAN: Membership includes admission to all our events and access to our facilities, including our kitchen, recreation room, and library.
WOMAN: How much does it cost to become a member?
MAN: It depends. Traditionally, membership for an individual is 40 pounds. Membership for a family is 60 pounds. Since you are a student, we have a special rate. Membership for a student is 15 pounds.
WOMAN: Per year?
MAN: Yes.
WOMAN: Okay, that sounds affordable.
MAN: I’m glad to hear it. And of course we can always use volunteers.
WOMAN: What do volunteers typically do?
MAN: Many things. We depend on volunteers to organize the events and make them a success. They view and recommend submissions for our annual Film Festival, handle mailings and respond to inquiries like this one.
WOMAN: You are a volunteer?
MAN: I am.
WOMAN: Great.
MAN: Another thing volunteers do is help us with our education initiative. Tell me, have you ever worked with youth? We offer after-school homework assistance for area youth, ages 6 to 18.
WOMAN: Yes, I enjoy working with young people. I have three younger brothers.
MAN: Perfect. Let me collect your information and we can get you on our list. May I have your name?
WOMAN: Hiba. Hiba Mostafa.
MAN: Hiba, nice to meet you. And what’s your email?
WOMAN: hmostofa@oxford.edu
MAN: Would you like to receive our weekly announcements?
WOMAN: Sure.
MAN: Wonderful. I’ll have somebody notify you soon with more information. You can also check our calendar on the website. If you have any questions, you can email our Membership Coordinator at membership@arabculturalcentre.org. Nice to meet you!