Tamejavi is not just a festival; its greatest priority is to build a community that engages in a cultural exchange and learning process with the intention of reaching a better understanding of the issues and struggles that Central Valley immigrant and refugee communities face. In this sense, Tamejavi is a process of cultural development that includes intercultural learning which encompasses the principles of understanding, respect for differences, and negotiating to engage in collaborative community building practices. Ultimately, cultural development in the context of PVI's work is understood as a resource for supporting immigrants in their efforts to become more socially and politically included in society.
Cultural development is also defined as a process of vindication of one's own identity, the recapturing of histories, and the freedom to hold and express immigrants' own cultural practices and creativities as well as the inclusion of new cultural values in a humane and respectful way - not by imposition.
By "culture", we mean people's mythical and/or religious beliefs, their ways of seeing and interpreting the world, their artistic creativities, social and political negotiations and practices, and economic development strategies for improving their quality of life.
Cultural Sharing is defined as a means by which communities come together across cultural lines to learn from one another, to re-assert their cultural traditions and meanings, and to voice to themselves and to others, thereby establishing the sense of belonging and connection necessary for meaningful civic engagement.
Cultural Organizers are people deeply rooted in the immigrant communities who organize by facilitating and implementing cultural development models and principles.
Learning Group is defined as a group of people who gather around a certain theme or topic to discuss issues of common concern or interest and collectively work to express those concerns.
Learning Groups are essential to cultural development work as they provide groups with the opportunity to work closely and learn from one another in an effort to raise intercultural awareness and appreciation. It is important for each Learning Group to have 1-2 Cultural Organizers who will facilitate the work of the entire group. The Cultural Organizer plays a crucial role in the development of the Learning Group and in the journey that the Learning Group will take during the Tamejavi process.