As rural communities become more culturally diverse, the institutions and organizations that serve them must assist this cultural transition by providing a framework for change. Such a framework includes a vision of healthy diverse communities that are conscious of changing demographics and willing to reevaluate community self-image. Three projects in Wayne County, New York, have heightened this consciousness and encouraged participation of all groups. In these projects, migrant teenagers collected and recorded oral histories of their families and other farmworkers, resulting in a book that illuminates the rightful place of these families in the community; a multicultural arts series encourages inquiry and contact between diverse cultures and provides drama and dance training for African American and Latino youth; and a racial equality action group empowers citizens to confront discriminatory practices and has sponsored a job bank, a scholarship fund and mentoring project for students of color, a multicultural education packet for area schools, and local speakers for community education programs. The following key assumptions underlie these programs: (1) cultural differences are important and valuable; (2) the target of change is the whole community; (3) community restructuring and social action are necessary; and (4) programs must be participant driven. Essential skills for change agents and community leaders are intercultural relations skills, conflict resolution skills, and an understanding of power. Multicultural training can encourage exploration of personal and professional boundaries that inhibit effective intercultural communication. Contains 17 annotated cultural diversity references and 6 multicultural resources. (SV)