Table 1. Steering committee values
Appreciation of  Appreciation of diversity incorporates an
diversity        approach that seeks to understand, not judge
                 views. It involves genuine admiration for the
                 cultural context and views expressed, and
                 flexibility in response to diversity.

Collaboration    Collaboration is a co-operative, not competitive,
                 approach. It allows for situations to develop
                 organically, and builds on existing local
                 activities. Collaboration involves sharing the.
                 results with those consulted, and speaks to a
                 commitment to the future of the partnership

Integrity        Integrity is exemplified by trust through open
                 communication about the purpose of the
                 consultation, values, processes used, and
                 application of results. It shows respect for all
                 involved, and their experience, expertise,
                 heritage, and history.

Excellence       Excellence is shown by conducting the
                 consultation with a continuous learning
                 approach. The process is based on evidence
                 available and input of local people. Rigour is
                 applied to ensure high-quality information.

Table 2. Principles for consulting with diverse communities

Heterogeneity of   Considerable variation exists within each
populations        ethnocultural community in respect to
                   language, customs, and beliefs, as well as
                   socioeconomic status, gender, and
                   intergenerational and rural--urban
                   differences. The consultation approach must
                   respect the diversity within communities.

Individuality of   The individuality of each potential

participants       participant must be respected.
Role of local      Local community representatives must be
community          invited to participate as partners to help
representatives    gauge the relevance of topics, find an entry
                   point into the community, recruit
                   participants, and provide space.

Flexibility        Flexibility is essential at all stages, from
                   planning the consultation, to working with
                   community partners, to holding the
                   consultation.

Relationships and  Time is needed to build relationships and
trust              trust. Using interviewers and facilitators
                   known to the community helps to gain the trust
                   of participants.

I've worked as a volunteer for a senior centre since
  1992 and this is the first time I've heard about organ
  donation and transplantation. Even kidney transplant,
  I have not heard about it before.

There was a poster used in Hong Kong that I found useful.
  It asked, "Do you want your life to be extended?"

When my colleague donated his kidney to his sister,
  he had to take sick leave and the boss was not
  happy ... Most of his co-workers accepted it, as it
  was for his sister, but some people had to do his
  work, too, and they complain[ed].

... I think everybody here would like their donated
  body parts to go to a good person, someone who had
  made a contribution to society. They don't want to
  donate to a prisoner or somebody who is very bad.

I would not accept, because, even if it doesn't
  affect their health immediately, it could affect the
  health of the donor later on in life. Who knows?

You give your time, as a volunteer or you give out money
  because you have excess that you can share with others.
  But now you can do something more, which is that a
  donation can be an organ, can be your living tissue.

Since the family is grieving about their dying
  relative, maybe one could alleviate the grieving
  of somebody else waiting for an organ to sustain
  or prolong life. Would you consider having other
  families not grieve about a family member dying?

I am against the idea of recognition, either
  monetarily, which is the worst kind of reward,
  or even a certificate--because the donor gave
  voluntarily and there is no need to publicize
  or advertise about the dead person.

It is a traditional Chinese viewpoint that all
  parts of the body are given by the parents and
  we are not supposed to hurt any part of it.
  This is part of filial piety--a very old concept.
  Your parents have given you a complete body;
  you should be buried whole and complete.

I've been dealing with science and engineering my
  whole life. So, for me, after death, the body
  returns to nature. It's part of a natural
  cycle ... It's better to donate, as the body
  will just disintegrate.

Whether one is rich or poor or dies early or dies old,
  one cannot control. It's all to do with luck, or God
  or heaven.

The best way to do it is for the prospective donor to
  discuss it with his or her family members before
  signing the donor card and then it would be much easier
  for the doctor to ask the family if the donor dies.
  They would be aware of his wishes--it would influence them.

If the family is Cantonese-speaking, you have a person
  of authority who is Cantonese asking the questions.
  If the person can explain things in Cantonese it will
  be much better.