Why Cultural Humility? |
Intentional Cultural Change |
The Cultural Humility framework provides a method to advocate and maintain accountability by redressing the power imbalances in the workplace and in our communities. Cultural humility, a framework developed from the ideas of Josepha Campinha Bacote, Melanie Tervalon, and Jann Murray-García, is an evidence-based concept that prioritizes the co-creation of dynamic and generative relationships with people from different cultural experiences than our own. This could be in regards to a person’s race, ethnicity, class, education level, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, mental health capacities or disability status, political affiliations, or regional association.
Cohort training participants will identify gaps in understanding, capacity for humility and emotional responsiveness as it relates to their professional practice. Through a participatory framed experience, participants will be able to heighten their efficacy in their work by understanding how their biases, perceptions, and worldview impact their service to the community. Cultural humility is one tool of many that can promote generative interactions among people from different backgrounds, foster inclusion and equity, and contribute to the building of diverse and supportive communities. This framework is based on the recognition that each individual has a unique and valuable cultural history, and it is vital to learn to understand, respect, and appreciate cultural differences. One fundamental reason for training in cultural humility is its ability to create and sustain environments where all individuals feel valued and understood, regardless of their background and live experiences. By nurturing cultural humility, communities and organizations can overcome barriers that hinder the full participation and safety of people from diverse backgrounds, creating spaces where difference is celebrated, and the unique contributions of each individual are recognized. Moreover, embracing cultural humility fosters the building of stronger and more meaningful intercultural relationships. By learning to engage in a respectful and empathetic manner, individuals can establish more authentic connections with those from cultural backgrounds different from their own. This not only promotes mutual understanding but also contributes to the creation of more inclusive and collaborative work, educational, and social environments. |
Intentional cultural change through participatory community engagement with cultural humility trainings and groups can play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity, respect, and understanding within diverse communities. Our approach involves a comprehensive process that aims to transform the cultural dynamics within a community by empowering individuals to recognize, respect, and celebrate differences while integrating humility into their interactions.
At the core of this endeavor lies the notion of cultural humility, which involves a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation, personal transformation, and community change. By engaging with the notion of cultural humility, community members become more open to learning about different cultures without imposing their own beliefs or biases. As a result, it creates an environment where individuals feel valued and respected regardless of their background or lived experience. Participatory community engagement serves as a cornerstone of intentional cultural change by involving community members in decision-making and process development. This can provide empowering experiences for individuals and groups to actively contribute to the process of change, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and investment in the cultural transformation. Through open dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and inclusive participation, community engagement becomes a catalyst for fostering a sense of belonging and unity among diverse cultural groups. Cultural humility trainings provide the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate and understand the complexities of cultural diversity. These trainings incorporate modules on historical context, unconscious bias, and communication strategies, which enable participants to develop a deeper understanding of cultural norms, traditions, and societal structures. By equipping individuals with the skills to engage in meaningful cross-cultural interactions, cultural humility trainings lay the groundwork for building respectful relationships and promoting cultural sensitivity. |