Equipping Non-profits
Cultural Humility: Equipping Organizations to Work Effectively Across Different Cultures & Diverse Groups
“In cross-cultural exchanges, we intend to serve others, but our efforts are often perceived as exercises of arrogant power.” – Duane Elmer: Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility
What is cultural humility?
On an individual level, at its core, being culturally humble means being open to others in relation to aspects of cultural identity that are most important to them. Self-reflection, self-critique and the commitment to understanding and respecting different points of view from a place of learning are all part of a cultural humility framework.
On an organizational and systemic level, cultural humility provides a unique framework for moving toward equity, addressing the role of power and privilege, internalized oppression, as well as the balance of power and voice in decision-making (power over and the power to).
How is cultural humility different than other approaches to diversity in organizations?
Cultural humility is different in a variety of ways from other culturally-based training models. Most distinctly, it focuses on self-humility rather than achieving a state of knowledge or awareness. The starting point for a cultural humble approach is careful consideration of one’s own assumptions and worldview and the development of life-long self-awareness and reflection as the foundation for becoming culturally competent.
How can cultural humility benefit my organization and those we serve?
Cultural humility can help your organization to:
- Promote the continual growth and development of everyone’s ability to communicate, respect and appreciate each other
- Enable staff to better serve clients or patrons
- Bring about increased productivity and competitive advantage
- Promote better teamwork
- Help organizational leaders to better understand and tap into the unique gifts and talents of staff
- Increase creativity
- Reduce conflicts that arise in your workplace setting
- Increase employee morale and cause employee to desire to work more effectively and efficiently
- Increase inclusion of different identified groups
Examples of Organizations We’ve Been Privileged to Serve:
- Bridge of Hope National
- Shippensburg University Center for Juvenile Justice Training and Research
- Franklin County Head Start
- Bluffton University (Ohio)
- South Dakota University
- Philadelphia Juvenile Probation Family Court
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
- Building Our Pride in Chambersburg (BOPIC)
- National Association of Social Workers (PA Chapter)
- Carlisle YMCA
- Chambersburg YMCA
- Brownsville Church of God
- King Street Brethren Church
- Chambersburg First Church of God
- Overflow Ministries
What we do to assist organizations:
- Train leadership teams
- Facilitate leadership and staff retreats
- Assist in short-term and long-term goal planning
- Develop specialized training curriculum
- Provide multi-faceted organizational workshops and seminars