Learning about Cultural Competency
We hope that you had the opportunity to join La Colectiva’s members for the October 19th Convening. “Closing the Gap: Cultural Competence in Community Services”, was an excellent, thought-provoking and interactive virtual presentation led by Matthew Peters, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Multi-Cultural Resource Center in Easton, MD.
Matthew focused on cultural competence as a process in which mutual and self-awareness through questioning and listening uncovers knowledge (differences in background, values, beliefs, etc.) upon which communication and support skills can be developed. Matthew’s extensive experiences living and working in Guatemala enriched his description of the demographic shifts and immigration patterns unique to many of the southern Delaware families. He underscored that not every family has similar needs and that we all benefit from understanding the world in which we live.
At La Colectiva, we have talked about how integral cultural competence is to the capacity of our members to reach, engage and truly impact the quality of life for Latino families. We really need your thoughts to plan future convenings and possibly, more in-depth programs or courses. Please provide us with your impressions on the 10/19 Convening (see video) and your needs and interests for future programs. Specific information from you is really needed. Please email Dr. Jennifer Fuqua (jfuqua@laespernaza.org) or Dr. Christine Cannon (cc@arsht.com) with your feedback.