Cultural Competency Trainings

We Are the Leaders We Have Been Waiting For

Here the emphasis is on working through the many forms of oppression and internalized oppression to help participants be inspired to take on new and dramatic leadership roles in their organizations and communities to effect social change.

Workshop objectives:

• Participants begin to see their individual and collective power as leaders
• Participants understand the role of oppression and internalized oppression in their journeys as leaders
• Participants heal from the effects of oppression-individually and as a community
• Participants are energized and inspired to continue current missions and take on new challenges
• Participants commit to next steps to enhance their own leadership identities and unique roles

Transformational Communication - Building Relationships for Authentic Cross Cultural Alliances

First public workshop: August 23rd - 24th, 2008 in Portland, Oregon

The ability to communicate effectively and build relationships across differences takes introspection and information, trust and connection. This seminar is the cornerstone training upon which other advanced programs build. Participants learn key communication skills to better understand other's life experiences and perspectives, as well as their own. This seminar explores how early experiences shape current behaviors and attitudes. Participants also gain theoretical and experiential understanding of institutional oppression - hurts and misinformation perpetuated by societal institutions through biased policies, beliefs, and actions. In addition participants learn about the dynamic of internalized oppression - hurts and misinformation internalized as a result of institutional oppression that limits effectiveness and understanding. The seminar helps participants achieve flexible, appropriate behavior in place of rigid, patterned behavior developed in response to early experiences. Here the emphasis is on understanding the many forms of oppression.

Workshop objectives:

• Individuals and organizations begin to understand the scope and depth of the pain of oppression so that they can step into our collective power of being of authentic service.
• Participants recognize how to shift their behavior and internal images to significantly reduce their own and others' experiences with oppression.
• Participants recommit to the journey of becoming culturally competent.
• Participants are enriched beyond our imaginations by the workshop experience on all levels of their lives.
• Participants feel a deeper connection with colleagues, family and friends.