Diversity training make you nervous? Will the trainer be angry, have a hidden agenda, desire to make you feel guilty, or despise your type, whatever that is? What about recent conversation about differences? Have they gone well, or did they result in name calling, blaming or even resentment? Were you genuinely changed, or did you leave more entrenched?
I Am Done is committed to working across cultures (and to connecting people to other ministries and churches that are better suited to meet their respective needs). As such, we will learn how to work courageously but also wisely and humbly in this space. Within this spirit, God ordained a day with a wise soul, Dr. Adrianne Fletcher, to facilitate our growth. Joining us were allies, friends, and local leaders.
What does it mean to work across cultures? Think of any group that does not adhere to the general principles and “ways” that your “culture” assumes to be normal. Most of you may be thinking this is a color-thing — consider the following examples.
- Millennials and Generation Z-ers
- Baby-boomer evangelical men and emerging church skinny jean men
- Liberal blacks and conservative blacks
- Catholics and protestants
- Dark skinned blacks and lighter skinned blacks
- Women and men
- People of color and those with less melanin
- College educated white collar and blue collar
- Are there more “cultures” than you initially thought?
Think of anyone you pre-judged when you initially met? Sadly, some of these pre-judgements are grounded in valid experiences, but should that apply to the person you are just meeting?
How would you feel if you were never pre-judged again?
Back to our starting question: What percent of my DNA is shared with other “races?”
99.2%
The other 0.8% is due primarily to geography. For example, if you originated from a hot, sunny climate, you are more likely to have darker skin. Are most native Scandinavians dark-skinned ? What does this mean?
Biologically, race does not exist. Let’s say that again. Biologically, race is not a thing. Race is a sociological construct.
We learned we share 99.2% or so of our DNA with any and every human on this planet, male or female. The parts I do not share are based primarily on the geography of my descendants.
We will add discussions on what we are learning about working cross-culturally, and if you want my cliff notes . . .
Set myself aside
This does not mean that I give up my values nor myself, but am I willing to patiently listen and sit with others? For example, will I visit their home, eat their food, and listen to their stories? Will I pause and learn, or must I overwhelm them with my values, opinions, and platforms?
Love
The simplest yet maybe the most complicated of words. Will I love them, especially if they are NOT just like me, from one of my sociologically crafted “cultures?”
What would happen if we started doing even these two things?
We will be conducting more training with Dr. Fletcher, pictured above with Jordan, one of our leaders. If invited, we hope you would consider attending.
By the way, why Dr. Fletcher? Imagine intense kindness, genuine gentleness, deep wisdom, and intentional patience as the source of your facilitation. Her motives were beautiful, her methods were engaging, and her skill and experience were evident. If you want to engage with her directly, contact us and we will forward your information to her.
Lord, help me to love others, especially those I don’t easily understand.