Summer is upon us in full force, and for many of us, that means vacations, including travel. I believe one of the most exciting aspects of travel is learning about different groups and cultures. Of course, the images that fill your mind when you think of exploring different cultures involve new languages, food, and perhaps driving on the other side of the road. But culture is more than outward iconography.
Culture is a vast concept that can be defined as a complete way of life for a group of people. Things such as accepted etiquette, communication style, and social norms are all larger pieces that make up the puzzle of a culture. Upon reflection, we can all see the aspects of our lives and behaviors that are shaped by personal experiences and larger societal culture. For instance, some of us may not be the best at pumping our own gas when visiting one of the 48 states where you are expected to pump your own. The contrasts and differences in cultures can be overwhelming, even if you’re not adventuring far from home. By being aware and open to understanding our own culture and how it interacts with other cultures, hopefully cultural differences won’t seem quite so shocking.
Fortunately, no travel or vacation is required to explore cultural difference. Interacting with community partners and organizations right here at home and at work can expand your cultural understanding and experiences. DCBS works with:
- CASA of Oregon to
connect with rural
communities and farm
workers
- AARP to connect with
people in Oregon older
than age 50
- LatinoBuilt to connect
with Hispanic and
Latino construction
professionals
- Oregon Native American
Chamber of Commerce
to connect with tribal
members throughout
Oregon
- The Immigrant and
Refugee Community
Organization to connect
with immigrant and
refugee communities
- Many other organizations
and groups to reach
people throughout the
state
If your job doesn’t directly participate in community engagement, there are still opportunities to expand your cultural understanding and experiences by interacting with our coworkers and attending agencywide events.
For the June Crucial
Conversation, a panel of
DCBS employees who
belong to, or who are
supporters of, LGBTQ+
communities spoke
about their experiences
and answered audience
questions openly and
honestly. In May, Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Council Co-Chairperson
Liz Johnson participated in
a “meet our team” social
media campaign, where
she shared her background
and why DEI matters to her.
While these opportunities were organized by the DEI
Council, they were open to,
and put on for, everyone
within our agency.
Growing your cultural
competency can seem like a
herculean task. Fortunately,
this is something that
can be done at your own
pace. Start by evaluating
the culture that you are
bringing to the table and
then start exploring the
vibrant tapestry of culture
around you. If you need
some support in doing this,
the Culture Crossing Guide
website is a great place
to start. If you’re hoping
to learn more by action,
consider volunteering
for a local community
organization or attending a
public event.