Group Discussion:
One of the distinguishing features of working ‘Socio-Systemically’ rather than just ‘systemically’ is the emphasis on A) the development of your personal integral practice and reflections and B) the criteria for cultural competency. When actions are expressed in a way that has a local-cultural force, things move more. The following PDF explains some key points on how to make development projects culturally competent.
It’s advisable that you read the whole paper, but if not, you should focus on the following sections:
- “The Levels Model” (Pg.14)
- “What is the role of culture in development” (Pg.17)
- “Making Culture visible” (Pg.21)
- “Working culturally in development” (Pg.48)
- “How to monitor and evaluate the cultural dimension” (Pg.53-54)
Reflect and discuss as a group on what this means and how this applies to your project. Did this bring any new things to light? What are some key things you can do to make your project more culturally competent, culturally sensitive, or culturally engaged? Think about the people you’re involving in your potential initiative as well as the people you will be working with. Take notes in your Project Diary. Then upload your thoughts as a group.
If you are taking in our Live Virtual Classroom, you will discuss this question in your next class session or in your online student discussion forum. If you are taking in our Internal Online Independent Study Mode, Audit-No Credit, or Lite Mode you can conduct this exercise for yourself or simply move ahead to the next lesson.
