ENGAGING L CAL CULTURES
Thought Leadership from Collaborate
2
Collaborate A FORUM FOR GLOBAL LEADERS
CAFO Collaborate workshops initiate conversations about effective care for orphans and vulnerable children within developing local church and NGO networks around the world. These workshops generate ideas to: • creatively share information • involve more churches and individuals, • equip local churches for more effective care of vulnerable children in their communities. Due to COVID-19, Collaborate 2020 moved to a virtual format. In August 2020, over 50 global leaders from 30 nations brainstormed about engaging local cultures in their cultural context. This publication is a summary of those discussions.
3
WHY ENGAGE LOCAL CULTURES? Every country has indigenous cultures with varying degrees of influence. Whether it be First Nations peoples in North America or tribal culture in Africa, indigenous leaders and culture hold influence and significance within large portions of the population. Indigenous communities have historically not been heavily engaged in collaboration regarding child welfare. Cultural leaders have great insight into their people groups and are able to provide guidance and context to larger discussions about the care of indigenous children. As Christians involved in child welfare, it is our honor to engage with local cultures with the humble posture of a servant as we move towards reconciliation and working together to care effectively for children.
COLLABORATE OUTCOMES Global leaders were divided by world region for the purpose of this discussion. Given the unique nature of each world region and the indigenous cultures native to each region, the feedback from regions varied. Each group was tasked with identifying the top ways to engage local cultures in their countries and communities.
5
COMMON GLOBAL THOUGHTS TO ENGAGE LOCAL CULTURE Embrace Local Leaders Mutual respect and acceptance of cultural identity (such as language, tribe, geography) go a long way in terms of fostering healthy relationships with cultural leaders. If leaders feel respected and accepted, they are more likely to engage in healthy dialogue towards solutions. Identify a “Person of Peace�/Cultural Translator Identifying a cultural translator is essential to forming relationships within any local culture. This person will serve to inform you of the cultural meaning around certain words, behaviors, or traditions, and can help you contextualize your interactions to be respectful of the culture you are engaging. A cultural translator may serve as an intermediary between cultures, bridging cultural differences, and facilitating understanding. Take your Time Relationships with indigenous/local cultures take time to build. Networks should form relationships now knowing they are looking at long term investment (ie 5, 10, 15 years). Avoid Tokenizing Local Leaders Local leaders should be given a place at the table from the very foundation of programming. Ideas and projects should be formed with their input from the beginning, with them serving as a peer to others informing the project. Networks
6
should be careful to avoid “tokenizing” indigenous voices by having them serve as a mouthpiece only. Listen and Learn Engage with local leaders through a spirit of humility. Enter into relationships with an understanding that communication styles vary within cultures, and it is important to enter relationships with local cultures ready and willing to listen first. Cultural leaders have great insight to their people groups and can provide valuable guidance to networks. Networks should listen first, and come alongside cultural leaders in a consulting capacity. Leaders noted the concept of “two ears and one mouth,” meaning listening should be a top priority. Listening allows individuals who are not of indigenous descent to learn ways to show honor to traditional customs without tokenizing them. Listening first also helps individuals understand cultural communication styles so they may better communicate with indigenous communities. Collaboration with Local Leaders Healthy relationships between the church/network leaders and cultural leaders are important. Before work begins, relationships fostered on trust and mutual respect should be formed. Following the lead of indigenous initiatives already working in child welfare positions churches and Christian NGOs in a place of humility and respect. Bringing cultural leaders into the fold means inviting them to become involved in the activities of our networks. Inviting cultural leaders to participate in events like Orphan Sunday can be a great entry point for those who may be new to child welfare.
7
REGIONAL STRATEGIES In addition to the common thoughts above, regional leaders identified the following strategies to engage local cultures: Asia • Learning Communities Asian leaders suggested developing a learning community to engage local cultures. Learning communities connect people, organizations, and systems that are eager to learn and work across boundaries in pursuit of a shared goal. They suggested the learning community be focused on the following: • Collaborations between various organizations • Diversity within organizations • Engaging cultural leaders Europe and North America • Diversity Within Organizations Indigenous people should be given a voice in training members within churches and organizations that work with indigenous children. They should be deeply involved in formulating training programs as well. • Change the Conversation In Our Own Homes North American and European leaders affirmed that change begins at home. Speaking of indigenous cultures with honor within the walls of our own homes is the hearth of greater respect and acceptance of indigenous culture. Latin America • Engage the Church The church is very important in Latin American culture. By engaging the
8
Church in the care of vulnerable children, we are engaging culture also. • Partner with Local Governments Local governments are important in making effective change happen. When we have the support of the local community leaders as well as the church, it is easier to gain involvement from the local government. The key is to focus on “local” relationships - bringing together churches, cultural leaders, and government. • Train Families in Parenting Indigenous communities have shown a new openness to parenting training and resources. This is an excellent entry-point for engaging with local cultures and serving families in need. • Support Children through Local Schools NGOs may form positive relationships with indigenous children through positive programs in the school surrounding mentorship, tutoring, after school care, etc. Eastern Africa • Empower Cultural Leaders with Best Practices Child welfare professionals have the responsibility and capacity to train cultural leaders in best practices and can do so in a culturally relevant manner. Southern Africa • Promote the Voices of Local Leaders Host regular web conferencing calls with chiefs and/or local councils to connect and dialogue about perspectives and ideas regarding children and families. • Infuse Orphan Sunday with Local Cultural Values Host events like Orphan Sunday to present ideas about orphan care that are
9
culturally relevant and sustainable. • Localize Printed Resources Create printed literature resources with a Biblical basis, utilizing local imagery and contextualizing to make it relatable to local culture. • Identify and Educate Partners Identify and educate external partners in order to move from sponsorship to partnership. Identify in-country partners with a common perspective and goals. Western Africa • Education Educate local community members about local cultures through events and media. • Bring cultural and religious leaders together to discuss Biblical parenting practices Engage local leaders with Biblical concepts of relating to children. • Advocate for Girls Women should be given a platform to share with the community about their experiences, breaking stereotypes about female children, and exposing local practices that are harmful towards girls. Female spokespeople may also serve as role models for young girls. • Advocacy and Policy changes by the government In forming positive relationships with government leadership, child welfare organizations can have positive impacts on policy at the local level where it concerns children.
10
cafo.org/global
This document was created in collaboration with: Alliance for Uganda Without Orphans • Forever Families of Canada • Reconciliation Thunder
© 2021 Christian Alliance for Orphans