What is Cultural Dynamics?

The world is changing at a rapid pace.

Organizations that thrive are prepared to work effectively with a multicultural community.

Cultural Dynamics sessions work towards inclusiveness by helping workshop participants build skills in cultural competency.  Each workshop is a building block; attending multiple sessions increases understanding in different areas.

Cultural Dynamics subsidizes some of the workshop costs, making learning more accessible for nonprofit agency employees.

Upcoming 2008 Workshops

The Intersection of Faith, Democracy and Inclusion within a Secular Society—Oct. 22

• When: 5-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22
• Where: International Institute of Minnesota (1694 Como Avenue, St. Paul)
• Co-sponsors: The Minneapolis Foundation, Culture Brokers
• Cost: free; register below

Join a discussion exploring how we honor our values and faith and contribute to our community's greater good.  Share your point of view about the intersection of faith, democracy and inclusion in our multicultural community, leading us to solutions and stronger alliances.

Culturally Dynamic Coaching and Mentoring—Nov. 18
A Model for Success in the 21st Century Workplace

• When: 1-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18
• Where: Children's Home Society & Family Services (1605 Eustis St., St. Paul)
• Facilitators: Natalie Johnson Lee and Theresa Olson, M.A., J. Cameron & Associates
• Cost: $45 per person; register below

Learn about power dynamics and strategies that enhance cultural competence, positive communication and team outcomes.

Examine who you are and how cultural clashes occur and create methods to turn cultural dynamics into an asset for your organization.  Participants will create an action plan to deal with conflict and improve communication.

Learning Through the Eyes of Others—Dec. 3

• When: 2-4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3
• Where: International Institute of Minnesota, Hall of Nations (1694 Como Ave., St. Paul)
• Facilitators: Victoria Amaris and the Cultural Dynamics Team, United Way
• Cost: $45 per person; register below

A panel of immigrant and refugee speakers will share experiences about adapting to Minnesota's work force, followed by the contrasting experiences of people born in the United States.

Panelists and participants will use what they have heard to engage in a cross-cultural dialogue which will develop strategies to enhance their workplace and the cultural competence of their organization.

Participation & Registration

Who should attend?

Participants come from business, government and nonprofit organizations—anyone seeking to increase cultural competency skills. Skills gained benefit participants in a variety of ways.  Collaboration is enhanced when all perspectives are understood and appreciated.

To sign up

• Fill out registration form (PDF).
• Mail completed registration form and payment to United Way.

Last Year's Accomplishments

• The Minnesota Department of Education used the Cultural Complementarity Model™ (CCM) for outreach to Latino, Somali, Hmong and Native American parents and created a Website for parents to prepare their children for kindergarten.
• Cultural Dynamics team was invited to and presented at the annual American Bar Association conference in Minneapolis on how poverty and attitudes can influence the attorney/client relationship.
• Approximately 750 people participated in dialogues addressing critical issues for our multicultural communities. This included 150 youth, the majority from communities of color.
• Cultural Dynamics was the first nonprofit program to participate in the Twin Cities Diversity Roundtable comprised of 40 leading diversity and inclusion specialists.
• The Cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center used CCM to identify solutions for cross-cultural conflicts and to create more livable, inclusive and safe communities. Volunteers from the community committed to continuing the work.
• Weaving a Community of Practice was introduced as a pilot program for corporations, faith-based organizations and nonprofits to become multicultural community resources.
• The City of Bloomington Human Rights Commission presented its success using CCM at the national Human Rights Conference guiding communities to a cohesive multicultural living environment. As a result, the Cities of Shoreview and Roseville have developed similar projects.
• Cultural Dynamics team worked with Latino and Hmong community members to research effective ways to communicate the use and benefits of tax credits and free tax preparation for those communities.

For more information about Cultural Dynamics, the Cultural Complementarity Model™ or learning opportunities, contact Victoria Amaris by e-mail or by phone: 612-340-7617.