As Christians, we know we are called to love our neighbors, to value those who are different and strive to live in unity. But in such a divided, polarized cultural moment, it can be hard to know how to show up in loving action.
Many of us at Advent have been deeply affected by the racial and political conflicts of the past few years. Perhaps you've started reading to understand but are overwhelmed with the massive amount of information. Maybe you feel convicted or challenged but aren't sure where to practice your new knowledge in your homogenous communities. Or perhaps you've been learning for a long time and could benefit from a fresh perspective in community.
Let's take a step back and focus on our own intercultural competency.
Intercultural competency describes our ability to not only notice but to understand commonality and difference and then adapt our behavior to meet the other.
Think empathy.
Rooted in culture.
The ability to effectively build bridges and strengthen relationships.
INTERCULTURAL DEVELOPMENT INVENTORY
We will be using a tool called the Intercultural Development Inventory, or the IDI. The IDI measures the way an individual or group experiences cultural differences and similarities. This instrument creates a “worldview profile” to indicate your capacity for exercising intercultural competence and identify issues that are limiting or facilitating development of intercultural competence. It provides a fresh, neutral language to talk about our own experiences and way we see others.
This class is hosted by Tessa Thompson, our Community Life Coordinator, who is a Qualified Assessor of the Intercultural Development Inventory.
CLASS CONTENT
We will meet as a group 3 times, and you will meet with Tessa for an hour long individual debrief of your assessment results. The commitment is for 4 total meetings. You will receive short homework assignments in between class sessions and will be asked to actively engage the content.
Class 1: June 28
We will establish a theological foundation for caring about intercultural competency (led by Sara Bartley and Ryan Ramsey) and work on identifying our own cultural frameworks.
Between classes 1 and 2, you will take the IDI, a 50 question assessment requiring 25-30 minutes of focused time.
Class 2: July 12
We will learn in depth about the IDI and discuss our group results.
Between classes 2 and 3, you will sign up for a 1 hour time slot to receive and review your assessment results. You cannot see your results without participating in this debrief.
Class 3: July 26
We will ask, "Where do we go from here?" and begin by forming a developmental action plan.
LIMITED CAPACITY & COST
This class is limited to 10 participants and the cost is $20.00 which covers the IDI assessment. After signing up, Tessa will reach out to confirm your slot and coordinate payment.