Building trust with culturally distant communities
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EmailFostering understanding and inclusivity through authentic connections in the community.
The design and implementation of programs for culturally distinct communities is a uniquely challenging process. There are many questions we need to ask ourselves: How do you maintain continuity and get your audience motivated? How do you encourage consistent involvement in your program? The first step in maintaining the enthusiasm of diverse communities is to understand their context as much as possible and build bonds of trust. This takes time.
Sometimes we find ourselves working with communities for whom the idea of a club or a workshop is outside their cultural context and therefore, they miss the possibility to involve themselves and/or their children in these opportunities. Due to experience with cultural or national oppression, they may be untrusting of a state entity. It is up to program creators to seek in-depth understanding of the challenges a specific community may encounter when designing and implementing a meaningful program.
It is central to start with being present in the community. This includes connecting with the target audience, listening, engaging in conversations, and learning from their background as minorities. You need to seek opportunities to meet with community members, leaders and activists. This will give you insight into the true programmatic needs. The diverse audiences must first feel the confidence and understanding of what is being offered for and with them.
After asking them to tell you about their needs, you can follow up with some simple questions that will open up the landscape and help one to understand a little bit of the audience's perspective and needs. These questions include:
- “Have you heard of (insert the name of your program)?”
- “Do you know what we do at (name your organization and area)?”
- “Are you familiar with (mention name of programs or clubs)?”
- “Do your children or someone in your family participate in community activities?”
- “Would you like to be part of a workshop or club?”
- “Do you know about after-school programs for your children?”
- “Would you like to receive information in a language other than English?”
Some other useful strategies that can help frame your work while engaging with diverse audiences are:
- Engage and participate in a variety of community events.
- Have informational booths with brief translated materials.
- Contact the access and belonging person at your organization and ask for a meeting to learn more about their experience with diverse audiences.
Michigan State University Extension creates opportunities and builds knowledgeable communities to make Michigan a strong, prosperous, and great state to live in. To learn more about our programs, contact your local MSU Extension office.
