Short-Term Worker Training
Cultural Awareness & Helping Without Hurting
A cross-cultural internship requires not only logistical preparation, but intentional posturing of your heart and mind regarding how to be a part of holistic work.
This portion will provide valuable training related to best practices while in your host community, as well as the opportunity to explore more deeply what Jesus-centered service looks like.
You will also be given space for reflection and self-assessment to help you apply these concepts personally. This section must be completed before you leave for your host community.
In this section you will:
- Learn the fundamental elements of helping without hurting in your work
- Gain a deeper understanding of what humble service looks like
- Apply your takeaways to your personal experience and journey
Watch Video Series
(1 hour 30 min)
Helping Without Hurting
Watch sessions 1-6 of Helping without Hurting on Youtube. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase the book When Helping Hurts (linked below). This section will provide helpful insight into the dangers and common mistakes made in cross-cultural and/or development work, as well as a framework for how to make decisions and interact with your host community in a way that is genuinely beneficial long-term. Once you have completed watching/reading, take some time to answer the following questions:
Question 1: What about these videos/book stood out to you?
Question 2: How does its message compare to ministry/mission trips that you have had experience with?
read book summary (8 pages)
Cross-Cultural Servanthood
Read this 8 page overview of Duane Elmer’s Cross-Cultural Servanthood. This resource will help you learn how to responsibly enter into your host community, as well as learn about the practices of openness, acceptance, trust, learning, and understanding. It will also provide some prompts for reflection. Once you have completed the reading, take some time to answer the following questions:
Question 1: What step of cross-cultural servanthood is most countercultural to our Western society?
Question 2: What could be the most challenging step for you to take?
read Document (1 page)
Guidelines for Serving Vulnerable Populations
This document provides some basic guidelines of serving vulnerable populations, including suggestions for photography and media, navigating interpersonal conversations, and general do’s & don’t’s. This guide will help you feel more confident in your approach to interacting with others, and ensure community members are treated with dignity and respect.
Question 1: What suggestions from this document surprised you or made you pause? Why?
Question 2: Where do you see these guidelines applying the most for the context you will be serving in?
read Document (3 pages)
Engaging in Healthy Team Conflict
Take some time to read through what healthy conflict is, why it is important, and how to practice it. Then, take 5-10 minutes to complete the included exercise. This document will help you feel more confident in navigating conflict, both while serving with One Collective and after.
Question 1: What is your biggest takeaway from this resource?
Question 2: From the document, which reasons do you find most compelling to engage in healthy team conflict?
End of Cultural Awareness Section
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