Cultural diversity and competency is often a vague and sometimes controversial topic.  But what is it?  Is it possible to achieve cultural competency, or is it something we must constantly strive to meet?

The word diversity means Differences and variations.  I believe there is much more involved than this presence of variations, and differences.  I recently spoke in a cultural diversity class for Masters Students at the University of Northern Colorado.  Needless to say, all the students in the class were Caucasian. These students were adamant that they did not have a culture. If this group, all very different in their own right did not think they had a culture, who were they?  How did they identify themselves?  I asked them questions about their hobbies, family traditions, likes, dislikes. I pointed out their style differences; glasses, hats and those who had blond hair or brown.  I asked them where their last names originated from.  Many had Irish, Scottish, German or English names.  “Do these countries have Culture?” I asked them.  After some thought, a voice from the back replied, “Yes.”

Cultural competency is the embrace of diversity.  This is an acceptance and respect for those differences.  To be completely competent would mean to respect, accept and embrace all differences.  This can only happen if one knows all differences.  We are in a constant journey to achieving cultural competence.  

Much like the class at UNC, The Conflict Center has had the reputation of not being culturally diverse.  Perhaps this assumption is based on outward appearances.  Diversity is not only about outward experiences.  Here at The Conflict Center, we have the privilege of celebrating diversity on many levels.  We have members of various ethnic backgrounds on staff and as volunteers.  We have various members of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transsexual community.  We celebrate many different faith communities, religions and spiritual traditions.  TCC is also the home of many different generations from different areas of the country.  It is my belief that cultural diversity exists in every realm of our community.  What’s important is that we realize, acknowledge and embrace it. The Conflict Center is committed to a continual growth towards cultural competency.