Session I: July 13-15, 2011

5. Enhancing Intercultural Competence: A Professional Development Model for the     Workplace Kay Coder If you are seeking a model professional development program for your organization, this workshop will provide you with a tried-and-tested approach for enhancing intercultural competence. You will have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive, multi-session, interactive training design that is being used for competence training for both business and educational institutions. Synthesized from the work of well-known interculturalists, the program applies many of their concepts and methods in a working model that is being used to improve relationships with co-workers in the multicultural workplace. Each half-day module is based on one of the six stages in the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity and is designed in a nonthreatening, enjoyable format to increase interaction and understanding among various workgroups, build community, and give participants a greater understanding of their own cultural journey.

Designed for Objectives Learning Activities Kay Coder Human resource professionals, consultants, educators, trainers, staff developers, and other intercultural professionals who are responsible for the design, facilitation, and implementation of diversity training in corporations and other organizations.  Participants in this workshop should have a basic knowledge of intercultural communication concepts as well as some experience with presentation and facilitation. Participants will have the opportunity to: Experience the practical application of activities, tools, and knowledge in a developmental model for intercultural competence training Gain the perspective of the participant (rather than facilitator) to analyze the personal impact of such a program Examine the logistics, benefits, successes, challenges, and adaptations experienced in an ongoing, comprehensive intercultural competence training program Explore how a similar program can be implemented at any workplace Explore the dimensions of diversity and its impact on the workplace Develop community-building strategies On a personal level: Participants will have the opportunity to: Increase “cultural self-awareness” and gain a greater understanding of how our culture affects our interactions with others Identify with a personality type, and increase awareness of commonalities and differences Increase understanding of the various cultural norms and values Celebrate and laugh with our cultural differences as we learn from, and share with, one another These will include: Participation in a variety of experiential activities Short lectures and group discussions Identity Mapping ~ a personality inventory Small group work in each of the six modules that will address diversity in culture, communication styles, personality types, value orientations, disability, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, etc.   Kay Coder is a professor of sociology at Richland College (RLC) in Dallas, Texas. As an award-winning educator, she teaches global sociology, race and ethnicity, peace studies, intercultural competence, and line dancing for wellness. Kay led the development of the RLC Intercultural Competence Program and currently serves on the Curriculum Development Team. She also facilitates training sessions for numerous business, education, and government organizations.