Healthcare providers and social workers should take every opportunity to expand their cultural knowledge.  Look for ways to learn about the following aspects of your patient/client group’s culture:

▶ history, traditions, family systems, and artistic expressions;

▶  attitudes about seeking help;

▶ ideas about illness and wellness;

▶ language and communication style;

▶  culturally-appropriate resources that may be available in the community;

▶ specific customs and practices;

▶ historical experiences, including resettlement patterns, history of oppression or discrimination, and current level of acculturation/assimilation.

The next video segment outlines the third step of practicing cultural humility.  Developing Cultural Knowledge outlines realistic strategies for practitioners to learn about the cultural groups they wish to serve.

After viewing this segment, consider the following questions:

▶  Where is your workplace in relation to where most of your patients or clients live?  How has this location been beneficial or detrimental?

▶  What are some of the things you can do (or have done) to familiarize yourself with the community?

▶  What are some of the ways you’ve connected to a community or communities of color?

▶ How might you be able to start your own Rolodex or network?

▶  Where could you look for a cultural guide or key community informant?