Understanding Culture, Social Organization, and Leadership to Enhance Engagement

How does culture and other factors affect the social organization of a community? In the Chinese community In the African American community In the Central American community In the Caribbean community

How does culture and other factors affect the leadership of a community? What do we think are the qualities that a leader should have? What do all these leaders have in common? What did you learn from the examples?

What are examples of social networks and ethnic organizations that a community builder can use to learn about the social organization of a group, to identify and engage its leaders? Identify natural gathering points and traditions related to social gatherings. Build on the informal networks of women Gain entry and credibility through traditional leadership structures. Identify and work with the "bridge generation." Ask national organizations that serve and advocate on behalf of different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups for assistance. Take advantage of ethnic neighborhoods.

What are the challenges that you are aware of and how can the challenges be overcome? Expectations of community leaders Misperceptions in the community Linguistic skills Tensions between subgroups