Justice for All: The Athens Group diversity strategies that work Cultural Competency in the Delivery of Legal Services Presented By: Dr. Arin N. Reeves The Athens Group anreeves@athensgroup.net The Athens Group diversity strategies that work Copyright © 2008 by The Athens Group. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed in any form without permission from The Athens Group.
Core of Cultural Competence SES & Class Identity Race & Ethnicity Ability / Disability Beliefs & Expectations Language Reactions vs. Choices Behaviors & Practices Interpretations & Responses Religion Family Background & Structure Your Text here Your Text here Gender Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Nationality Education
Effective Communication Cultural Competence & Effective Communication Understanding Yourself = Credibility (ethos) Understanding the Other = Relevance (pathos) Appropriate Communication Tools = Effectiveness (logos) Cultural Competence
Culturally Competent Communication is… Words Culturally Competent Communication is… Tone & Voice Asking + Listening Open Body Language Concept Concept Concept Concept
Cultural Competency Skills Recognize that awareness of differences does not equal knowledge of those differences Recognize the critical line between generalizations (necessary) and stereotypes (inappropriate) Recognize the power dynamics present in each interaction Recognize the institutional/structural barriers that may be present in each interaction
Legal Knowledge & skills Cultural Competence Ask & Verify Case Knowledge Legal Knowledge & skills Legal Service Relate Partner