When we think about cultural humility and what it means for Crossnore, we reflect on a few of Crossnore’s trauma-informed principles. These three pillars are part of Crossnore’s Sanctuary Model of care and are necessary for cultural humility.
Three Pillars Necessary for Cultural Humility
Emotional Intelligence as it relates to cultural humility requires awareness. We must be aware of the impact of our experiences and interactions with those who are similar and different from us. We have to pay attention to how we maneuver through our day-to-day lives. Emotional intelligence is the examination and awareness of our feelings and the behaviors that accompany them.
Non-violence reminds us of our commitment to do no harm. Regardless of our likes, differences, and lived and harmful experiences, we commit to treating everyone how we want to be treated.
Social Learning is the practice of it all. It’s where we remove the safety of what we have always known to be true and broaden our view of the world around us. We allow vulnerability to creep in. It is where we move in curiosity and invite others to join us.
Cultural Humility as a Practice
Cultural humility is defined as “a practice of self-reflection on how one’s own background and the background of others, impact teaching, learning, research, creative activity, engagement, leadership, etc.” Melanie Tervalon and Jann Murray-Garcia developed the term in 1998 to address inequities in the healthcare field.
Cultural Humility moves beyond cultural competence, which is taught and implies an endpoint. Cultural humility is an ongoing practice. It never stops. Cultural Humility can be strengthened and enhanced. It looks inward. Cultural humility requires self-evaluation and self-critique.
Crossnore’s Pillars through an Anti-Racist Lens
We commit to identifying areas of personal growth as we challenge our current thoughts and behaviors.
When practiced thoughtfully, cultural humility includes the recognition of power dynamics and imbalances. It desires to fix those power imbalances and develop partnerships with people and groups who advocate for others.
We will develop shared decision-making and shared leadership where voices, reflecting our communities, contribute to the emergence of new and creative ideas.
Cultural humility also serves as a means for institutional accountability. Crossnore regularly examines current structures, policies, and practices. We reflect not only on the organization we are, but envision the organization we could be.
We envision a future at Crossnore that is equitable, brave, and representative of who we are and who we serve.
When we truly practice cultural humility, we can acknowledge and praise what is working. What is challenging us becomes visible. And then we work to change it.
*Italics are quoted from Crossnore’s 7 Commitments Through an Anti-racist Lens.
