Embracing Cultural Sensitivity and Equity in Systemic Change??

Exploring Perspectives on Cultural Engagement

Kia ora everyone. It was good to host the first cuppa for 2024 and to get back into the goal of meeting people who are change makers working across and within our systems.

In our latest cuppa session, we welcomed a new member and delved into discussions surrounding systemic change, cultural sensitivity, and equity.

During our conversation, one participant shared their experiences of working in various countries, where they realised the need to be mindful of Western approaches and embracing the need to learn from and respect different cultures - "Acknowledging human rights breaches...and having open discussions to approach cultural rites of passage differently."

Another focus of our discussion was the significance of equity and community engagement in driving systemic change. The same participant's work towards decarbonising transport highlighted the importance of providing equitable access to transportation options - "Providing equity in the meantime before achieving equality...increasing safe, accessible, affordable, and equitable means of transport."? Proactive steps taken to ensure fairness and impartiality in access to resources, opportunities, and services, even before complete equality was the focus. We appreciated that achieving true equality may take time and require systems to change, but in the interim, efforts can be made to address existing disparities and promote fairness.

We explored the concept of Naive Inquiry and its role in decolonising approaches to systemic change. By empowering communities to articulate their goals and needs, we can avoid imposing external agendas and instead work collaboratively towards shared objectives.?

During our conversation, we appreciated the significance of facilitating dialogue without imposing predetermined agendas. Instead, the focus was on understanding diverse cultural viewpoints to drive meaningful change. As one participant aptly stated, "No preconceived agendas or outcomes...focusing on the process and understanding different cultural perspectives."

This aligns perfectly with the ethos of 'Walk Together,' which advocates for asking individuals, groups or communities about their aspirations, what they want, and then aiding them in realising those goals without imposing preconceived notions.

Having new whānau-family members join our cuppa sessions is very cool!? We look forward to learning about how everyone else is going about systemic change, engagement and collaboration in your spaces this year.??

If you don’t know already, Walk Together NZ has a new website, with some new ways to engage with Walk Together in 2024.?

We are offering Monthly Connect & Collaborate workshops to our community.? Sign up for the first workshop in 2024 here:? An Introduction to Walk Together?

Next Cuppa: We are taking suggestions for next week.? Register Here to Join.?

#SystemicChange #CulturalSensitivity #Equity #CommunityEngagement #Leadership #Decolonisation

Mauri Ora