| Knowledge,
Skills and Awareness for Cultural Brokers
 Cultural
brokers require a set of competencies that enable them
to work cross-culturally and that include, but are not
limited to, awareness, knowledge, and skills as described
below.
Awareness. Cultural
brokers are aware of (1) their own cultural identity,
(2) the cultural identity of the members of diverse communities,
and (3) the social, political and economic factors affecting
diverse communities within a cultural context.
Knowledge. Cultural
brokers innately understand (1) values, beliefs and practices
associated with illness, health, wellness, and well-being
of cultural groups; (2) traditional or indigenous health
care networks within diverse communities; and (3) medical,
health care, and mental health care systems (e.g., health
history and assessment, diagnostic protocols, and treatment
and interventions). |
COMMUNITY
CHARACTERISTICS
Effective cultural
brokers are cognizant of the multiple factors impacting community
diversity. These factors include, but are not limited to the following:
geographic location, population density, population stability,
age distribution of population, social history, intergroup relationships,
and the social, political, and economic climates of communities
served (Goode, 2001).
INDIVIDUAL
AND GROUP CHARACTERISTICS
Other factors
influencing diversity among individuals and groups are race and
ethnicity, language, nationality, clan or tribal affiliation,
acculturation, assimilation, age, gender, sexual orientation,
educational literacy, social economic status, political affiliation,
and religious and spiritual beliefs (modified from James Mason,
Ph.D., NCCC senior consultant). |
