Community Connection Project (Cultural Self-Immersion)

A MULITCULTURAL EXPERIENCE changethewayyou think thatwill

GOALS & PLAN

MY GOAL:

WAS TO INCREASE MY AWARENESS OF HOW TO BE MORE RELATABLE WITH OTHERS. I WANTED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A BETTER WAY, I COULD INTERACT WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILIES TO SHOW SUPPORT AND/OR TO PROVIDE HELP THAT COMES ACROSS AS GENUINE AND DOESN’T SEEM SO “SCHOOLISH”. I WANTED TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE IN A WAY THAT WAS NOT OFFENSE, BUT AUTHENTIC AND OPENED THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION ALLOWING EVERYONE A SENSE OF IDENTITY SAFETY.

MY PLAN:

WAS TO ATTEND A PREDOMINANTLY AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH, WHERE I WAS IN THE MINORITY. I WANTED TO SEE HOW YOUNG TEENAGERS INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER, WITH THEIR FAMILIES, AND WITH THE CHURCH COMMUNITY. I WANTED TO SEE HOW THE FAMILY’S NETWORK WITH EACH OTHER AND HOW THE PREACHER LEADS THE CONGREGATION.

Tabernacle Bible Church

What Happened????

On my way in, I met up with my friend and that helped. It made me feel not as awkward as she is African-American.

I was immediately uncomfortable as I got out of my car. I was the only European American that I saw. 02

Once in the pews I felt a little less anxious because I didn’t have to interact with anybody. But then it seemed like everyone came to greet me. They had smiles on their faces and offered a handshake, pat on the shoulder or even a hug. They let me know how glad they were that I was there.

There was an hour of worship and praise music which was extremely interactive with people dancing. And the music was so loud, I could feel it in my bones. I’m used to a quiet little 30 minutes of old hymns.

I noticed that a young highschool student was part of the band. He played the saxophone and the congregation loved it.

Then What Happened????

I noticed the church had a mission statement and a vision statement on their walls I had never seen this before

Next came the announcements

First I was surprised to see how many ways you could tithe and communicate with the church

During the announcements, I learned they are the “church without walls”. Their mission is to go beyond the church and out into the community.

Then I learned, that the church is partnered with USD259 to increase the high school graduation rate. AMAZING!

There was a dedication of a little one. The whole family was up there: grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, friends and even the Dad was streaming in.

Finally....the Sermon

The pastor preached on tithing. He used a lot of humor and my pastors’ have always been dry and straight to the point.

The congregation interacted with the pastor They were saying, “Amen”, “Hallelujah”, “Preach it Pastor,” and so forth. My churches have always been “sit and get”.

I had been given a fan on the way in. I noticed that they really do care about their community. This fan had information about black K.A.R.E.

The back of the fan gave advice on how to maintain kidney health My churches have never discussed health issues directly affecting the majority of its population

If you want to experience a very welcoming interactive church then this church is for you

I learned that other cultures may be more interactive and people may talk at the speaker.

I learned what it felt like to NOT be a part of majority because of skin color.

I learned that other cultures really want to build a strong sense of community.

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I learned that other cultures may be more touchy-feely.

NEW LEARNING 2023

I will take into consideration that the typical school setting may not be as condusive to learning for all students. I will try to find ways to make my lessons more interactive and allow students to be more interactive with me as I’m instructing.

I will take into consideration that other cultures may be more or less touchy-feely than others. I will continue to greet everyone with a smile. However, once I get to know the students, parents, and families I will know if they prefer hand shakes, high-fives, fist bumps, pats on the shoulder or even hugs as greetings.

I will remember how it felt to NOT be part of the majority. The awkwardness and anxiety it caused. I will be conscious of those around me and do my best to make them feel at ease.

I will bring awareness to my school on how we need to build a stronger sense of community. How can we be more inclusive of students, parents, and families? Maybe send out a survey asking families what events they would like to see in our school. What needs do they have to make their connection to the school stronger.

my new knowledge will impact my pratice.