Culture and Linguistic Learning Series
Click Here to register for any of the workshops
Diversity & Cultural Competency: A Foundation for Improving Services and Communication
Date: April 21, 2010; 8:30 am -12:30 pm
Presenter: Arabella Perez, Director, Thrive Initiative
Location: Carriage House, 1119 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME
Suggested Audience: Providers and Community Members
Registration and Payment due by: April 7
*Recommended as foundational training for other workshops in this series.*
This workshop provides a framework for understanding how diversity and culture impact our engagement and communication. It is basic to the cultural competency of a professional practice and/or to the development of more complex skills. Participants will be exposed to a broad definition of culture and diversity; identify how personal cultural attitudes impact daily interactions; identify behaviors that indicate a lack of or skill in cultural competence; discuss stereotypes; and gain an understanding of personal, group and organizational culture.
Vicarious Trauma: The Provider and the Interpreter
Date: June 15, 2010; 9:00-12:00
Presenter: Judith Day, LCSW, Clinical Coordinator, Thrive Initiative
Panel: clinical therapist, case manager and interpreter (TBA)
Location: Carriage House, 1119 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME
Suggested Audience: Providers and Interpreters
Registration and Payment due by: June 1
What happens to mental health providers who listen to stories of the refugee trauma experience day after day? What happens to those who patiently interpret the dialog between provider and consumer? Both are vulnerable to secondary traumatic stress or vicarious trauma.
A panel of mental health service providers and a “New Mainer” interpreter present on the signs and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress; define and discuss vicarious trauma; and provide strategies for support and self-care.
Take Charge of your Interpreting Encounter: Assess Problems and Strategies for Change
Date: June 29, 2010; 9:00-12:00
Presenter: Malvina Gregory, Interpreter Services Manager, Catholic Charities RISinterpret and 2 Somali interpreters (TBA)
Location: Carriage House, 1119 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME
Suggested Audience: Providers who use interpreters
Registration and Payment due by: June 15
Social Work and Counseling Continuing Education Units are pending board approval
What are the red flags that indicate an inaccurate interpretation? How do you know what is being interpreted? What are the signs of an untrained interpreter, and what distinguishes a professional interpreter? How do you manage an interpreting interaction that feels out of control?
Work with experienced, trained interpreters to identify problems within interpreting encounters, and practice strategies for putting yourself back in the driver’s seat. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, and will leave with a clearer understanding of the interpreting profession and its dynamics, as well as a “toolbox” of resources for accessing on-site interpreting, phone interpreter services and translation services.
History of the Somali People, Indigenous Beliefs and the Role of the Provider
Date: September 29, 2010; 9:00-1:00
Presenter: Somali Community Members
Location: Lewiston Public Library Cultural Center Hall;
Somali lunch provided for community networking
Suggested Audience: Providers and Community Members
Registration and Payment due by: September 15
A panel shares the history of their people and their experiences as “New Mainers.” Topics include ethnic and cultural history, the legacy of trauma, indigenous beliefs and practices about health and mental health. Providers will hear how this knowledge can help make treatment culturally relevant and services culturally competent. Participants are encouraged to bring questions.
