Brief Description: Understanding people is not always easy, especially when they come from different backgrounds and experiences
Activity: Think of someone that you would like to better understand-it could be a community member or a co-worker that you are having trouble communicating with. Ask yourself, "What's it like to be__________? How can I better understand him/her?"
Use this exercise below to help you walk a few steps where this person has walked.
How did the journey begin for this person? What do you know about he/she grew up? What is her cultural/ethnic background?
What difficulties or challenges has this person faced in his/her life? During the past months as a volunteer? How do these affect who he or she is?
In what ways do the two of you differ? How are you alike?
If there is a certain level of trust between you and the person that you would like to understand, consider partnering up to answer these questions together.