Trust is centered on the ability to reduce denial and defensiveness and a commitment to remaining in the relationship and “at the table” as the relationship develops and when tension or discomfort arises. Developing trust across difference requires active listening that is focused on understanding others’ realities and holding those differing realities as relevant as my own. It is effortful, intentional and ongoing. It must be a mutually defined relational principle that needs continuous work and updating. Trust goes beyond the desire of individuals or organizations of difference to be engaged in an interaction together. TrustĪ key foundational tenet for developing and maintaining healthy relationships across differences is the development and preservation of trust. Committing to and incorporating these tenants on the individual and institutional levels will assist as a foundation for multicultural change. These opportunities will engage individuals and organizations with new audiences, lead to individual and organizational growth, and result in the continued relevancy of any organization willing to commit to this ongoing process. Operating in relationships across differences from a place of trust and authenticity that are grounded in sustainability and community in-reach, will, over time lead to new and exciting opportunities. Moreover, when I can operate from a place of healing of my target group experiences and understand when I am operating from my points of privilege and in less authentic ways from my non-target group status, I may be able to incorporate ideas such as trust, sustainability, authenticity and community in-reach. These group memberships, along with the actions, behaviors and reactions that are associated with each, have an impact on my ability to work effectively and authentically with communities of difference. born, a person without disabilities and an English speaker. Non-target groups are defined as groups that are more likely to receive privileges and benefits in a society and who believe that their “way” is better.1 In any given situation, I am an elder, 40+ years old and Latino and a male, middle and owning class, heterosexual, U.S.
Target groups are groups that are targeted as “less than” or different because of their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, role or job, and other differences.
In my own personal journey, it has been important to keep present the duality of my multicultural reality that is, that I have membership in both target groups and a non-target groups. In my attempts to work more effectively, thereby, more authentically with communities of difference, it has been important for me to begin any process of change as a journey of self-focus, self-excavation and self-reflection. Oftentimes the process of multicultural change is one that almost exclusively centers on the “other” in the relationship as the place where change should occur. Change is a process that must be intentional, purposeful and fluid. The process of change from a multicultural perspective will ask individuals and organizations to consider many new and exciting thoughts, ideas and processes.