Reflections on Intercultural Dynamics and Community-Engaged Approaches in NGO Collaborations
The interview between Hannah and Wilmi offers an insightful perspective through discussions and lessons on community engagement and NGO support. The process starts with identifying the specific needs within a community and then aligning organizational support to address these needs. This process-centered approach encourages us not to enter communities as experts, but as learners, which is a critical standpoint to mitigate the effects of eurocentric and western power dynamics and foster mutual respect and understanding.
It is critical to leverage the inherent strengths present within the communities we are working in, instead of imposing external solutions. This shift in perspective also aids in bridging the cultural, racial, and geographical dynamics that may surface in such engagements. Although these discussions require time and trust-building, they are fundamental in establishing shared values and setting boundaries for collaborative work.
Furthermore, acknowledging the work of community members, workers and the organization reflects an appreciation and respect for the resilience and the coping strategies that individuals and communities have employed to overcome adversities. This strengths-based approach promotes a more positive narrative, as opposed to labeling individuals as “traumatized” or “broken.”Being trauma-informed rather than trauma-imposing, as discussed by Hannah and Wilmi, emphasizes recognizing the full humanity of those we are engaging with. It’s about being sensitive to the lived experiences of others and aware of the privilege we bring in through our own backgrounds, which is fundamental in fostering a supportive environment.
Moreover, the concept of reparation in instances where miscommunications occur, should be at the center of the cultivation of trust and respect. It highlights the importance of maintaining open communication channels and good relations with the organization, even amidst challenges.
Our experience so far with the organization, particularly around consistency in communication, surfaces as a learning opportunity. It reflects on common challenges such as technology, time, and other communication barriers that often arise in collaborations, even when all parties are willing and eager to support. This reality, though challenging, presents a valuable chance to reflect on how we can still embody the values discussed, like fostering a decolonized framework, within our student group, class assignments, and in developing our final project.
Leveraging online resources that JAAGO has available, and learning from their initiatives through secondary sources, offers a practical approach to grounding our work amidst the communication challenges. It prompts us to think creatively about building partnerships in a different yet accessible manner for both our group and the organization, reflecting a deeper understanding and respect for the principles of decolonization and justice.
Moreover, this discussion has encouraged a human-centered, cross-cultural social justice lens that places community strengths and resilience at the core. Utilizing this framework to not only enrich our meetings and work on assignments but also broaden our perspective on developing an intervention. The reduced communication, though a hurdle, has also presented an avenue for reflection on respect, decolonization, and justice, encapsulating the broader theme. In conclusion, the insights gained through this interview have expanded my understanding and consideration regarding NGO collaborations, particularly in global settings, and have elicited deeper reflection on acknowledging, reflecting on, and disarming power structures even in our own independent work, as well as in collaboration with global stakeholders.
