Transcending Cultural Awareness

The committee was formed with the purpose of encouraging awareness and sensitivity of various cultures and backgrounds within the Agency.  The Transcending Cultural Awareness (TCA) Committee's mission is to create within the Agency an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding of cultural differences and varied world views, to value, respect and celebrate diversity throughout the Agency and community at large, and to transcend beyond cultural awareness and learn about an individual or family's culture while recognizing the influence of our own background.  TCA has been carrying out this mission by providing cultural trainings to Agency staff and Board Members, organizing educational trips to learn more about the history of varioius cultural backgrounds, and creating contests and activities to celebrate the culture of our youth.  Another interesting way the TCA is celebrating culture throughout the Agency is through staff interviews.  TCA members interview staff about their ethnicity, family values and traditions and then present them during staff meetings.  The committee plans on continuing to provide trainings, contests, activities and opportunities to visit facilities that will enrich our understanding of culture.