At the October 27th ADORE (A Dialogue On Race and Ethnicity) group meeting, participants will engage in an eye-opening cross-cultural simulation experience called BaFa’ BaFa’ in the church sanctuary. It will be facilitated by experienced trainer Marianne Luken. Following the 10:00am church service and coffee hour, from 11:30 – 11:40am, a newcomer orientation will take place and the regular meeting will run from 11:40am – 2:10pm. (Note that the meeting will last 2 1/2 hours, which is necessary to get the full benefit of the simulation and debriefing.) Pizza will be available for $1.50 per piece and free childcare will be available as well.
For more information on BaFa’ BaFa’, please read the following written by trainer Marianne Luken:
“BaFa’ BaFa’ is a time-tested cross-cultural simulation used by schools, government agencies, and for-profit as well as non-profit organizations to foster understanding of the dynamics and importance of culture, to help participants learn how to value cultural differences, to promote inclusivity in organizations, and to promote awareness and respect among members of a dominant culture for ‘non-dominant’ cultures. It is also a staple tool for preparing individuals to travel to, work in, or study in a new culture.
What to expect: Participants are initiated into one of two ‘cultures’ and quickly embrace the values and norm of their respective groups. Given the opportunity to interact with members of the ‘other’ culture, participants may experience emotions ranging from curiosity to distress. During debriefing, participants discover personal insights such as how their own cultural bias leads to skewed perceptions, miscommunication and feelings of superiority.
Note regarding the modality of the training: Traditional education relies on conveying facts and theories through reading and lectures. This is a nontraditional ‘experiential learning’ activity whereby new insights, knowledge and awareness emerge as participants reflect on and discuss a shared experience during debriefing. This particular activity is typically a fun and powerful vehicle to expand cultural awareness and personal growth.
BaFa’ BaFa’ was invented by Dr. Garry Shirts and is published and marketed my Simulation Training Systems of San Diego, CA.
About the facilitator: Marianne Luken, MIA, has been a facilitator and educator in business and academia for over thirty years. Her background includes decades of teaching intercultural and interpersonal communication to students from around the world at Hawaii Pacific University.”