UNESCO Story Circle workshop shares resources for developing intercultural relationships

By Frances Townsend

A pre-Annual Conference workshop to gain skills in developing intercultural relationships was led by Darla Deardorff, founding president of the World Council on Intercultural and Global Competence and UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence.

Participants were led in a small group experience that helps bridge divides and practice listening and empathy skills. Each person in the group was given time to tell a personal story, and others were directed to give feedback in a non-judgmental way that focuses on understanding. In an hour’s time, every person in the room was able to gain insight and understanding of their own and others’ experiences, as well as gain helpful listening skills.

This Story Circle training is well designed and not difficult to implement. It could be used in many settings to help develop respect, empathy, and relationships among participants. It is currently being taught and used around the world. The manual for the training, UNESCO Manual on Developing Intercultural Competencies: Story Circles, by Darla K. Deardorff, is available online at https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000370336.

Founa Badet, director of Intercultural Ministries for the Church of the Brethren, stated that her office would be glad to help congregations and districts begin using this valuable tool to help strengthen their skills in intercultural understanding and connection.

— Frances Townsend is a pastor in Michigan and a volunteer member of the Annual Conference Press Team.