At the Regional CAFS Development and Support Network session on Working with Diverse Communities, Dina Petrakis, CEO of Ethnic Community Services, led a practice-focused presentation and discussion about working with diverse families in the region.
Our student reflected on five things she learned:
- The importance of language when working within the community service sector, including thinking about where the language we use comes from and the history it holds.
- How practitioners can create a strong culturally responsive practice through respect, safety and inclusion.
- The importance of highlighting the strengths of culture when working within communities every day.
- Trust is a vital part of working within community services, as it is the true connection that gives people a platform for storytelling.
- The importance of placing a diverse range of resources within an office or community space, as it shows a commitment to making a space safe and inclusive.
Thank you to Dina Petrakis and Ethnic Community Services for sharing their knowledge and experience with the Network.