Working Effectively With Communities

This two day course aims to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to engage, consult and work effectively with remote and urban Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

  • Develop knowledge of how interpersonal networks and relationships operate in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander social organisations
  • Compare interactional patterns and values of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders with those of other Australian communities and settings
  • Identify strategies for accommodating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander perspectives on meeting protocols and decision-making as well as teaching and learning
  • Explore some of the major cross-cultural issues that impact on the implementation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employment and career development strategies
  • Explore principles of and practical strategies for community development including:

Modules*

Core modules:

    • Establishing and maintaining rapport and networks
    • Exploring relationships and social networks through the kinship system (with Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander facilitators)
    • Meeting styles and decision-making processes
    • Cross cultural views of time
    • Attitudes to wealth and dealing with requests
    • Managing conflict
    • Community development principles and practice (Applied to urban and / or remote settings using cases, simulations and role plays)
    • Cultural Action Strategies for creative community development

Additional modules can be offered to address the specific needs of organisations and participants:

    • Developing an effective training strategy to build capacity
    • Organisational culture and  cross cultural issues
    • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employment and career development strategies
    • Understanding contemporary Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
    • Health and wellness values and behaviours
    • Strategies to address education challenges
    • Towards appropriate governance systems

*Modules and course content can be tailored to meet the needs of the organisation and participants.

Materials

A comprehensive workshop handbook is provided including readings and references as well as exercises for both personal and group use.

Further information

Please contact us for detailed information and pricing.

If you would like a printable version of this course outline, you can download one here (pdf).