Click here if you are looking for the Global Storytelling of Cultural Resilience 

This year was the first year that SIETAR USA held a virtual conference. The conference was hosted partially on Zoom and on the REMO platform, which was a great choice and was well-liked by many participants. One of the speakers said, “I liked [that Remo] revealed that it is possible to have a virtual conference. I especially liked the networking piece. I love Remo! I don’t know what’s the best path in future. There will be many more options. I like that there is usually a spot at a table. Good experimentation. How do we feel stepping out of our comfort zones? I liked there weren’t too many sessions. But, with more people it may be a problem. We will need clarity on format of sessions with an increased number of people. And in the future, presenters need to know about connection issues in advance. I couldn’t use the chat feature and I am an interactive speaker.”

One participant said, “I am pleasantly surprised. I was apprehensive about this first virtual platform. We’ve welcomed people from all over the world [and] for me that has been so wonderful in this time of Covid where we’re all so isolated. We’re bringing the world a little closer. I loved Saturday’s session Global Storytelling of Cultural Resilience with all of the videos of real stories from people in different places. [It is] lovely to have those connections.”

Another participant said, “For those that experienced isolation and bad news with what has been happened with Covid-19, the conference was the perfect antidote. We were connecting, our conversations were stimulating, and there has been kindness. I feel like I’ve been with my tribe!” Reflecting on their experiences throughout the different sessions, one participant said, “let me tell you that I have learned a lot. [I have learned] many practical points I wasn't aware [that] I did not know.” Another participant said that, “[I] have talked with lots of people who I have known for a while. [This is] not so different from [a] face-to-face conference. [We are] curious to meet and talk and have empathy for each other. Compared to corporate conferences, here the behavior is different. [This is a] select group of people passionate [about interculturalism]. I have the desire to reconnect and have meaningful conversations. It’s about the quality of conversations, not the quantity.”

One participant attended the 2014 SIETAR USA Conference, but was disappointed by the lack of social justice-focused content. The returning participant added, “I am glad to see the inclusion of anti-racism as an integral part of cross-cultural communication. [I appreciated that] the session on Beyond the Book Club was good; it gave us permission to be ‘learners’ rather than ‘experts’ on issues and topics.”

Participants shared their reflections and key learnings from the diverse array of sessions offered. An attendee of the session Diversity Space Meeting Game: Virtual Play Session for Professionals Involved in Diversity & Inclusion said, “We played a game. It was great! It significantly expanded my sense of what is possible on Zoom!” An attendee of the session Global Leadership Lessons from Covid-19 shared that, “so many tools [were] learned [and] different models that could be used. [The] most important thing is the trust barometer. [The speaker] also talked about model GDS (head, hand, heart – 9 competencies for global leaders) and countries responses to Covid-19. [Interestingly] female-led countries did better than male-led ones. I would love to hear more about the details.”

One attendee of the session Improve Your Virtual Training Facilitation Evaluations and Have More Fun Doing It found the session to be very informative and learned that, “[an] initial format is very important to have. [It’s key to know] how to do an online class, use the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), create a syllabus and weekly schedule, [create] greater diversity within a cohort, [ensure that] learning is extended over time, allow for integration, [gather] good info about tech platforms, and [learn] ways to effectively teach online.” One attendee of the session Becoming the New Intercultural Practitioner: Transformation or Stagnation said that, “It was all fantastic. Specifically, Ricardo Nunez talked about ‘Return on Expectations’ which was new to me.” One attendee of the session Looking Forward to the Future of Intercultural Relations reflected that, “[I need to] remind myself that there’s lots of people who want to do the good work that we want to do. We need to connect before the next conference to talk about [our] plans as intercultural trainers [as to] how we can move the needle. We must remember to come back together, collaborate, share, vent, and move forward.”

One of the attendees of the session Leveraging Our Experiential Multiculturalism to Lead Through VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) noted that, “[The session was] interesting because it talked about fear. ‘Have fear but still move on.’ [The session was a] reminder to be resilient [and say] ‘I will be intentional this week to build my own resilience.’” In closing, the diverse session offerings were appreciated by all participants and the virtual platform, Remo, worked well and offered a break from traditional Zoom-only meetings and webinars.

Written by Emily Kawasaki

Ingmar M. Pack, Assistant Editor. He serves as an Academic Specialist at Michigan State University.

As intercultural professionals, SIETARians are well aware of the need for introspection on the journey to become more culturally responsive and responsible. Awareness of one’s own race and ethnicity as social constructs are typically logical extensions of such introspection yet are compounded by power structures so vast and difficult to grasp, that we may often not be conscious of these.

In two special SIETAR USA conference sessions, facilitators Justin Sitron and Ann Marie Lei led the effort for attendees to converse and reflect upon what it means to be white, the structures of privilege whites in societies around the globe are born into, and how being conscious of one’s whiteness may be the necessary first step into becoming anti-racist.

Friday’s first session invited participants to not jump to solutions but to open their hearts and speak and share experiences. During an emotional deep dive in smaller breakout groups, attendees explored the personal difficulties of coming to terms with the realities of whiteness. Personal relationships with family, friends, and colleagues can be enormously difficult when discussing racism in the United States as embarrassment and fear may prevent us from speaking up. With the realization that silence itself is in part why white power structures remain dominant, participants expressed that we must embrace our own imperfection and discomfort in speaking up. Some of the other guiding discussion questions included in what ways our whiteness is internalized and in what ways we identify racism.

Monday’s session intended to move participants to unpack critical whiteness and how the ideas of whiteness have been internalized by us. How have we benefitted and gained power or access to power, just by adhering to norms of whiteness? Moreover, how do we lead others to see and accept that the invisible backpack of white privilege is real and that whiteness sets norms and expectations for all in white majority societies?

While the breakout conversations were confidential, the group discussion centered on establishing a “Call-out culture” and making use of our refined skills as interculturalists to guide others in understanding themselves. Appreciative inquiry and compassionate challenges are part of our toolbox to challenge white supremacy, norms, hierarchies, and structures.

When reflecting on what attendees learned from the two introspective sessions, one anonymous participant shared that “we are too comfortable in our whiteness. My takeaway is that we must break out of apathy and self-indulgent privilege.” Another participant added that “genuine efforts toward these goals means that we must check in with practitioners of color not to answer all our questions, but to keep us honest and question what we are missing.”

The Whiteness & Anti-Racism: Holding a Space for Reflections and Conversations conference sessions are a continuation of SIETAR USA’s recent effort and commitment to critically reflect on matters of race and ethnicity, both within the organization and outside of it.

Written by Betse Esber, PhD, Assistant Editor

President Sandra Fowler welcomed us all to 2020 Margaret D. Pusch Founders Award Ceremony with a brief history of SIETAR USA and an introduction to its founder, Margaret D. Pusch. She was our first President and Executive Director. It was her strength and wisdom that led SIETAR USA to establish the Margaret D. Pusch Founders Award in her honor as her professionalism exemplified the gold standard for a lifetime of service to SIETAR as well as to many individuals, the community, and the intercultural field.

This award recognizes commitment and service to the intercultural field based on accomplishments in four areas: Service to the Intercultural Profession: publications, teaching, workshops, conference presentations, mentoring; Contributions to Community: service on boards and taskforces of organizations focused on intercultural issues, championing the message of SIETAR inside and outside of the intercultural relations field; Contributions to SIETAR: active service as an officer, committee member, chairperson of special projects; and Professionalism: exemplifies the highest standards of intercultural thought and practice. This award is for a lifetime of making a significant impact on the intercultural and diversity fields. 


On behalf of SIETAR USA, Sandra proudly presented the 2020 Margaret D. Pusch Founders Award to Andy Reynolds and Donna Stringer in recognition of their extensive contributions to the intercultural and diversity fields. In her presentation she cited some of their numerous professional accomplishments.

As a team Andy and Donna have worked to bring Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice into the SIETAR realm and beyond through master workshops, conference sessions, and service on various committees and task forces. Over the decades they have delivered many workshops focusing on courageous conversations, unconscious bias, and white privilege as well as organizational development, such as Unpacking Cultural Differences: Tools for Greater Effectiveness (Common Power, 2019).

As faculty members at the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication (SIIC), they taught courses together and with other faculty for many years. Together and individually, Donna and Andy have mentored people of all ages who needed advice and/or guidance finding their path in the intercultural and DEI fields. They gave graciously of their time and expertise. As a team they have served an array of communities and passionately worked toward fair voting practices and registration of minorities in battleground states. As founder and President of Executive Diversity Services for 27 years, Donna provided team building and culture change strategies to organizations in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, and Europe. She co-authored the 52 Activities series, Cultural Detective Women and Men, and wrote book chapters and journal articles on racial and gender equity, cross- cultural values, communication, and conflict styles. Donna was honored by being named a Diversity Legend by the International Society of Diversity and Inclusion Professionals.

As a cross-cultural consultant and trainer for more than four decades, Andy has been consulting, training, and teaching race and gender relations, workplace diversity, and inclusion. He served as President of SIETAR USA and a member of the Board of Directors. He is known for his passionate and forthright approach to issues of equality and fairness for all members of societies throughout the world. He is a courageous leader who navigates dangerous spaces and difficult conversations surrounding social justice issues with strength, grace, and integrity.

Perhaps the most touching part of the award ceremony was the outpouring of gratitude, respect and love for Andy and Donna from some of their colleagues and friends. Here is a glimpse of these tributes:

Chris Cartwright: You never feared the challenge… I love and respect your work. You are living an amazing life, and I am moved by the courage and the class you bring to DEI work…you are an inspiration to us all.

Mary Meares: You are role models to us all in so many ways…welcoming, open, always learning and teaching others, and constantly engaged in new and different things. You are the ideal interculturalists who inspire us to become better learners, professionals, and interculturalists. You embody grace and curiosity.

Robert Hales: These are two people who embody the synergy between social justice and activism and academic credibility. You have contributed to what we have needed now more than ever to improving the odds that democracy will survive and to making sure that issues of DEI have a positive impact on this uphill challenge. You have blended DEI and ICC. You have given us the tools of passion and compassion to work for change. The importance of your work will live on and on. Andy and Donna, I love you both.

Ann Marie Lei: I’ll start with I love you both! Congratulations and thank you for bringing the work of DEI to SIETAR USA. Andy, as a leader you saw each of us for who we are and encouraged us. Donna, as a teacher, colleague, and friend, you have nurtured our personal and professional lives. I will always remember my joyful conversations with Andy around a meal.

Tatyana Fertelmeyster: I got to know the US through Andy and Donna, who have shared their loved experience of part of this country’s history. They present us with a true example of integrity by doing what they say and who are forever fighting the fight for racial justice. I am grateful to have you in this work and in our lives. I love you.

Sue Shinomiya: Andy, you taught us to hug! You gave us an invitation to connectedness and inclusiveness, which seems part of your nature. Donna, you bring love, compassion, and fierceness to everything you do. As legends in diversity, you both lead us from awareness to action.

Kelly McLoud Schingen: Your legacy is more than the materials you leave behind. Your passion and force in mentoring relationships will live in the hearts of the people whom you have touched. You have both encouraged me and given me access to opportunities because you truly saw and connected with me. I am ever grateful to you as my mentors. You have had a great impact on so many other people as well. You have left us a wonderful legacy of love.

Anita Rowe: Andy and Donna are devoted to their work and bring passion and warmth to those whom they meet. They walk the talk and never take themselves too seriously. Their courage and generosity are remarkable as well as their steadfast commitment to social justice. As a masterful storyteller, Donna brings her classroom content alive with meaning and insight. Andy is one of the most courageous people I know whose probing questions and discussion reveal enhanced perspectives. You are role models who exemplify all that is meaningful in the work that we do.

Lee Gardenswartz: [I want to express] my respect, admiration and love to Donna and Andy for their lifetime of excellent work in the intercultural and diversity field. Andy and Donna are generous teachers, who share themselves and their training materials as well as an incredible commitment to making positive contributions to society. [I am reminded of] my favorite Jewish Sunday school phrase “to repair the world” [when I think of] the lives led by Donna and Andy.

While there was no resounding applause to end this ceremony, true feelings of love were generated by the heartful expressions of colleagues and friends. SIETAR USA applauds their dedicated efforts over a combined century to make the world a better place. Andy and Donna have undoubtedly left a true legacy of love and wisdom.

Opening Keynote Speaker

The 2020 SIETAR USA VIRTUAL CONFERENCE opened with an air of excitement and optimism. The welcome and opening remarks by Sandy Fowler, Karen Lokkesmoe, Ph.D., Deborah Orlowski, Ph.D., and Dr. Sherri Tapp reminded us that conferences:

• provide an opportunity for interculturalists to get feedback on their early work.
• are a great time to meet others in the field and network.
• act as a cohort and support group.
• change, which helps us to improve our presentation and communication skills.
• give attendees the opportunity to travel to a new place and space – this virtual space is “our” space.
• are friendly, open, relaxed, inclusive spaces to meet with colleagues and make new friends.

Dr. Sherri Tapp introduced the opening keynote speaker, Dr. Lena Crouso. Dr. Crouso’s keynote address, “Love Through Bridges of Intersectionality”, reminded us that the excitement of the SIETAR Conference lifts us up and pulls us back into hope. The global pandemic has thrust us into chaos, a human space that has catapulted us in a new normal, unprecedented times – and yet, in the midst of all this, what has emerged is the best of humanity - neighborly love. Neighborly love is the essentiality of human love that crosses boundaries into local neighborhoods and drives us to ask emerging questions for humanity about equity, access, opportunity, and justice for all. Dr. Crouso highlighted the simple, profound ways for us to understand history, identity, and humanity – the bridges of intersectionality and our travels across these bridges amidst uncertainty.

Dr. Crouso reminded us that we, as intercultural and diversity professionals, must reflect on Dr. Dafina-Lazarus Stewart’s impactful writing “Diversity & Inclusion vs. Justice & Equity” and ask ourselves, “are these the words we live by?” As intercultural practitioners and front-line people, can we move people across bridges into this new normal? We are holistic bridge builders. We don’t have a moment, but we have a MOVEMENT before us – and assurance that humanity is bearing out the goodness of empowering and pursuing neighborly love that binds us all together.

Dr. Crouso ended her keynote address by answering two crucial questions, how can we live these lessons in daily life AND how can we ensure that people move from hospitality (i.e. assigning guest status as assimilationist/aculturalist space-owners) to being included (i.e. practicing inclusivity). To live these lessons in daily life, we must practice mindfulness, be present, practice active listening, and examine our posture. What posture do you take in everyday life with self vs. with others – is it humility OR authority/power/privilege? To ensure that people move from hospitality to inclusivity, we must eradicate power structures – those who control space and membership and move that power. We must be willing to pay the price and build allyship, and those in power must abdicate power.

Of the opening keynote address and speaker, one participant said, “I liked the ‘questions quote’ by Dr. Dafina-Lazarus Stewart. It really hit me.” One participant, who was attending the conference for the first time, said, “I had the experience of connection through Dr. Lena Crouso’s speech and words. I feel connected through this virtual space even though it’s my first conference!” Another participant summed up the topic nicely by declaring that, “Dr. Lena Crouso was authentic and open about intersectionality, which can sometimes be an awkward topic to discuss. She took a complex concept and made it into understandable, relatable idea.” Another participant said, “I loved setting the stage to tackle the multiple pandemics and the loving way with which Lena set the tone for increased understanding in these challenging times.”

Conference Highlights – Closing Keynote Speaker

The 2020 SIETAR USA VIRTUAL CONFERENCE closed with a feeling of celebration, gratitude, and joy. Sue Shinomiya introduced the opening keynote speaker, Patricia M. Coleman - aka 'Ms. Globaliscious'™, by saying, “Patricia is the quintessential professional - flexible, inclusive, brings people in, multi-everything. She always ends with the important question “how are you being Globaliscious today?” She is a visionary and asks us, “what is our vision for 2020?”

Patricia M. Coleman’s closing keynote, "Globalisciously® Stretching Into Change", was the perfect culmination for the 2020 Virtual Conference. As attendees of the first SIETAR USA Virtual conference, we are way ahead! This conference brought us inclusiveness, connectedness, and mindfulness. We know how to stretch into change, that’s what we are for! When we close one door, we open another one! In this case, we open the door into our future, into our new normal! Ms. Globaliscious™ spoke on how and why she came to be “Globaliscious”. Growing up with a diverse background, frequent questions created an identity crisis and attempts to validate herself and her family. Eventually, her response to questions of identity became, “I am Globaliscious!”. Her self-consciousness evolved into a new consciousness of self, the realization that all people are unique. She became self-confident. The ‘SC’ in Globaliscious is especially important because the it represents many things - spirit of community, shift into consciousness, sacred conscious, spiritual connection, self-care, shift to change, self-control, spirit of community, sense of compassion, stage of connectedness, space of collaboration, and space of creativity.

Ms. Globaliscious™ reflected on her time as the former SIETAR USA president as well as her life and career. During her time as the SIETAR USA president, her experience was collaborative - creating, planning, and planting seeds for future leaders. She reminded us that a legacy shouldn’t be one person, it should be collaborative. Legacy is a duty and responsibility. We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors. Their voices echo in our hearts, telling us what we must do. They laid the foundation and paved the way. Because of what they’ve done for us, we can learn from the global crisis and stretch into change globalisciously, because change is good.

The power of music is a Globaliscious way to connect with the world across cultures and languages, even if listeners don’t understand the words. Music heals the world. Ms. Globaliscious played Michael Jackson’s beloved song “Heal the World”. She reminded us that in the Globaliscious philosophy, we listened and feel with all of our senses. Music moves us so beautifully because it touches all of our senses. Ms. Globaliscious reflected that with music, she has made sense of these times. The important thing to remember is that it’s not what happens, but how you react that matters.

Healing the world is the mission of 2020. 2020 has shaken all of us, like a roller coaster. But the experience is not an obstacle, it’s an opportunity. The response to the pandemic is a quintessential example of the W-Curve Model of the Adaptation Process. We know that stretching into change is difficult but a natural part of life. We are facing a revolution, undeniable evolution, resistance, and resilience. The hope is that we end with a total renaissance, rebirth, a new us. As intercultural and diversity professionals, we can learn from the global crisis by moving ahead and helping others, standing by them as they change. Our job is to help the world navigate through differences, understanding, and accepting that the world is evolving.

Closing thoughts were added by Deborah Orlowski, Patricia Coleman and Sandy Fowler. Deborah shared how the Initial focus for the conference was on pandemic. But then George Floyd was murdered and the question about SIETAR USA’s vision changed. SIETAR USA asked the important questions, “What did we want to do? How can we set an example? How do we want to accomplish these things?” Sandy Fowler spoke on behalf of Karen Lokkesmoe and addressed any hesitation that people may have regarding joining the ‘inner group’ of SIETAR USA members. Sandy warmly welcomed all people and and shared that the inner group is very porous. She remarked that for those outside of the group, it’s easy for anyone to get involved. She also highlighted that there are many different volunteer roles that are open and available, and that SIETAR USA welcomes people to join the SIETAR USA family. She also reminded participants about the many benefit of membership.

Of the closing keynote address and speaker, one participant said, “[I am feeling] more Globaliscious than when it started!  Feeling reenergized thanks to this great week together!” Another participant said, “Thanks for applying the adaptation curve to what so many are experiencing now--and for the term ‘Globaliscious”!”

Written by Emily Kawasaki

Written by Karen Lokkesmoe and Sandy Fowler

Wednesday, October 7th was the kick-off day for the 2020 SIETAR USA Virtual Conference providing four great Invited Workshop presentations.  Each session was 90-minutes long and packed with research, insights, strategies, and practices that we can implement into our own work and lives.  What a great start to the conference.

Here’s a recap of those sessions.

Mindfulness Practice for Intercultural & DEI Practitioners
led by Rita Wuebbeler

Rita is a decades long supporter of SIETAR and a practitioner of intercultural and social justice, DEI work.  Her session started with an overview of the growing popularity of mindfulness practice as well as details on how and why it is a good fit for those of us doing this work.  Rita shared her own journey of developing a mindfulness practice demonstrating that one can start anywhere.  She not only led the group through meditation activities, she also shared strategies for integrating mindfulness and meditation into our own work with leaders, teachers, students, colleagues, family and friends.  Especially heartening were her testimonials for how mindfulness has helped her (and many others) to be more present, more calm in the storm, more thoughtful, and more compassionate.  

Identifying & Developing Inclusive Behaviors:
A Case Study with Assessments and Learning Interventions
Led by Chris Cartwright and Brett Parry

Chris Cartwright and Brett Parry presented the utility of assessment tools in intercultural training and development.  Both presenters have worked extensively with clients and organizations around the world.  They presented three assessment tools that they have used in intercultural and leadership development training and coaching and how they can be utilized in a real-life situation. They include the GCI (Global Competencies Inventory), GlobeSmart, and IBI (Inclusive Behaviors Inventory).  An animated video provided the background for a training and coaching case study in which newly appointed global leader, Amanda, was about to embark on a new assignment.  The group was then divided into small groups to discuss what advice we would give to Amanda based on her story and the results of the three inventories.  They even got to demonstrate how to deal with ambiguity on the fly when all the technology was not complying in the moment. Good work gentlemen.  The session provided a good overview of the two assessment tools (GCI and GlobeSmart) and an introduction to the third (IBI).  

The small group activity and the debrief was very effective at demonstrating the power of these tools and how a trainer or coach could utilize them in their own practice. You can learn more about these tools and even try them out at:

GlobeSmart:  https://www.globesmart.com/

Global Competencies Inventory:  https://www.globesmart.com/products/global-competencies-inventory/#:~:text=Developed%20by%20the%20Kozai%20Group,Global%20leader%20selection%20and%20development

Inclusive Behaviors Inventory: https://www.globesmart.com/products/inclusive-behaviors-inventory/ 

Mind, Mindfulness & The 3rd Pandemic of Mental Health
Led by Dr. Mai Nguyen

Through this detailed session Mai outlined the impact that the pandemic has had on mental health with information gathered over the last two years comparing pre and post pandemic data.  She went on to debunk four misconceptions of neuroscience and described ways that knowing how the brain and our neuro systems work can aid us in addressing the added stresses of a global health pandemic. Commenting on the research studies, she reported from her meta-analysis that there are indeed some valid, replicable outcomes and conclusions. Going forward she differentiated among sympathy (I understand how you feel); empathy (I feel what you feel); and compassion (loving kindness for everyone). She said that brain scans don’t like, but interpretations can. She closed her session with a loving kindness meditation.

Community Organizing, COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter:
One Minneapolis Neighborhood's Efforts to Speak Up and Keep the Peace
Led by Dr. Basma Ibrahim DeVries and Jon DeVries

Basma and Jon explained that their experience was the convergence of two pandemics: Covid- 19 and the racial unrest engendered by the murder of George Floyd. They gave participants a tour of their neighborhood prior to the pandemic that they described as a family place near a park. Using loving pictures of their two sons, nearby shops, a park, and pleasant streets with many houses built before 1939, they showed us what they meant. Then the virus hit and we saw how the community rose to the challenge and subsequently to the threat following the death of Floyd. Much of the turmoil and violence was clearly related to terrorists who came from outside their community, in fact, outside the state. They observed a pattern of stress-resistance-resilience-community. They concluded with a list of their observations and insights that had stretched them as interculturalists.

Submitted by Sandy Fowler

We have had a lovely parade of recipes with different cultural backgrounds in the newsletter since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The one I am submitting this month is plain, old, American comfort food that is good for the cooler weather, makes a lot, inexpensive, and quick to prepare (30 minutes) on top of the stove. I served it to my kids when they were little and 60 years later, they still ask for it and have their own versions. One thing I like about this dish is that it is amenable to so many options. So, experiment and find what ingredients you like best! I have no idea where the recipe idea came from and I’ve heard of similar recipes with names like Mosh. We never called it anything other than Hamburger (in those days) Rice Casserole. Since I no longer eat red meat, I now call it Turkeyburger Rice Casserole.

Basic recipe:

Half a large onion, chopped

3 large stalks of celery, chopped

1 pound of ground turkey

1 cup cooked white rice

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (two small cans or one large)

Sauté onions and celery in a bit of oil or melted butter; add ground turkey broken into bite-size pieces.

Add cooked rice; then the can of soup. Season to taste

• Here are the changes and additions that I’ve tried (and like):
• Instead of ground turkey, use hamburger (my sister uses rounds of pork sausage)
• Instead of white rice, use brown rice or wild rice or a mixture
• Instead of cream of chicken soup, use cream of celery or mushroom or a mixture
• Add chopped parsley, broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or pine nuts
• Seasonings I have used: poultry seasoning, Foxpoint, Mural of Flavor, Fine Herbs salt, pepper

WELCOME!ようこそ！

SIETAR Japan is delighted to have you join the 35th annual conference, which is the first to be held online.

2020 has already proven to be a year of incredible pain, with the worldwide death toll from Covid-19 reaching over a half million people and continuing to grow, and heartbreak, at the racial injustice, hatred and violence that continues without recognition of our shared humanity. It is unimaginable to go back to the world we accepted as normal just a few short months ago.

And so we begin to reimagine our world, and the Intercultural Landscape that SIETAR Japan is a part of. This year's annual conference will be an opportunity for timely dialogue and commitment to the future, with the theme of Reimagining the Intercultural Landscape in Times of Adversity.

We have planned two days of interactive virtual events, headlined by two keynote webinars. Our invited speakers will lead us in an exploration of what it means to be an interculturalist in these times of immense change and opportunity. How can we have a real impact and shape our future?

FYI, the conference website is

https://sites.google.com/view/sietarjapan2020

The deadline for reservations is October 19th.

Keynote Sessions

Coaching Across Cultures : Unleashing the Power of Cultural Diversity in Individuals, Teams and Organizations

Phillippe Rosinski & Company
Dr. Suzuko Nishihara
Director, NPO Research Institute for Japanese Language Education

Suzuko Nishihara is director of NPO Institute for Japanese Language Education. Previously she served as Executive Director of The Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute, Urawa. Among others, Nishihara is a director of Hakuho Foundation, and a councilor of Support 21, Social Welfare Foundation.

Nishihara has published extensively on Japanese language education, She received a special recognition for her professional achievement from the Director General of The Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.

She obtained her M.A. and PH.D. in linguistics from the University of Michigan.

Keisuke Taketani
Keisuke is a graphic facilitator and coach with expertise in leadership, sustainability, and innovation.

Through visualization methods, Keisuke helps organizations, teams, and individuals unpack complex issues, create solutions, and learn from both past and future.

His graphic facilitation and coaching style uses three platforms: systems thinking, solution-focus approach, and intercultural competence. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Communication for Development from the University of Malmo, Sweden

Before becoming a freelance in 2013, Keisuke worked for sustainability and change management at UNICEF, UN, and Asian Development Bank.

SIETAR USA Webinar – November 4, 2020: “Using Cultural Assets to Shift Paradigms:  A Case Study in Ensley” with Bettina Byrd-Giles. For webinar details and to register, visit SIETAR USA webinars.

November 7-8, 2020 – SIETAR Japan 2020 Online Conference: Join SIETAR Japan for their Annual Conference: “Reimagining the Intercultural Landscape in Times of Adversity”. Going online for the first time, SIETAR Japan’s Annual Conference will offer a host of interactive programs on November 7 & 8 (Sat & Sun), 2020. For details, and to register, visit https://sites.google.com/view/sietarjapan2020.

SIETAR EUROPA Webinar – November 12, 2020: “How History Builds Values: Delivering Culture-Specific Training - a Focus on Brazil” with Mariana de Oliveira Barros and Adrienne Sweetwater. For details and to register, visit SIETAR Europa webinars.

October

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This observance was launched in 1945 when Congress declared the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1998, the week was extended to a month and renamed. The annual event draws attention to employment barriers that still need to be addressed.

October is LGBT History Month, a U.S. observance started in 1994 to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and the history of the gay-rights movement.

October 17-25: Navaratri, the nine-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It worships God in the form of the universal mother commonly referred to as Durga, Devi or Shakti, and marks the start of fall.

October 25: Dasara, or Vijayadashami, in the eastern and northeastern states of India, it marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to help restore dharma.

October 28: Milvian Bridge Day, a one-day festival in Fayetteville, West Virginia. It is the only day of the year people can BASE jump off a bridge into New River Gorge.

October 31: All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), a celebration observed in a number of countries on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. It begins the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs and all the faithful departed.

November

November is National Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans.

November 1: All Saints’ Day, a Christian holiday commemorating all known and unknown Christian saints. (In Eastern Christianity, the day is observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost.)

November 2: All Souls’ Day, a Christian holiday commemorating all faithful Christians who are now dead. In the Mexican tradition, the holiday is celebrated as Dia de los Muertos (October 31- November 2), which is a time of remembrance for dead ancestors and a celebration of the continuity of life.

November 11: Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring military veterans. The date is also celebrated as Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, in other parts of the world and commemorates the ending of World War I in 1918.

November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance, established in 1998 to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of transphobia and to raise awareness of the continued violence endured by the transgender community.

Holidays list courtesy of:  https://www.diversitybestpractices.com/2019-diversity-holidays

This issue of The Interculturalist: A Periodical of SIETAR USA is chock full of conference news giving you the opportunity to read about the virtual experience coming so soon. Many of your questions should be answered and it is a good preview. But before I move on to the conference, I’d like to bring up the Office of Management and Budget announcement of the White House memo calling for a ban that forbids federal agencies from funding diversity, equity and inclusion training that includes white supremacy or critical race theory. It is considered by the Administration as divisive, un-American, and far-left indoctrination. Additional federal guidance on training sessions is forthcoming, maintaining that “the President, and his Administration, are fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of all individuals in the United States.” (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/04/trump-antiracism-training-white-privilege-critical-race-theory)

         That is tantamount to the Administration trying to tell us how to do our jobs and that is not acceptable. I would like to extend my appreciation to our colleagues who do DEI training for the government. I also extend my sympathies, but I strongly believe that this too shall pass. In the meantime, it will be interesting to read what the Administration thinks should be included in DEI training.

On a happier note, I like to think of the upcoming conference as a smorgasbord. The Conference Committee has arranged a menu that includes succulent concurrent sessions, tasty invited workshops, delicious invited speakers, gourmet wellness sessions, and other special tidbits such as Happy Hours. The two appetizers are the Live Online Learning Activities workshop sponsored by SIETAR USA and conducted by Sivasailam Thiagarajan and Matt Richter. A second appetizer is the special session by veteran SIETAR USA member Shelley Morrison. She has been doing virtual training longer than anyone I know, and her helpful tips are all gems—not to be missed. The Opening Keynote is a special dish that starts the conference. Then the main course items are the concurrent sessions designed and presented by members. And for dessert, you have Patricia Coleman who will offer the closing keynote. You will end the conference “well-fed!”

One special session worth mentioning is the Annual Business Meeting on Monday, October 12^th. A lot has been happening with our complete Board so full of enthusiasm and inspired ideas. The Board of Directors looks forward to reporting on such things as the Financial situation (very good), the health of our Local Groups, the webinars scheduled for the first half of 2021, several important Professional Development initiatives, Membership numbers (a good place to volunteer), Leadership Development (we will be in the middle of a nomination/election cycle), Communication innovations (another spot for volunteers), Sponsor Partner developments (news to announce there!), and of course, a 2021 Conference preview. It will also be a time when the President Elect (Brett) can give you an idea of what his plans are for his 2-year term starting 1 January 2021.

N.B. The Full Schedule is in the conference section on the SIETAR USA website. We are working on the background information that answers the questions you might have regarding each session: presenter bios and session descriptions. There will be a link to provide easy access to the resource material.

We expect to learn a lot from this conference—not only from the presenters. We will also be learning which decisions were good ones and which not so much. We want to learn from your experiences as well, so please complete the evaluation to help us craft virtual conferences in the future that meet your needs and wants. We are still confident that we will be able to meet in person in 2021 in Omaha.

I look forward to seeing you throughout the virtual conference and in a year, see you in Omaha!

Sandy

Sandra M. Fowler

President SIETAR USA

Dear SIETAR USA members and colleagues,

The future of SIETAR USA depends on its members to support its mission and to provide the leadership to guide the organization. To that end, we are issuing the 2020 Call for Nominations for the Board of Directors of SIETAR USA. 

The SIETAR USA Leadership values diversity in all of its forms and is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive environment for all SIETAR USA members. We invite and encourage all members of our community to participate in the Board of Directors election process to support our efforts to cultivate a culture that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion. 

You may nominate yourself or another member of the organization. Any candidate for Board positions must meet the following criteria in addition to role-specific requirements listed in each position description. 

Possess a strong background and understanding of the intercultural and/or diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) fields

Be a member in good standing with SIETAR USA (or willing to become a member)

Be a member who has attended at least one SIETAR USA conference in the past five years

Open Positions

We currently have two board positions open for nominations in 2020:

• Leadership Development Director
• Communications Director

Detailed job descriptions for the positions will be posted shortly on the SIETAR USA website.

Nomination Deadline

All nominations must be submitted in writing by e-mail to both info@sietarusa.org and boardleadership@sietarusa.org by:

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Process

The Nominations Committee identifies candidates through a nomination process for each position based on the required skill and knowledge sets needed for each position. This slate is then announced to the members of SIETAR USA. If there is more than one candidate for a position, an election will be held.

New Board members will serve their terms starting January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023. They will serve a three-year term and carry responsibilities for the portfolio for which they were elected. Upon completion of his/her three-year term, every board member can choose to self-nominate for three more years of the same or a different board position and go through the nomination process as any new candidate would during that same nomination cycle. According to the by-laws SIETAR USA Board membership generally cannot exceed nine (9) consecutive years.

General Duties of Members of the Board of Directors

• Board members serve a three-year term (unless noted otherwise) and carry responsibilities for the portfolio to which they are appointed. 
• Board members must sign and abide by the Board Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest documents. As all members of the society, they are encouraged to support and sign the Living Code of Ethics. 
• Board members are expected to attend the SIETAR USA Annual Conference, the Annual Board Meeting (a one-day in-person meeting before or after the conference), and the Board of Directors Annual Retreat (a three-day business meeting held each year in February or March). 
• Board members are expected to participate in monthly Board of Directors teleconference meetings. 

Feel free to contact us with any questions at boardleadership@sietarusa.org.