Statistics have proven that 2/3 of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of the 4th grade are destined to end up in jail or on welfare. We also know that 85 percent of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally low literate. This basically means that a person’s ability to recognize, read & comprehend words is going to be one of the primary determining factors that will dictate the level of success that person will achieve in their lifetime.
As important as this is in the world of education, we think it is just as important in the world of cultural relations. When it comes to navigating multi-cultural environments, a person’s level of ability in recognizing, reading & comprehending the cultural languages of those around them is going to help determine the level of success they will be able to achieve while serving, or working alongside, those of different backgrounds at any specific location.
At PLAIN ENGLISH we believe that lasting change in the area of cross-cultural relations requires a level of impact that must be based on both intellect & emotion. It is for this reason that each one of our Cross-Cultural Literacy Sessions focuses on engaging both the mind (through humor & fact based story-telling) and the heart (through personality, personal experience & transparency). Check out our core sessions below.
- SESSION #1 – FREE YOUR MIND:
Find out just how deep the rabbit hole goes as we learn about the impact of cultural bias & if your organization is looking for assimilation or true integration. We will discuss how the history we have been taught plays a role in the issues we face today. You will also leave with a list of resources that will provide you with additional perspective on race relations in America.- Recognizing Cultural Bias
- The Role of Historically Inaccurate Education
- Assimilation vs Integration
- Recommended Resources
- SESSION #2 – ”GOODER” ENGLISH:
Here, we’ll dive into communication styles & differences you will want to be aware of as you engage with those who may live & work in the same spaces but speak a very different cultural “language” than what you may be used to.- Who Gets To Decide What Proper English Is?
- African American Vernacular English
- Code Switching For Beginners
- Body Language & Communication Styles
- Passion vs Aggression
- SESSION #3 – WATCH YOUR STEP!:
Let’s talk about some of the cultural landmines that continue keeping people from coming together due to a lack of knowledge & understanding. The topics here address the top four questions/topics that consistently come up in Jay’s conversations around race, culture & diversity.- All Lives Matter
- What About Black On Black Crime?
- Doesn’t Racism Work Both Ways?
- I Don’t Know What To Say
- SESSION #4 – BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER!:
If you’re ready to begin actively bridging the cultural divide, this working session will examine the construction of a suspension bridge to reveal the four practical steps you can take to start making a difference right where you are.- Examining the Water
- Sending the Pilot Line
- Constructing the Deck
- Teaching Others
- SESSION #5 – WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME:
For those who want to lead/create strong, healthy multi-cultural environments themselves. Here, Jay reveals the tips & tricks he has learned along the way that have allowed him to consistently succeed at bringing people of various cultural backgrounds together to reach common goals.- Prove That You Care
- Recognizing Traits of Individualism
- The Tragedy of Racial Illiteracy
- Help Me Remove My Mask
- ADDITIONAL SESSIONS FOR ALL AUDIENCES:
- The Wheels On The Bus (Power of Mentorship)
- U-N-I-T-Y: Speaking My Language
- The Multiplication of Leaders
- Managing Conflict
- Principles of Effective Leadership
- Reaching Generation Z
- SESSIONS FOR FAITH-BASED AUDIENCES:
- 5 Laws for Protecting Your Marriage
- God’s Thoughts On Social Justice
- Strange Fruit (Discrimination/Social Justice)
- So You Want To Be A Superhero (3 Things Heroes Must Have)
- Batteries Not Included (You’re Going to Need More Power)
- Church Roots: It’s All About Impact
- Water for the King (Leading from the Middle)
- Loved to Lead (Training Your Replacement)
- Loving People Through Change & Crises
- If Jesus Had Limits, Why Don’t We?
- CONSULTING SERVICES:
- Facilitated Discussions on Race & Diversity
- Coaching for Healthy & Diverse Work Environments
- Corporate/Non-Profit Consulting
- Leadership Development
- Community Engagement
- Church/MinistryConsulting
- Pastoring of Congregants & Volunteers
- Music/Band
- Worship Team/Choir
- Youth Programming & Engagement
- Community Outreach
Feel free to contact us with any questions that you have. We are here to help and look forward to connecting with you!
