Including Everyone

It’s true that the similarities that unite human beings are more powerful than the differences we sometimes think must divide us. But an important part of the supporter’s role is to look and listen for who each child actually is—an individual with many different influences and much that is wholly original. The more we are curious and open to learning and being led by each child, the more successful our support will be.

The following resources offer a little information on 6 of the many cultural groups that have often been subject to stereotypes and misunderstanding—rural youth and families, children with different abilities, LGBTQ+ youth, Native American children and families, Black/African American children and families, and Hispanic/Latino children and families.

Although this collection is a tiny drop in a deep ocean, it might begin to reveal one truth: We can never “know” another culture or find a cultural formula that explains a human being. However, our openness, curiosity, and willingness to appreciate individuals, families, and cultures will be more than enough to create a healing connection.