Thursday, May 26, 2011

Mentoring as Social Capital

I encourage you to read this article titled Bridging the Chasm: Mentoring Across Differences.

In one paragraph the author writes "One proven method to increasing cross-cultural competency is to enter into a mentoring relationship with someone who is culturally different. Research shows that by participating in such a relationship, both the mentor and the mentee, can increase their knowledge of other cultures, their awareness of themselves and others and learn specific new skills to adapt to differences. In the process, they become more culturally competent--developing the ability to interact respectfully and effectively with individuals of different backgrounds in other settings."

If this is such a value, and a "proven method" where are the billionaires and philanthropic investors who would support volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs connect people who are culturally and economically different in on-going relationships?

Where are people talking about this?

1 comment:

ann mark said...

The best part i found is" by participating in such a relationship, both the mentor and the mentee, can increase their knowledge of other cultures, their awareness of themselves and others and learn specific new skills to adapt to differences."Myusainfo is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them.

http://www.myusainfo.com/