Understanding the Culture, by Sister Elaine Hollis, SSJ

The "Cultural Diversity and Conflict Management" program was thought of by the Global Coordinating Committee of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. They brought together a committee of 10 Sisters from around the world to develop the curriculum. Avila University, founded and inspired by the SSJs of Carondelet, provided academic advisers to help with the planning and evaluation of each session so that improvements can be made along the way. This program is funded through a grant to the US Federation from the Hilton Foundation.


Mission Statement for Program

In this fourth workshop to be presented, we are learning about culture in its various aspects using the experiences which each person brings to this encounter. The hope is that each participant will return to her own country and be able to use and teach what she has learned to her own community, people in ministry, young people, or other groups.


Sister Griselda with Ken and Carol, academic advisers from Avila University

There is a great deal of enthusiasm here as folks share both the similarities and the differences in their experiences of their own and other cultures.


Participants from the Americas on the night of their cultural presentations