Addressing Conflict Rooted in Diversity: The Role of the Facilitator

Abstract

To work effectively with Latinos, social workers must acknowledge and value their diversity. Groups that value cultural diversity must develop the capacity to address conflict rooted in that diversity. Social workers who facilitate diverse groups need to be skilled in conflict resolution, cultural competency, reinforcement of purpose and process, maintenance of the facilitator role and responsibility, appropriate selfdisclosure, and setting limits. The practice example described here is from a two-day retreat held by a Latino group. A conflict occurred at the retreat that underscored the importance of the role of the facilitator in addressing conflict rebooted in diversity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities for Effectively Facilitating an Adolescent Girls' Group

“…The literature varies greatly on this subject. Some authors simply iterate the necessity of understanding what appropriate self-disclosure is (Camacho, 2001), while others encourage brief sharing of personal experiences but do not specify limits of “brief sharing” or address broader self-disclosure/boundary issues (Long et al, 2004). Kane (2006) has stated that facilitators should not participate in content discussion at all although others note that facilitators who have a level of openness can more effectively encourage girls to look at the issues that affect their own lives (Calhoun et al, 2005).…”

Athena's Legacy: Preparing Women for a Mentoring Program

“…Women also entered the group identifying with their suburb and the reputation or mythology surrounding it. Camancho (2001) says that "members who identify strongly with a subgroup may feel in the minority in spite of being a part of the group's majority,"…”

Diversity Competent Group Work Supervision: An Application of the Supervision of Group Work Model (SGW)

“…Intervention skills within this context facilitate clear communication between members and support communication in ways that are acceptable to those with different communication styles. In addition, skills related to conflict resolution and facilitating communication across differences, while necessary in all groups, may be even more important when facilitating diverse or cross-cultural groups (Camacho, 2001). The prominent goals of group level intervention skills are to establish facilitative norms, to facilitate group development, and to confront issues that block the group's progress (Kline, 2003).…”