January 2013 SIETAR-USA Newsletter News January 2013: The most pressing issues in our intercultural field, Member Sandra Fowler receives accolade, San Fran group starts and more

SUSA News January 2013: The most pressing issues in our intercultural field, Member Sandra Fowler receives accolade, SanFran group starts and more...

President's LetterNew Year Ushers in RenewedCommitment, Optimism

I’m really excited to assume the role of President and lookforward to serving in this capacity. The intercultural field ingeneral and SIETAR-USA in particular are very special to me--Iam very passionate about both. I would like to acknowledge and show great appreciation for Kelli McLoud-Schingen, who servedas President from 2010 to 2012. Her leadership was really extraordinary, and I feel fortunate tobe able to learn from her model and her wise counsel. We as an organization have much to do to ensure that we continue to be leaders in our field,produce exceptional conferences, and build and maintain our membership base. One thing thatis particularly striking to me about SIETAR-USA is the degree of love to be found in the peoplewho are members and leaders. We love our work, we love the field, we love each other, and onand on. What a great feeling and a message of positivity and light. I hope that during mypresidency our membership will continue to acknowledge and accentuate the role of love in ourwork and let that come out in our interactions with each other as fellow members. I look forward to serving as President and I look forward to hearing from the membershipregarding what we are doing right and what we can do to improve. Thank you for the opportunityto serve. I’ll end with a quote of mine from my nomination statement as President-Elect:

I believe strongly in the mission of SIETAR-USA and the larger field it represents. The mission ofthe intercultural field is to foster mutual understanding, promote learning, facilitate effective

January 2013 SIETAR-USA Newsletter http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=fa0b14891387725b62c6...

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communication, and ultimately to help create peace in the face of ignorance, fear, and hatred.My strong belief in this mission is what has driven me to devote much time and energy toSIETAR-USA over the past several years, and it is this belief and commitment that I hope willgive me the strength and determination to carry out the duties of President-Elect and eventuallyPresident. I appreciate the encouragement I have received from SIETAR-USA members andother Board members, and I will ask for your continued contributions as we all work together tobuild and maintain this wonderful organization so that our field can contribute to the world formany years to come. Christopher Deal. Ph.D.SIETAR-USA President

Margaret D. Pusch Founders' Award presentedto Sandra Fowler at October Conference


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Sandra Fowler (center) is awarded the Margaret D. Pusch Founders’ Award by former president Tatyana

Fertelmeyster. Her daughter Monica Mumford (pictured at left) is also an active SIETAR-USA member and

longtime Board member.

The SIETAR-USA community congratulates Sandy Fowler on receiving the distinguishedFounders' Award! Sandy's contributions to the field spans more than four decades. Her monikerhas become synonymous with commitment, service and loyalty to the field of interculturalstudies. Those with whom she has worked closest sing her praises and speak highly of hersignificant, indelible mark on our world and beyond.

"Sandy’s leadership within SIETAR-USA can be seen throughout the organization," PastPresident Kelli McLoud-Schingen said. "She has been a President, Conference co-chair,Conference Chair, member of the board as well as the Advisory Council. She responds toEVERY call for help and if she can’t do it, she will find someone who can. She is a lifelongstudent of all things intercultural and though she has a great deal to teach, she is also anexcellent student. We are truly lucky to have her in our midst."

Longtime friend and colleague George Renwick echoes McLoud-Schingen's sentiments. "I haveknown Sandy since she and I went ice skating during the SIETAR International conference inMontebello, Quebec, Canada. That was in 1976," he said. "As a leader, Sandy has kept SIETARin touch with its history. Her sincere, collaborative style has ensured that many members havecontributed to the direction and development of the Society. She has had the courage to take onthe issues that challenge all professional associations, including ethical standards andcertification. As a colleague, through her workshops and the books she has compiled and editedwith her daughter, Monica, she has captured the best thinking of the most active trainers andhas provided in-depth understanding of a wide range of training methods, thereby increasing theeffectiveness of cross-cultural training."

Renwick's praise continued, highlighting the value of Sandy's friendship: "In her attentive,gracious way, Sandy has given words of encouragement and appreciation to countlessindividuals who are coming into the intercultural field and to those who are trying to establish thevalue of our unique field. Over many years, Sandy has generously honored many in our Society.Now it is time for us to honor her."

Another colleague, Dr. Robert Hayles, has known Sandy since the mid-1970s, when they bothworked for the Department of the Navy. "Sandy has made many visible and invisiblecontributions to the field of intercultural communication" he said. "Visibly, she has been and is aleader in the field and our professional society. Her leadership has contributed substantively tothe field through publication and practice. She has helped SIETAR survive difficult times and


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become the global enduring organization that we have today. Invisibly, she has helped makeprogress regarding several challenging issues both in the field and in our society. It is delightfulto see her being recognized."

A letter of appreciation from the honored recipient:

Gratitude and Reflections on Recognition and Service

When I heard that SIETAR-USA had chosen me to receive SIETAR-USA’s highest award, theMargaret D. Pusch Founders’ Award, I was both grateful and humbled. I was very surprised andtouched upon hearing my name announced by former president Tatyana Fertelmeyster at theSIETAR-USA banquet during the annual conference in Minneapolis. To be recognized in thisway by peers is a profound experience. This award, named for our founding Executive Director, was initially bestowed on Margaret D.(Peggy) Pusch for her years of service and dedication to both the association and theintercultural field. The committee that developed the award wanted to make this a mostprestigious award, and loaded the criteria required of the recipient to reflect Peggy’scontributions, which spanned her many decades of work, support, scholarship, and engagement.She is a hard act to follow, and the committee was determined to make sure that winners of thisaward lived up to her standards. The Founders' Award is conferred for a demonstrated record ofservice to the profession, contributions to community, contributions to SIETAR, andprofessionalism. The Founders' Award is gratifying in itself but I value the people and the lessons I learned alongthe way even more. The award—a lovely crystal, pyramidal plinth topped by a crystalglobe—reads “for making a world of difference.” I know that I wasn’t able to make that differencealone. I have many people to thank for that. Some of the people who were instrumental in mycareer with SIETAR start with George Renwick, Michael Paige, Zehra Keye Tanberk, and Peggy,who welcomed me to my first SIETAR conference in Mexico City in 1989. I am indebted toeditors along the way who helped my publications—journal articles and book chapters—readsmoothly and clearly. Peggy taught me how to edit other people’s work as I embarked on theIntercultural Sourcebook: Cross Cultural Training Methods, which has almost 50 authors in itstwo volumes. It could not have been completed without the able assistance of my junior editorand daughter, Monica Mumford.

My training skills were honed by the many opportunities to train that were offered by people likeJanet Bennett at SIIC (the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication), Michael Gottlieb,and the work I did at the Washington International Center with Barbara Steinwachs and at theState Department with Fanchon Silberstein, my regular training partner. The other training arena


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so important for developing training skills for me and so many others is the SIETAR conferences.They include a wide range of presentations from simulation games to panel discussions toactivities that elucidate a concept or process. I’ve done them all. SIETAR is also the place where old timers and newcomers to the intercultural field naturallymeet. As my career matured, I was able to give back when asked for help with a project like amaster’s thesis. Who could refuse to help such women as Ursula Leitzman and Nancy O’Brien?I’ve helped them and others devise training plans and select just the right simulation game for aspecific purpose. When I was cutting back on my professional activities I was able to referpotential clients to a nice list of capable young interculturalists with whom I had worked,coached, or consulted. Conventional wisdom dictates that one should not thank an array of people by name because itis impossible not to leave someone out. I agree. So now I am going to ignore that advice andtake the opportunity to mention (in no particular order) a few more SIETAR members past andpresent to whom I feel indebted for their friendship and wisdom: Mike Tucker, Ann Marie Lei,Heather Robinson, Sue Shinomiya, Al Wight, Frank Montalvo, Esther Louie, TatyanaFertelmeyster, Harry Triandis, Kelli McLoud-Schingen, Richard Brislin, Robert Kohls, GarryShirts, Jim McCaffery, Jackie Wasilewski, Judee Blohm, Zareen Karani Araoz, and Ray Leki. I hope you will take a moment to consider your legacy to our intercultural field. I am confidentthat together we can all make a difference by working toward the goals and vision ofSIETAR-USA, and becoming the best interculturalists we can be. With gratitude,

Sandra M. Fowler

Quoted & Noted: Voices from the Field*

What is the most pressing issue facing the intercultural field, andhow should we navigate this?

"The one that keeps coming to the fore, and more so as time goes on, is the need to adapttraditional cultural attributes to the powerful change effects of top-down forces of globalization. Itis really no longer relevant to speak of traditional categories of cultural dimensions as


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determinants of cultural behavior in a world so powerfully influenced and constantly beingchanged by enormous forces of globalization. Twenty-first century interculturalists need to builda model that accurately reflects real-life on-the-ground behaviors that have become profoundlydifferent in many cases to the traditional cultural attributes that were researched in the pre-globalworld."--Dean Foster, President and Founder, DFA Intercultural Global Solutions

"One of the most pressing issues is the lack of any certification or professionalaccreditation...there is no way to determine who is qualified. Our profession is seen by some assimplistic since, according to potential clients that have had previous training sessions, what ispresented as cross-cultural training is often useless--the trainers only employed one instrumentand could not help solve real business issues."--Neal Goodman, President, Global Dynamics Inc.

"As business continues to globalize, more and more people are finding themselves workingclosely with people from other cultures. The intercultural field needs to figure out how to reachthis ever-growing number of people who would benefit from the insights we are able to offer. Themethods used in the past may not be sufficient. Long expatriate assignments are no longer thedominant vehicle for close contact, and it's necessary to proactively reach people who interactacross cultures during business trips, through email, and on conference calls and Skype. Peoplewhose cross-cultural contact happens in shorter bursts may not always be aware of the need toget more training and information. Companies are also finding it more difficult to have employeesparticipate in longer training sessions. Methods of promoting cross-cultural learning that aremore convenient and embedded in people's work are increasingly necessary.""--Rochelle Kopp, Founder and Managing Principal, Japan Intercultural Consulting

*This new, recurring section invites professionals in the intercultural field to share their thoughtson relevant and timely issues. SIETAR-USA does not necessarily share or endorse views statedhere.

April newsletter's question: What skills or qualities can set top job seekers in the interculturalfield apart from the rest? If you are an employer in the field, what do you look for when seekingculturally competent employees? Submit your response for consideration to Editor BobbieStewart at [email protected].

Ethics Working Group Takes Shape,


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Meets Regularly

Maria Thacker, SIETAR-USA Ethics Chair for SIETAR-USA's Board of Directors, has beenworking diligently to assemble and organize the efforts of the newly-formed Ethics WorkingGroup. The team is aiming to submit a draft proposal to the Board of Directors at the Board ofDirectors Retreat in April.

The working group was formed in November and is comprised of the following members(including Thacker, of Florida), who generously devote time and energy to the evolving endeavorof highlighting ethical behaviors and standards in the field:

Ann Ettringhaus, MaineMichael Tucker, ColoradoVirginia Cutchen, VirginiaKyoung-Ah Nam, Washington, D.C.Naomi Ludeman Smith, MinnesotaLisa Singh, Ohio

Maria Thacker, Ethics Chair, SIETAR-USA Board of Directors, [email protected]

Mentorship: Find your Guru, or Be One!

One of the benefits of being a member of SIETAR-USA is the ability to participate in ourmentoring program. Whether you are a student, a new practitioner, or hoping to enter the field ofintercultural relations, you are eligible to have an assigned mentor help guide you in your careergrowth. Established specialists who would like to support their colleagues can also volunteer asa mentor. Serving as a mentor is an excellent way to give back to our professional community.

“There is something very rewarding about engaging with a new interculturalist on the path ofdoing this work," said Rita Brown, current SIETAR-USA Mentor and an Independent Consultant."While I share, encourage, guide and support one individual, I contribute to and strengthen thefield of intercultural relations. I often remember, with tremendous gratitude, those who did thesame for me in the beginning of my career. Being a mentor for me is to steward forward thatcaring energy from the past, add my own wisdom in the present, in order to help my menteemanifest her career into the future.”


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Once accepted and matched, the mentee/mentor connect once a month over the course of oneyear. If you are a member and interested in applying to the mentoring program, contact breidi atthe email address below.

breidi Truscott Roberts, Careers and Mentoring Chair, SIETAR-USA Board of Directors,[email protected]

Planning Continues for 2013 Annual Conferencein Washington, D.C. Area

Save the Date! Please plan to join us for the 13th annual SIETAR-USA conference, November6-9, 2013 at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. Situated just across the Potomac Riverfrom Georgetown, the Key Bridge Marriott offers panoramic views of the sights and sounds ofthe nation's capital. With its many embassies, international organizations and universities,Washington D.C. is a vibrant multicultural city and an ideal location for this year’s conference.

Our newly appointed conference co-chairs, Holly Emert and Julia Gaspar-Bates bring a wealthof experiences and creative energy to the huge job of leading the conference planning team’sefforts. They have both been active SIETAR-USA members and conference participants formany years.

Holly Emert, Ph.D. has been an active member of SIETAR-USA since 2000. She recentlycompleted a term on the SIETAR-USA Board of Directors as the Professional DevelopmentChair and has served in several roles for the organization's annual conferences (programco-chair 3 times; volunteer coordinator). She has experience in corporate, education, non-profitand independent consulting contexts and currently serves as Assistant Director of theDistinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching Program at the Institute of International Education inWashington, D.C., where she has lived since 2010. She looks forward to helping make the 2013SIETAR-USA conference a wonderful experience for everyone who attends.

Julia Gaspar-Bates has been a member of SIETAR-USA since 2002 and actively involved withSIETAR-DC since moving to Washington D.C. in 2005. She is past Executive Coordinator ofSIETAR-DC and currently serves on its Advisory Board. She is co-founder and president ofIntercultural Alliances, a cross-cultural training and consulting firm, and an adjunct professor atThe George Washington University. In her spare time, she teaches yoga and regularlyincorporates mindfulness-based practices to keep herself balanced. Julia is excited to co-chairthis year’s conference and welcome fellow SIETARians to her hometown in November.


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2013 Conference Co-Chairs: Holly Emert and Julia Gaspar-Bates

Julia and Holly have already met a few times to begin developing a vision and mapping out astrategy together for our 2013 conference. Stay tuned for updates from them in the comingmonths as the plans come together and they begin recruiting volunteers to lead and serve on theconference committees.

To make sure that you’re receiving the latest information about the conference plans, please signup for e-mail updates at the SIETAR-USA website and/or follow SIETAR-USA on Facebook.

Meanwhile, please "Save the Date" now and plan to join us!

Ann Marie Lei, Conference Oversight Chair, SIETAR-USA Board of Directors

Local Group News

SIETAR-Metro NY

In late October SIETAR-Metro New York held a panel discussion on "New Trends in the


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Intercultural Field" with local cross-cultural experts, Karina Maria Clausen, Katherine King,Barbara Martalus, and Valli Murphy. It was moderated by NY chapter President Oscar Romero. Enthusiasm for the event was reflected in a group of 20-plus attendees who represented severaldifferent regions/countries including Africa, Germany, Korea, Spain and the United States.

SIETAR-Metro NY members discuss recent developments in the

intercultural field during an October meeting.

The panel addressed questions and topics including: * Changes in the intercultural field* Changes in the profile and needs of clients through the years* Recent adaptations to training delivery methods and resources As one might imagine, these questions generated a lively panel discussion, which raised topicsand themes around: * Development of virtual training and methods - the pros/cons of savings measured by firmsbalanced with high quality "live" training* Changes in the workforce, including younger employees chosen for overseas assignments* Critical importance of intercultural training for expat spouses - and the consequences sufferedby firms and employees that have neglected this area* Intersection and value of executive coaching in intercultural training and how trainers maybenefit from a "coaching" approach to clients* Need for trainers to become more flexible in this dynamic business environment and adjust tothe needs of clients* Availability of resources and trends in the field and how to utilize them most effectively


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Companies are maintaining their need to send employees overseas. Our field is a dynamic oneand as our clients continue to develop and face new challenges, so must we seek new ways toaddress them. To close out the year and celebrate the holiday season, SIETAR-NY hosted a gathering at aSouth African restaurant in midtown-west in Manhattan where we shared experiences andstories over wine and appetizers and toasted the coming year. We look forward to an exciting events calendar in 2013 including country profiles, networkingevents and the exploration of culture and the arts. Best wishes in 2013! Oscar Romero, SIETAR-Metro NY, President

SIETAR-San Francisco Bay Area

We’re official! A group of interculturalists in the San Francisco Bay Area has been meetinginformally since last spring and we’re pleased to announce that we have just officially joinedSIETAR-USA as a Local Group. Alice Marlowe, Jenny Sowry, Rita Brown, Susan Giesecke,Barb Galyen, Lisa Marie Adorno, Mary Matambanadzo and I serve as members of the SteeringCommittee. In January, Rita Brown presented an integral approach to understanding anddesigning cross-cultural initiatives with her presentation entitled: “The four worlds of crossingcultures.” In February, we will host Kate Berardo and in March Terence Brake.

We meet on the first Thursday of each month at the International House in Berkeley. If you areinterested in being added to our mailing list, please contact Alice at: [email protected]. Youcan also visit our SIETAR-San Francisco Bay Area Facebook page.

We look forward to growing our budding group in 2013!

breidi Truscott Roberts, SIETAR-San Francisco Bay Area

The SIETAR-USA Sponsors, Advertisers & ExhibitorsCommittee and our 2012 SPONSORS wish you a Happy

New Year!


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For information on sponsoring or exhibiting in 2013 please email [email protected].

Next Issue of SUSA News: April 2013

Contribute to SUSA News!

This is your newsletter. What would you like

to see in it? We invite articles, books reviews


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and the like. Creativity is a collaboration. We

want to hear from you!

Here are specific ways you can help.

Consider:

* Submitting interesting facts about

intercultural education, training and

research

We'd like to start a "Did You Know..." section

that highlights lesser known, but interesting

facts of the field. Email:

[email protected].

* Responding to our question for the next

Quoted & Noted section

April's question is for employers in the field:

What skills or qualities can set top job

seekers in the intercultural field apart from the

rest? Or, what do you look for when seeking

culturally competent employees? Email:

[email protected].

Mark yourCalendars!

2013 SIETARConferencesAbroad

SIETAR IndiaFebruary 2-3Mumbai, India

SIETAR EuropaSeptember 18-22Tallinn, Estonia

Contact Us

We've moved! Our office ishoused at the InterculturalCommunication Institute (ICI).

Address:SIETAR-USAc/o The InterculturalCommunication Institute8835 SW Canyon Lane, Suite238Portland, OR 97225Phone: +1-503-297-4622Fax: +1-503-297-4695Email Address:[email protected]: sietarusa.orgBlog: Click here

You can also contactPresident Christopher Deal [email protected].

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Copyright © 2013 SIETAR-USA, All rights reserved.


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Documents

January 2013 SIETAR-USA Newsletter News January 2013: The most pressing issues in our intercultural field, Member Sandra Fowler receives accolade, San Fran group starts and more