Dignitaries Get Lesson in Diversity

Associated Press wire story
Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel
The Wisconsin State Journal
Eau-Claire Leader Telegram

In their talk to the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, CulturePrep’s Heins, who is black, and Vogel, who is white, said the university’s Design for Diversity initiative should involve less rhetoric and more direct efforts to bring people from different cultures together. Then they took each other by the hand and declared, “This is diversity!” The gesture generated a burst of applause.

/by

CulturePrep Founder Awarded Peacebuilder of the Year

Recognized for contributions to cross-cultural relations in Denver community, Peter A. Vogel, founder and managing director of CulturePrep Inc., a leading cross-cultural relations firm, recently received The School Mediation Center’s 2003 Peacebuilder of the Year award.

The award was presented at the 12th annual “Violence Prevention in School Communities” conference in Denver by The School Mediation Center, a Boulder-based organization that teaches conflict resolution and anti-bullying skills in schools across the nation.

“The Peacebuilder of the Year award was created to recognize people in schools, who are actively working to create peaceable, non-violent school environments,” said Brooke Goering, Conference Co-coordinator. “Standing up against prejudice and discrimination is daily work in our schools and Vogel is helping to create effective communication between students in the classroom, on the playground and in their neighborhoods.”

Marilynn Allen, principal of East Elementary School adds, ” Our students have developed an awareness of children and their needs not only locally but also internationally because of Mr. Vogel’s commitment and enthusiasm for making a difference in this society.”

Vogel was nominated after the successful Sister School pilot program with East Elementary in Littleton and Naama Elementary in Mityana, Uganda East-Africa launched during the 2002-2003 school year. The program included student participation from both schools educating each other on each culture through letters, videos and other activities. East Elementary students also raised funds in order to donate school supplies to the children at Naama Elementary. The program was finalized with a January trip to Naama, facilitated by Vogel and CulturePrep, to deliver all of the goods and supplies collected in the fall.

“It was a privilege to partner with the schools and experience the cross-continent friendships with the children,” says Vogel. “Both East and Naama students were encouraged to feel safe to relate to other kids, by finding what makes them similar and appreciating what makes them different. It was a tremendous learning time for all of us involved in the project.”

After working with schools, businesses and communities from around the world to advance cross-cultural relationships since 1988, CulturePrep is using its Safe to Relate program in the Littleton school district, the Rock House Christian Youth Center in Idaho Springs, and others, to teach and incorporate how to understand, work together and become unified with other cultures and religions.

“CulturePrep’s goal is to make a positive impact regarding cultural boundaries and differences in order to promote diversity-friendly environments,” said Vogel. “The Peacebuilder of the Year award is an honor and I hope this will open up more doors to share the message of reconciliation.”

/by

Press Release: New Program Makes it “Safe-to-Relate”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Program Makes it “Safe-to-Relate”

Schools, businesses and communities to benefit from cross-cultural training.

LITTLETON, CO – CulturePrep, Inc. announced today the launch of a new crosscultural
awareness training initiative called “Safe-to-Relate.” Safe-to-Relate is a handson
program that equips participants with the tools to feel safe around and relate better
to cultural differences: whether it is at school, work or in the community.

“It’s a very different world than the one that most of grew up in,” says company founder and president, Peter Vogel. “Diversity isn’t just something people encounter on overseas trips – It’s in our workplace, our schools and in virtually every aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, people are inclined to stereotype and pigeonhole others from
different cultures. Safe-to-Relate works to foster a better understanding of our cultural
biases – maximizing potential relationships.”

Organizations that have faced cross-cultural issues are turning to Vogel’s program for
relief. This month, counselors from eight Littleton elementary schools will participate in
an all-day Safe-to-Relate workshop in order to foster cultural understanding in their
services for students and adults.

“The school district is experiencing a paradigm shift,” says Jill Ingersoll, MSW, and
counselor for Littleton elementary schools. “With the increase of international students
in the classroom, it is very important for us to be aware of our own biases to help our
students understand theirs. We want our kids to be able to see past each other’s
differences and be able to work, play and learn from one another.”

Recently, Vogel engaged a group of 30 Wisconsin corporate, community and education
professionals at a Safe-to-Relate workshop. The experience was described as
enlightening and valuable for all participants.

“This isn’t about ‘touchy-feely’ encounters,” insists Vogel. “This is the new reality of our
diverse culture. And for those that want to get the most out of social interactions,
educational experiences and business transactions, they need to better understand
their neighbors, coworkers and customers.”

CulturePrep’s Safe-to-Relate program incorporates a three-step process: The first step
is one of guided self-examination. Secondly, the program teaches practical crosscultural relations skills. And finally, emphasis is placed on developing an organizational structure that would lend support to the advancement of cross-cultural relationships.

Workshop length varies from a half-day to a three-day retreat.

Originally based outside Philadelphia, CulturePrep has helped such notable
organizations as: LaSalle University; the YWCA, Office of the Mayor, Reading, PA;
KidsPeace National Center for Kids in Crisis; Lancaster Theological Seminary;
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction; as well as others. Vogel has worked
around the world to assist people and groups in need of a better understanding and
appreciation of our differences, including several trips to Uganda East-Africa to assist in
the National Youth Empowerment Initiative.

Based in Littleton, Colorado, CulturePrep, Inc. works with schools, businesses and
communities to advance cross-cultural relationships. For more information about
CulturePrep, Inc. and Safe-to-Relate, visit www.cultureprep.com or call 303.567.2424.

/by