Helping You Help Youth
Cultural Awareness
Activity and Discussion Guide
Objectives:
Participants will:
Increase their understanding of other cultures
Be able to define culture and its importance
Recognize their own culture and the impact it has on others
Introduction:
The United States is continuing to increase in its diversity, as are the communities and clubs of which we are part. Increasing
awareness and acceptance of these changing demographics, however, is not always easy. Parents, 4-H volunteers, teachers and other
adults in children’s lives often want to address these changing demographics, but they may not know the best way to approach the topic
of cultural awareness.
This lesson is designed to help 4-H leaders and other volunteers understand that we are not all the same, that we do share
commonalities and that education can help us learn about ourselves and others. This lesson helps participants explore their own view of
cultural awareness, as well as providing the tools to take action to increase awareness and acceptance of those around them.
Teaching Outline:
What to Teach
(content)
Definition of culture
How to Teach
(process)
During this lesson, are talking about the cultures of which we are members. An
important part of learning how to respect people who are different from us is to learn
more about our own culture as well as other cultures.
Ask participants:
o How would you define the word ‘culture’?
(Culture is most easily defined as the behavior, values, beliefs and language held
by a group of people. Explain that there are many different kinds of culturethose grouped by ethnicity, race, gender, age, language, religion, neighborhood,
socio-economic status, family, sexual orientation and education level. The things
that make up a person’s culture can be unique to a generation or can be passed
from one generation to the next.
Resources Needed
o What things is part of culture? (Foods, traditions, religion, occupation,
race, gender, language, sexual orientation, geographic location, family
structure, age, etc.)
Write on newsprint or
chalkboard what participants
say are part of culture.
o Can a person belong to more than one culture? (Yes-a person may belong
to several cultures. See discussion in the HYHY fact sheet.)
o Why do you think it is important to learn about other people’s cultures?
(It can help prevent misunderstandings with people who are part of different
cultures than you. It gives you a broader, more global perspective when you
gain knowledge about the many people in this world.)
Name my Culture
Allow participants 10- 15 minutes to complete questions. When finished ask for
several to share their answers. Some people have trouble with naming their culture
and will continue to ask the facilitator what it means. The facilitator should allow the
participants to determine the name of their culture on their own and reassure them
that they will discuss it more in depth after everyone has completed the activity.
Discuss with the participants:
(Share)
o How did it feel to have to name your culture(s)?
o Were there some questions on the worksheet you could not answer? Why?
(Process)
o Have you ever thought what the name of your culture(s) was before today?
o What was the most challenging part of this lesson?
(Generalize)
o Why are our cultures always changing?
(Apply)
o Why do you need to know about your culture before you can learn about
other cultures?
”Name My Culture”
worksheet
Pencil
o When might knowing about similarities and differences of others help you?
Creating a
Welcoming
Environment
The previous activity demonstrates the many ways that people can be similar as well
as different. These similarities and especially the differences are important to think
about when planning events, activities, and the overall 4-H program for your club.
Use questions from the HYHY fact sheet to guide discussion as to whether or not
your 4-H club’s environment is a welcoming one.
o Do we have a variety of food choices at events that allow for 4-H
members who may have dietary restrictions due to religious beliefs, health
concerns, or personal conviction?
o Are there different cultures represented in the music, activities, and food
choices that are provided?
o Do we provide a welcoming environment? (I.e. call youth by name, make
new members feel comfortable, encourage interaction with all members of
the group)
o Do we recognize that although everyone may be from the same
community, they may not have the same religious backgrounds, customs
or family structure?
o Do we make sure the facilities and activities are accessible to all
participants?
o Do we include parents and other adults from various cultures to assist
with programs and make sure materials are appropriate?
Closing
Becoming aware of cultural similarities and differences and how they impact us is
the first step in increasing acceptance of those around us. This lesson and fact sheet
are designed to encourage a desire to change our view of culture and to continue to
learn more about the cultures around us.
There are many activities and resources listed in the HYHY fact sheet that you could
utilize in your club meetings, activities and events. Be sure to choose some that meet
the needs and interests of your club.
Name My Culture Worksheet
Have participants define their own culture by answering the following
questions and then ranking them according to their importance:
What language(s) do you speak?
What is your religion?
To what music do you listen?
What dances do you know?
What foods do you eat at home?
What do you wear on special occasions?
What holidays and ceremonies are important to you?
What things do you believe are right and wrong?
How important is your extended family?
The name of my culture(s) is
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