How do we build the cultural awareness we need for effective outreach? One of the best ways is to mix with the people who are part of that culture. By taking time to talk and connect, we will build a deep and helpful understanding. We don’t need to learn everything about a culture, but we will benefit from a working knowledge. My favourite definition of culture is: “Culture is the way we do things around here.” When we interact with different groups, we soon find that there are differences in the way they do things. These differences may sometimes be small, but they matter to the group. Remember that larger cultures are made up of sub-cultures. Not all the families in a town are the same; not all the age groups in a society are the same; not all the businesses in a district are the same. I know this is obvious but calling it to mind may help us be more sensitive to the different ways in which sub-cultures operate.