About
An Introductory Workshop in: Cultural Self-Awareness & Competency and Understanding the Dynamics of Intolerance and Racism.
The journey towards cultural self-awareness and a greater understanding of the history and dynamics of intolerance and racism is long, difficult, and at times troubling. Yet, it is critically important especially in this our current social and political climate! Not only does a person need to examine one’s own family of origin and subsequent socialization, but also exercise intentional examination of one’s self. With this knowledge, the individual can now also examine, with greater discernment, their own behavior, biases, beliefs, and attitudes towards the “other.” Providing a safe, non-intimidating, and structured setting allows participants to engage in this important journey for their own betterment and that of their organization and community. And in doing so, to better understand with renewed clarity and critical thinking, to effectively challenge those destructive dynamics so prevalent in our nation today. Is now the time for your organization/institution to become engaged?
About the Facilitator: Alex Schmidt
Alex is the son of refugee parents who fled from the Soviet Union to Germany during WWII. His family then became “displaced persons” and finally “indentured servants” who immigrated to the U.S. in 1952. Born in war torn Germany, Alex was 5 years old when the Schmidt family arrived in central Washington in 1952. There his parents worked for nearly two years in a local orchardist’s farm to repay the debt of passage from Europe.
But it wasn’t until 1999 when Alex began serving as Pastor of Faith Lutheran, Leavenworth, WA, that he became aware of and engaged directly with issues of racism and intolerance. The congregation began to sponsor a number of anti-racism trainings in the local area through Crossroads. Over time he was able to do additional trainings with Lutheran Human Relations Association and Kaleidoscope Institute.
Continuing to learn and develop his own skills, Alex has prepared a holistic, balanced, and engaging workshop using these trainings, his life’s experiences, and incorporating other materials he has developed. Spending a year in Spanish language study and over three years doing cross-cultural work in the mountains of Bolivia has deepened Alex’s understanding of culture and racism. He has been conducting these workshops since 2006 over which time the workshop has changed dramatically due to social and political changes. The emphasis on self-awareness and themes of justice and equity are foundational to Building Bridges.
Currently Alex is part of a community Immigration Justice Group, an advocacy group through Faith Lutheran, Leavenworth. He serves as facilitater as they seek the safety and security of immigrant families. Alex also continues teaching weekly Spanish Citizenship Classes.
After more than three decades of pastoral ministry, Alex retired from serving Faith Lutheran in 2017 and lives in Leavenworth with his wife. He has four grown children and seven grandchildren. Other passions include bicycling, swimming, art, music and the opera!