Experience with diverse cultures participating in OST?

[ORT MARIA]

Hello OST Listserv Guru's,

Happily, I have the opportunity to OS with the Arizona Refugee Resettlement 
Program next month. It will be my first opportunity for a 2-day OS (the 
other three have been just 1 day events, so I am fairly new at it). The 
State Agency is hosting a retreat for 30 representatives from both state & 
federally funded Arizona organizations as well as volunteer groups that 
serve specific refugee ethnicities or cultures.  Somalis, Sudanese, 
Bosnians, Muslims and Jews will be participating. All speak and write 
English fluently.

My question: Are there adaptions required to the OS process? In general, I 
know that Muslims prefer to separate men and women in meetings (example: if 
there are any "juicers/energizer" activities, Muslim women can hold each 
others hands, but not a males hand). I'm aware of dietary restrictions for 
meals served at the retreat. However, I am ignorant of any adaptations to 
the OS process that might be required to make it a welcoming and appropriate 
space.

Many thanks, Maria Ort
Scottsdale, AZ
 

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