In your work, you interact with people and communities that represent many different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. Our cultural identity shapes every aspect of our lives: our perspectives and values; our life experiences; how we view the world; and how the world views us. This is why providing CLAS is a critical way to make sure your services are effective for everyone.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Describe the relationship between cultural identity, social determinants of health, and disaster or emergency vulnerability.2. Explain the importance of self-awareness of one’s biases, stereotyping, and privileges.3. Understand how the cultural identities of the people you serve can affect how they experience a disaster or emergency.4. Describe the principles of cultural competency and cultural humility.5. List three ways practicing cultural competency can improve the quality of services.