The goal of Salter McNeil & Associates (SMA) is to “train leaders and transform communities” into those that are characterized by intercultural integrity. As a part of this process we are launching a coaching network for Multicultural Directors in Christian colleges and organizations called MESA. The acronym "MESA" stands for Multi-Ethnic Strategic Alliance and it is a designed to bring multicultural directors to the “table” for professional development through peer mentoring, coaching and training in the best practices that are being used to successfully increase intercultural competency on campus.
The MESA Network meets quarterly in Chicago, IL. SMA provides professional development by creating an environment where multicultural directors meet together, share resources, and receive customized coaching and training. We believe that it is in this type of supportive, coaching cohort where Multicultural Directors will develop strategies and solutions that produce systemic change in their institutions and organizations. Furthermore, the cutting-edge information presented in MESA is practical and can be immediately applied in one’s ministry context.
What can you expect as a MESA member?
- Connection — To multicultural directors at Christian colleges and universities around the country.
- Coaching — To increase your capacity to effectively lead multicultural initiatives on campus
- Cultural Training — To equip you with the knowledge and skills to experience greater success
- Certification — To receive official recognition as a trained Christian, diversity professional.
What is the time commitment?
The MESA Network meets quarterly. The program consists of 4, two-day sessions over a 12 month period. Multicultural Directors will gather together for an evening session on the first night, followed by a morning and afternoon session the next day.
What will I receive?
- Coaching in Best Practices from a National Reconciliation Leader
- Specialized Resources and Training Materials
- Spiritual Formation& Biblical Study Skill Development
- Peer-mentoring
- Monthly, Teleconference Coaching calls
- Customized Tool-Kit for Diversity Professionals
Direct Benefits of MESA
Economic Competitiveness & Educational Relevance
Multiethnic initiatives are being re-examined, reprioritized and, in some cases, dismantled due to the current, difficult economic challenges many colleges, universities and organizations face. However, the data from the business world and higher education suggests that diversity efforts are more important now than ever before. Not only are such initiatives the right thing to do from an ethical and moral standpoint, America’s economic competiveness is enhanced by diversity. Sustaining the nation’s prosperity in the 21st century will require using the talents, gifts and abilities of all our citizens. As a key part of this we must prepare emerging Christian leaders to lead and work effectively in a global and diverse marketplace. It is important to recognize that the first marketplace is on our college campuses and in our organizations. This is the kind of environment that an increasing number of emerging leaders seek and expect. MESA helps Christian colleges and organizations to meet this challenge by providing them with a biblical approach to racial and ethnic diversity so they can be sustainable and relevant in the midst of national and global demographic changes.
Training and Best Practices
MESA provides in-depth training in the best practices and transferable principles that cultivate an environment where intercultural awareness, sensitivity, fairness and integrity can prosper. This cutting-edge information equips multicultural directors to develop strategies and solutions for their Christian organizations and institutions that address such major issues as spiritual formation, ethnic leadership development, systemic change, crisis management, policy, accreditation, career planning, recruitment, and retention.
Professional Development
The purpose of MESA is to optimize the individual and institutional performance of multicultural directors by providing leadership, professional development and cutting-edge information that increases their job effectiveness. To date there is no place where multicultural directors at Christian institutions receive formal training to be certified as diversity professionals. MESA provides a context for these leaders to develop intercultural competency skills and benchmarks for successful, multicultural ministry, thus increasing their effectiveness on campus.
Retention of Multicultural Director
An investment in the professional growth and development of multicultural directors demonstrates the seriousness of the institution’s commitment to racial and ethnic diversity. It also conveys value for the person and a keen understanding of the cultural isolation and stress they experience in this demanding position. MESA provides support and facilitates a learning environment where multicultural directors can meet with peers, share resources and receive individualized coaching. This increases their success on campus, thus impacting job satisfaction and their willingness to continue in the role.
Risk Management
Christian colleges and organizations must be prepared to respond in emergency situations that may arise. This is increasingly true with the changing demographic shifts that have increased the number of ethnically diverse people in and around our organizations This increase in diversity can give rise to incidents of racial harassment and violence. Multicultural directors are often called upon when such problems occur and must therefore have the skills to respond efficiently to the situation. MESA provides risk management training for multicultural directors and helps them to develop their own emergency response plan for their Christian colleges and organizations.
If you are interested in this one-of-a-kind coaching network and would like more information, please contact the Salter McNeil & Associates office at saltermcneil@aol.com or call (847) 890-9022 to request an application.