As interculturalists we talk about cultural groupings beyond nationality, including gender, age, spiritual tradition, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, and profession.

When the first glimmers of the Cultural Detective series were in our eyes, we envisioned debuting with three nationality and two non-nationality cultures. Our vision was that we would develop Values Lenses and Critical Incidents that, when overlayed one on the other, could help us better understand ourselves and others as unique individuals influenced by multiple cultures.

However, when it came down to actually defining central tendencies of various cultures, we discovered that we had a socially acceptable comfort with the traditional "nationality" category (no matter how large, diverse, or externally-imposed the particular nation-state definition), and that we had significant disagreement about, even an "allergy" toward, attempts to explain the norms of non-nationality cultures.

I am thrilled to be able to announce that thirty nationalities later, our very first non-national Cultural Detective has debuted, with several more to follow quickly.

Individuals learn from their desktops, on their schedules, using a shared methodology and content. The approach is engaging, practical, and theoretically sound. Learners participate in activities that mimic a live classroom experience. They view filmed interactions and decide how the actors should respond in order to achieve objectives and leverage differences as assets.

In the process, learners gain culture-general and culture-specific knowledge, enabling them to better make decisions in multicultural environments. They gain knowledge about themselves, enabling them to maintain their sense of self and adjust their behavior across cultures.

Facilitator training will be offered November 10-11 in Chicago. Gain fluency with the Cultural Detective Method, learning how to best use it for culture-specific learning, with multicultural or virtual teams, in coaching, for personal development, and as a consulting and planning tool to achieve global and local effectiveness. In addition, learn strategies for effectively enhancing intercultural competence in your organization.

Course participation is limited, so please register early. Contact Kris Bibler for more information.

Heartfelt congratulations to Sietar India (Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research). It has quickly grown to an active presence in six cities and in August held its first incredibly successful conference in Bangalore.

Many thanks to several Cultural Detectives who played key roles, including Heather Robinson, George Simons, Eleonore Breukel, and Pankaj Mahidhar.

On August 24-25, 2006, 400 women leaders from ten faith traditions and 65 countries met in Kyoto, Japan for an assembly entitled ìWomen of Faith: Action to Confront Violence and Advance Shared Security.î

The Religions for Peace Women's Assembly forged partnerships among religious communities and representatives of inter- governmental organizations and civil society, and drafted and passed the Women's Assembly Declaration.

Please visit our online archive for the Cultural Detective newsletter, "Clues to Intercultural Effectiveness," as well as past news flashes.