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Cultural Competency & Social Awareness

Welcome

Welcome to the HPU Library & Learning Commons Cultural Competency & Social Awareness Research Guide. This guide is designed to foster cultural understanding, critical thinking, and respectful engagement within the HPU community. It highlights key social issues relevant to Hawaiʻi and beyond, providing access to resources that support learning, dialogue, and research in these areas.

In alignment with HPU’s core values of Aloha, Pono, and Kuleana, this guide seeks to:

  • Aloha (Kindness & Compassion) – Embrace the different identities, experiences, and perspectives within our community while fostering empathy and mutual respect.
  • Pono (Righteousness & Integrity) – Address systemic social issues with fairness and an ongoing commitment to justice.
  • Kuleana (Responsibility & Accountability) – Acknowledge historical and structural disparities and actively engage in learning and advocacy to create a more global society.

The HPU Library & Learning Commons recognizes that social and cultural factors shape individual experiences and access to opportunities. Through this guide, we aim to equip students and faculty with knowledge and perspectives that promote inclusivity, fairness, and informed engagement across diverse communities.

What is cultural competency?

Cultural competency is the ability to navigate cultural differences with awareness, respect, and adaptability. It involves recognizing and addressing historical and structural inequalities while fostering meaningful connections across identities and backgrounds.

Cultural competency is a lifelong learning process that encourages individuals to critically examine their own perspectives, listen actively to others, and engage in informed action that promotes fairness and justice.

Key Topics in This Guide

This guide provides research tools and resources to explore a wide range of cultural and social issues, including:

  • Antiracism & Racial Justice – Understanding historical and present-day systems of racial inequity and strategies for racial justice.
  • Disability & Anti-Ableism – Addressing biases and advocating for accessibility, equity, and inclusion for people with disabilities.
  • Feminism & Gender Equity – Examining gender dynamics, systemic discrimination, and advocacy for gender-based rights.
  • Immigration & Anti-Xenophobia – Exploring migration, refugee rights, and the impact of xenophobia on global and local communities.
  • Indigeneity & Decolonization – Honoring Indigenous knowledge, histories, and resistance to colonial structures.
  • LGBTQ+ Identities & Advocacy – Supporting visibility, rights, and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Why Cultural Competency Matters? 

Cultural competency enhances communication, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. It encourages individuals to recognize systemic challenges, challenge biases, and actively contribute to an environment where all voices are valued.

Through this guide, HPU Libraries aims to provide resources that support research, self-reflection, and informed engagement in social justice issues—ensuring that students and faculty are prepared to engage meaningfully in academic, professional, and community spaces.

 

Very limited suggestions for further reading

Have a Suggestion?

This guide--and our learning--are works in progress. Please email us at library@hpu.edu with feedback and suggestions for improving this guide, and correcting our errors, implicit biases, and blind spots.

We would also love to hear your suggestions for new content focused on communities not yet represented here. We appreciate you sharing your time and knowledge!