Competency 2:

Engage Diversity and Difference

in Practice

The Behaviors:
Apply and communicate understanding of the

importance of diversity and difference in shaping life

experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and
macro levels.
Present themselves as learners and engage clients

and constituencies as experts of their own

experiences.
Apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage

the influence of personal biases and values in

working with diverse clients and constituencies.

Competency Application at GAL

All prospective GALs must complete training that

addresses diversity with the goal of increasing

GAL multicultural competency.
This training engages GALs in critical thinking

about their own areas of bias and increases selfawareness.

Competency Application Contd

GALs work with a diverse range of clients with

different strengths and supports. GALs must be

able to identify those areas of support.
GALs interact on the Micro, Mezzo, and Macro

levels by working with the child, her school,

community, and caregivers. GALs address the
court with recommendations for the client, and
advocate for policy changes when applicable.