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This text explores the importance of diversity and inclusion in outreach and education, addressing topics such as understanding different identities and cultures, reaching underserved populations, and putting knowledge into practice.
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How Did You Feel? • Think about the last time you felt… • Out of place • Not included • Not heard • Not valued • Not respected • Who and what made you feel that way? • Were you alone in this feeling or did others feel it? • What could have been done differently? • What lessons can you take away?
A Quick Look at the US Population • The 2010 Census reports • United States continues a trend toward a more diverse racial make-up • Hispanic/Latino, Asian-American, African-American and Native American populations are among the fastest growing. • Population is growing older, with 95% of counites in United States experiencing an increase in the median age • Rural areas cover 97% of United States but account for about 19% of the population • Rural householders were more likely to live in single-family homes and live in their state of birth
DIVERSITY Please write a one sentence definition
Activity – Define Diversity • Did any of these words appear in your definition? • Individual • Race • Ethnicity • Socio-economic status • Beliefs Traditions • Characteristics • Unique • Variety • Different
What is Diversity? • Diversity refers to different identities, particularly related to • Gender • Age • Race • Ethnicity • Sexual orientation • Physical/sensory abilities • Diversity may also include differences in • Education • Socio-Economic Status • Marital status • Parental status • Work experience • Geographic location
CULTURE Please write a one sentence definition
What is Culture? • Cultural diversity includes, but is not limited to • Language • Values • Spiritual practices • Foods we eat • Family Customs • Political views • Societal responsibilities • Familial power structure • Customary beliefs, social forms and/or material traits; shared attitudes, values, goals and practices. • Examining diversity within a culture acknowledges the existence of broad groups, beliefs, etc., even within a culture.
As the population we servegrows more diverse, we must be prepared towork with a changing audience
Discussion – Our County/Community • Think about your county or community • What does the population look like? • What are some defining characteristics? • What are some of the prevalent groups or characteristics? • When people think of your county/community, what comes to mind? • What are some ideas or thoughts in reaching audiences? • Are there underserved groups? Who? Where? Why? • Are there underserved cities/towns? Who? Where? Why?
Why is Understanding Diversity & Culture Important? • Attitude is key • Helps overcome stereotypes • Helps identify with our clients and see them for who they are • Helps us be better educators while not being judgmental • It helps us plan to be more inclusive so all participants feel like they belong. • Understanding helps us to question our own stereotypes as we plan programs that are relevant for various audiences.
Let’s Practice Putting Knowledge Into Practice • Including the voices of teenagers is important to the mission of your coalition. • Working parents are a target audience of your educational session. • A participant who identifies as deaf registers for your educational session. • The local refugee resettlement group requests to pair Extension education with their English as a Second Language program. • In an urban setting, you want to reach an audience for which transportation may be an issue.
Putting Knowledge into Practice • You meet two young mothers and discuss an upcoming program on food safety. Both seem very interested and say they will come to the program. On the day of the program, only one shows up. • What is an assumption about the mother who does not come to the program? • What might be some alternate reasons the mother may not have attended? • Based on these alternate reasons, what are some potential implications for our programming?
Putting Knowledge into Practice • You agree to a program in a community a few towns over. While the session is well-attended, you didn’t seem to connect with the audience. A few days later, the local organizer calls to apologize about how rude “those people” were. • What are some potential reasons you weren’t able to connect with the audience? • What are some implications for future programming?
Key Takeaways • All people are different but there are common threads, common needs • Get to know your community and your audience • Understand your program and what you have to offer • Be willing to go where the needs are • Work with local organizations who serve or are affiliated with diverse populations • Be positive and do your best! You are part of a great program that is making an impact in the lives of your community
Well Connected Communities is a nationwide effort to cultivate wellness led by America’s Cooperative Extension System, in partnership with National 4-H Council, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
