An Overview of Diversity

1. An Overview of Diversity Dallas L. Holmes, USU Extension Adapted from an article by Lisa A. Guion, Florida State University Cooperative Extension, 2005

2. Defining Diversity • Diversity is a mosaic of people who bring a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values and beliefs as assets to the groups and organizations with which they interact Guion, 1999

3. Assets and Interact • The key is to interact well with the groups served • Gain a better sense of what needs need to be addressed • How best to deliver the education needed • Gain insights into their strengths, assets, and skills which provides insight into solving problems

4. Develop Respect and Value Diversity • Develop a commitment to gain knowledge and skills and become personally aware of the most effective way to serve the client. • Integration of diversity factors into educational planning helps ensure success with the clientele group.

5. Different Types of Diversity • Dimension of Diversity • Primary: characteristics which cannot be changed – age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, or qualities of race, place of birth, etc. • Secondary: dimensions which can be changed – educational background, geographic location, income, marital status, parental status, religious beliefs, work experiences, etc.

6. Changing Demographics • Minority groups increasing at a rapid rate • Large scale immigration • Globalization of goods, services and finances • Immigration policies • Census allows people to claim more than one race

7. Diversity within Diversity • Think about diversity among and within ethnic groups. • Socioeconomic factors • Level of ethnic identification • Family background • Upbringing • Distinctive values and norms and practices within groups

8. So What • Based on the changing demographics, you can see there is clearly a need for Extension programs to become even more diverse in terms of participants, volunteers, and staff. Given the fact that the population from which to draw program target audiences is changing in a major way, programming must also change in order to be more responsive to the needs of all potential extension clientele.

9. What Can I Do? • What changes have you noticed in the demographics of your county or community where you live/work? The chances are great that your county is experiencing similar changes. If so, how is your organization/agency responding to this change in demographics, and is the response adequate? If not, then think about what else can be done.