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Planning Programs to Break Down Cultural Barriers

Planning Programs to Break Down Cultural Barriers. Dallas L. Holmes, USU Extension Adapted from an article by Lisa A. Guion and Nicole Walker, Florida State University Cooperative Extension, 2005. Programs to Break Down Barriers.

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Planning Programs to Break Down Cultural Barriers

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  1. Planning Programs to Break Down Cultural Barriers Dallas L. Holmes, USU Extension Adapted from an article by Lisa A. Guion and Nicole Walker, Florida State University Cooperative Extension, 2005.

  2. Programs to Break Down Barriers • It is important to remember that all categorizations of traditions, communication styles and learning styles within a community are generalizations. • Everyone, in every culture, is unique in their perspective on the world.

  3. Programs to Break Down Barriers • The most effective and accurate way to understand an individual, group or family, is to hear it from them directly. • Cultural Guides help to facilitate this interaction by bridging the chasm between the two cultures.

  4. Programs that Break Down Barriers • Extension Family Life Specialist, Linda Skogrand conducted research to understand what cultural underpinnings were present in strong Latino marriages.

  5. Linda SkograndFamily Life Specialist “I worked with two Catholic priests and two Latino community leaders to help recruit couples. It was absolutely necessary for someone who is trusted by the Latino community to make the referral and connection to the couples. In each case the priest or community leader contacted the couple who they felt had a strong marriage and I made the follow up phone call to set up the interview.”

  6. Linda SkograndFamily Life Specialist “The things that were essential in making this work was working with Latino leaders or others who work with the Latino population to recruit the couples. In fact, more than once we called the couple and if we did not use the name of the person who had contacted them on our behalf in the first sentence, the person would hang up the phone. The lack of trust on the part of people in the Latino culture is great, probably having to do with documentation issues. It is essential to work with someone who is trusted or you will get nowhere.”

  7. Getting Beyond Cultural Barriers • “How can I get beyond cultural barriers in order to develop real cross-cultural connections?”

  8. Getting Beyond Cultural Barriers • In order to be of use to any community, Extension educators must first value and respect the community. • Community service • Language or Education Centers • Show the community that you are genuine in your interest to help them.

  9. Getting Beyond Cultural Barriers • Culturally Sensitive Language • How does the person prefer to be named? • African American vs. Jamaican • Oriental vs. Asian • Latino vs. Hispanic • Just Ask! • Avoid insensitive names and phrases • “You People”

  10. Develop programs to address the “real-life, felt or expressed needs” of the community. Offer programs in familiar surroundings: neighborhood churches, schools, etc. Meet in a location serviced by public transportation systems. Take childcare needs into account when planning Extension services. Offer culturally appropriate prizes or refreshments. Twelve Strategies for finding common ground

  11. Take cultural holidays and community gatherings into consideration so that your programs do not conflict. Dress appropriately and respectfully for the cultural group you are serving. Select visuals that reflect the cultural and ethnic identity of the community. Use materials written at an appropriate level and in the appropriate language. Use examples that are relevant and meaningful to the community. Twelve Strategies for finding common ground

  12. Twelve Strategies for finding common ground • Involve Cultural Guides and diverse volunteers in program design and implementation. • Identify and use the appropriate teaching style to address preferred learning styles.

  13. Planning Programs to Break Down Cultural Barriers • In order to build trust with diverse audiences, there needs to be a foundation of trust, respect, understanding and interaction in place. • Using Cultural Guides and planning culturally-appropriate activities and programs helps cement that foundation in place.

  14. Suggested Reading • Guion, L. A., Goddard, H.W., Broadwater, G., Chattaraj, S., & Sullivan-Lytle, S. (2003). Strengthening programs to reach diverse audiences. Gainesville, FL: Florida Cooperative Extension, University of Florida. Available at http://fycs-diversity.ifas.ufl.edu

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