Strategic Plan for Diversity University of Missouri Extension & Lincoln University Cooperative Extension The Diversity Catalyst Team

Diversity Catalyst Team Yvonne Matthews LUHuman Resource Development Julie Middleton UMCSystem Program Director Tony DelongSWCounty Council Coordinator Katy FieldsUMKCAlianzas Tom FuhrmanNEHuman Development Specialist Jose GarciaUMCExtension Assistant, Professor, & Coordinator Jinny HoppSWHuman Development Barbara KernUMCAdministrative Associate Vivian MasonCMTCRC Coordinator Karma MetzgarNWRegional Director Dennis MinzesWCCommunity Development Specialist Amie SchleicherNWLivestock Jo TurnerUMCInterim Vice Provost & Director of Cooperative Extension TBALUDirector of Cooperative Extension & 1890 Administrator

Introduction & Overview University of Missouri Extension (MU Extension) and Lincoln University (LU) Cooperative Extension are engaged in a cooperative effort to ensure that people who live in Missouri have access to and participate in an education system where all can achieve their full potential. As land grant institutions, we are committed to serving all of the people in the state.

Vision It is the vision of University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Cooperative Extension that everyone has access to, and participates in, an educational system where all people can achieve their full potential.

Mission It is the mission of the cooperative MU Extension and LU Cooperative Extension, working in partnership with the people in Missouri, to create opportunities so that Extension becomes an organization fully committed to diversity, meeting the needs of all individuals and communities through research-based education and information.

Core Values Diversity Equity Respect Integrity Appreciation Inclusivity Social Responsibility Broad-based Research Pro-activity

Definitions Diversity: The full range of differences that occur in individuals. This may include differences in racial or ethnic background, religion, gender, ability to speak English, sexual orientation or in socio-economic level. Others may relate to one's disability, geographic location, veteran status or to other differences.

Definitions Continued Underserved Audiences – Audiences that are not served to the extent in which they are represented in the population (e.g. If 18 percent of the population is low socioeconomic level and the extension program audience is 2 percent of that population.) Workforce: The paid and unpaid workers at every level within extension

Areas of Focus Workforce Diversity Climate Programs and Services Audience Professional Development Recognition and Awards Compliance

Each area includes: I.Expected Outcomes II.Objectives III.Action Steps IV.Performance Indicators V.Measure(s) VI.Person(s) Responsible

Next Steps

Overall Coordination Develop a suggested list of practical ideas for each group/person to assist in implementation Julie/Yvonne meet with each group responsible for an area to help provide ideas and technical assistance for implementation Climate Finalize identification of the Regional Resource Teams and provide training for them (Late February)

Audience Work with Administrative Team in developing Reporting System to ensure capturing of needed program data (audiences, etc.) Programs & Services Work with Plan of Work Implementation team to be sure that the plan of work template includes the two key questions: How will my programs meet the needs of diverse audiences in my area of responsibility? How will I reach out to the diverse audiences in my area?

Professional Development Regional ADA training Sexual Harassment (Spring, 2006) EEO Counselors (April) Councils (module) On-line training module for faculty and staff Training Module for recruitment Compliance Develop process for state-wide compliance with USDA Address complaints in a timely manner Coordinate AA/EEO matters with campus office

Diversity Discussion Results Presented to the Program Leadership Council by Julie N. Middleton, Ph.D. January 10, 2006

Purpose To gather input from diverse audiences across the state to expand information gathered in the stakeholder input plan of work process.

Questions Asked With which underserved audiences/populations should Extension work? What needs do each of these audiences have? (personal/community betterment)

Questions Asked For each need, what results should be achieved? How can Extension best connect with these audiences? Can you tell us which needs are most important?

Process Catalyst Team developed questions and process Decision to work with readily formed groups IRB approval Trained catalyst team

Process Diversity discussions were held in 12 locations across the state Recorded data on charts Team inputted data into electronic data base Analysis

Needs Identification Worksheet Region ____________ Diverse Group ______ Host ______________ Approach or Method (ex. individual, facilitated discussion) ________ Identify an Audience (Example: parole population) ________ # in Attendance _____________ Need/Problem/ Challenge Extension should address How best can Extension connect with this audience? Results to be achieved Program Area For Extension Use Only

Recording Form (In order of priority from chart) Audience #1Program Area ______ Who 1 ________How to connect with them ___ Needs for audience 1Results for audience 1 Need 1 a _________Result 1 a __________ Need 1 b _________Result 1 b __________ Need 1 c _________Result 1 c __________ Audience #2Program Area ______ Who 2 _________How to connect with them ___ Needs for audience 2Results for audience 2 Need 2 a _________Result 2 a __________ Need 2 b _________Result 2 b __________ Need 2 c _________Result 2 c __________

Diversity Catalyst Needs Identification Data Entry Enter only one individual need statement at a time. Click SAVE then click NEW to enter the next individual need statement.

Participants West Central Bi National Health Group, Kansas City Kansas City Access Advisory Group Walnut Grove Neighborhood Assn., Kansas City Southwest/South Central Festival of Friends, Carthage Hmong Families Central Pettis Co. Community Partnership, Sedalia

Participants East Central Urban African Americans, St. Louis St. Louis Urban League Professional Organization of Women, St. Louis Southeast Migrant Farm Workers, Kennett, MO Rural African Americans, Sikeston Northeast/Northwest Western Reception Diagnostic & Correctional Center, St. Joseph

With which audiences should Extension work? Racial/Ethnic Groups Hispanic/Latino Families African American Urban Youth Hmong Communities Offenders (incarcerated/transitioning as well as state/local) Age Groups Urban Youth Elderly Teens

With which audiences should Extension work? Status Parents Single Parents Under Employed/Displaced Workers Income Level Persons with Low Incomes Others Business Owners Service Providers Government Leaders

Key Point

Priority Needs for Adult Audiences Nutrition education Personal finance education Business start-up assistance English as a second language programs Programs in Spanish for providers Accessible, affordable education Employment training

Priority Needs for Youth Audiences Character building Life skills Career preparation Teen parenting Youth and teen pregnancy prevention

How can Extension best connect with these adult audiences? Churches & Libraries Spanish newspapers Word of mouth Key leaders in each area for reaching across divide Phone calls Service providers Effective advertising through internet, TV and radio Unemployment agencies

How can Extension best connect with these youth audiences? Schools Teen clubs & youth organizations Community centers Parks Churches, libraries After school programs Malls Media – TV and radio

Summary Extension programs are of interest to diverse audiences. How we reach them is the key to participation. It is important for us to understand these audiences and to show sensitivity.

Next Steps Share information with POW coordinators Share information with PLC Program Directors review for suggestions for state wide programming implications Regional Directors share with CPDs, faculty and councils Specific regional data State-wide data Diversity cross tabulated information

Next Steps Regional specialist include in their individual plans of work How will I ensure that my programs meet the needs of diverse audiences? How will I reach those audiences?

Limitations This was a small sample and will not answer all questions, but each faculty member who provides programs should review this data and their own demographics and ask themselves the questions For viewing data see: y/facilitation/divpowlook.aspx y/facilitation/divpowlook.aspx

MU Extension Public Opinion Survey Summary of Cross Tabulation Analysis with Regard to Ethnicity Awareness of University of Missouri Extension by Ethnicity 41% Minorities knew about extension as compared to 61% of the Caucasian respondents.

Program Interests Chart – Percentage of minority & Caucasian respondents indicating interest in Extension programs. Program Area Interests by EthnicityMinorityCaucasian *Family Health7958 Leadership Development6139 *Personal Finance7249 *Well Being of Children & Teens7361 *Nutrition7251 Environmental Health6753 Food Safety7148 *Improving Small Business6140 *Youth at Risk4022 *Continuing Education7558 Public Policy Education5538

For More Information... Website for Plan of Work: onesurvey.htm onesurvey.htm