Understanding Diversity in Targeting & Programming
Colorado State University Extension is committed to diversity--human differences in all their forms--in its mission, vision, workforce, programs, audiences, and relationships. Historically, a strength of Extension has been responsiveness to change to the needs of people where they live and work. As we continue to focus on this strength, our challenge is to integrate diversity into the core of our mission and vision, to weave pluralism into the very fabric of our organization.
Diversity is defined as acknowledging, understanding, accepting, valuing, and celebrating differences among people with respect to age, class, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, spiritual practice, and other human differences, such as cultural dimensions, beliefs, lifestyles, personal preferences, learning styles, life experiences and values. It can be differences in family structure, geographic region, urban or rural residency, length of residence; it is not a function of race or gender or other "us-versus-them" dyad, but a complex and ever-changing blend of attributes, behaviors and talents that works toward recognizing the uniqueness in everyone and valuing the contribution each can make.
Pluralism is the concept of an organizational culture that incorporates mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork, innovation, leadership, empowerment and productivity among people who are diverse in a broad dimension of human differences.
As an Extension educator, you have the responsibility to embrace diversity among potential audiences and to acknowledge and confirm that differences are valued assets. You have the ability to embrace diversity and enhance collaborations in solving community problems. And you can provide educational opportunities, plan innovative programs, and find ways to work more effectively with diverse learners to enhance the learning experiences of under-served audiences.
