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.