Navigating Difference for All Extension

Navigating Difference is an interactive program designed to give participants a greater understanding of themselves, and to deepen their knowledge, skills and appreciation for working other people from all walks of life.  Specifically, the program seeks to increase the ability of those affiliated with MU Extension to:

• engage in culturally diverse settings, initiatives, and programs;
• integrate cultural competencies in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs, events and activities; and
• practice strategies for successful intercultural communication in public and professional settings.
  
  This offering is open free of charge to all people conducting the work of MU Extension, including on and off-campus faculty and staff, administration, county support staff, Extension Council members, and program volunteers (Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, 4-H leaders, etc.). 
  
  Navigating Difference uses education theories and practices to create a safe and welcoming environment for all learners. The activities respect and support individual learning styles, and the participants’ life experiences are viewed as an important source of knowledge. The intent of the program is to gain knowledge and skills that can be used when engaging in a new situation/culture, rather than focusing on specific cultural knowledge.
  
  As this program requires a minimum of 18 hours, and as each portion of this program builds on the previous work, participants are expected to commit to attending all sessions, and to approximately 1.5 hours each week of outside coursework, including readings, videos, and assessments.  For the sake of confidentiality and free expression, the Zoom sessions will not be recorded.  

Dates and times*:  Thursdays, February 5 to March 26, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
*One possible in-person or hybrid session, held at regional locations, will be discussed with registrants.

Contact:  Kyleigh Brown at k.brown@missouri.edu, office phone (816) 380-8460