October 18, 2016
Differences and Inclusion
Recent happenings in Kansas and elsewhere in our country remind me of the importance we place on professional development of our Extension professionals in navigating difference and to first seek to understand oneself and to then work towards understanding others with the ultimate goal of inclusion. Demonstrating the importance of seeking to understand and embracing the value of difference is an important role for the Extension professional. Seeking out new families and new audiences requires us to gain understanding of needs, desires, and potential opportunities. How important is that on-going work within our communities?
I honestly struggle to understand those among our communities who fear and wish to destroy those who appear to be different. Are there ways we as Extension professionals can make an even greater difference in our communities?