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K-State Research and Extension
123 Umberger Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-3401
785-532-5820
extadmin@ksu.edu

August 15, 2017

Thoughts Following Charlottesville

Submitted by Gregg Hadley


I had intended to write about another matter today, but it is hard to ignore the recent events in Charlottesville. I pose a question for us to consider. What would we, as Extension professionals and as an Extension system, do if faced with such an unfortunate event?

Hopefully, the vast majority of us, as individuals, would condemn the alt-right, but that is not what I am trying to get at here. If something like that were to happen here, what would we as an Extension organization do? “But, Gregg, that isn’t something we do. That is beyond our mission.” Let’s think on that a moment. If something like that were to happen, part of the local and state healing process would be an educational effort. Government officials and civic minded organizations would want to look for an educational system that reaches out into every part of the state. They would seek an organization who educates both youth and adults. They would look for educators who have experience in dealing with the aftermath of disasters. They would look for an educational institution that provides education for developing leaders, improving health, and increasing community vitality. Obviously, they would turn to us to help.

“But, Gregg, that stuff wouldn’t happen here.” Really? I encourage you to view the following:

http://www.kwch.com/content/news/Racist-messages-attack-KS-college-president-minority-students-393852241.html

http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=34683

In addition to that article, think of all the times you have seen inappropriate graffiti, heard crude remarks, or jokes of poor taste. Then, think about all of the countless other things that we say or do, things that have become institutionalized in our society, that are accepted by us but are offensive to some people. There is a lot of work that can be done. Work we may be asked to do. Work we should do.

Where do we begin? I will start off by mentioning that I am not an expert in this. You probably aren’t either. In fact, I have made mistakes as I tried to personally navigate difference on my own. Before we can help others understand difference, we have to understand our own orientation towards understanding difference. To better myself in this core competency area, I sought out training in the subject matter.

One of the easiest ways to do that is coming up. Our Navigating Difference program is being offered on September 20 and 21. If you haven’t already taken this professional development opportunity, I encourage you to click the link below to register. It is open to our entire K-State Research and Extension family. Will it enable you to counter issues like those experienced in Charlottesville? No, but it does offer a good starting point to improve your understanding of difference, which, as we all know, is the first step towards helping others navigate difference.

For more information in Navigating Difference, please click on the link below:
http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/employee_resources/registrations/.