Analysis of Global Dynamics and Cultural Knowledge: Revealing Assets to Develop Opportunities

Abstract

Cross-cultural skills are needed more than ever for extension educators in many regions of the U.S., including Minnesota where Extension educators work and partner with diverse communities across the state. University of Minnesota Extension acknowledges the gap in cross-cultural skills among extension educators. To eliminate this gap, Extension is beginning a process to inventory experiences of staff for developing cross-cultural skills as a new norm for the organization. The goal of this poster is to present the inventory of the cross-cultural experience of the UM Extension staff and faculty. An internal survey conducted by the organization achieved three objectives presented in this poster: 1. Identify current expertise of Extension educators and faculty based on cross-cultural experiences; 2. Measure the use of global dynamics and cultural knowledge in extension programs; and 3. Evaluate future opportunities for integrating global dynamics understanding and cultural knowledge into all program areas. The study was the first to document the organizational assets within U of M Extension related to cross-cultural experience. The survey identified expressed needs of Extension staff to expand our global dynamics and cultural knowledge within all program areas.