Extension
It Starts With Us
Cultural and Diversity Awareness (FCS)
Life Skills and Diversity
Diane Mason
Active Living and Health Promotions General
Boone County (KY) continues to attract a more diverse population. From increased ethnic to increased religious diversity, the county faces a number of challenges. One challenge is helping current residents accept those who might be from another culture or background.
Recent worldwide rioting and protesting have led to an increased focus on diversity, the history of human relationships, and the need to ensure all are treated fairly and equally.
By understanding our own history we can begin to understand and appreciate others and work to change our habits and biases.
Kentucky families are able to:
Care for the physical and mental health and well-being of each individual over the long term
Foster the optimal development of children and youth
Build personal strengths and self control, interpersonal communication, life skills including wise decision-making.
Embrace people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds
Reach out with empathy to people dealing with severe stress
Access community resources when needed
Become volunteers to make their community a better place to live for everyone
The number of people who:
Ate family meals or meals with others four or more times a week
Reduced stress levels, made time for selves, and/or made wise decisions about money, time, etc.
Engage with others of a different background more frequently, more successfully, and with additional understanding and empathy.
Practice skills to strengthen and sustain relationships
Accessed community agencies and resources when needed
Engaged in community outreach activities
Intends to manage stress; make time for self; listen, talk, bond with family members; read with child daily; teach responsibility in use of money, time, etc.
Verbalizes realistic behavior expectations
Interacts effectively with others
Helps individuals from other cultures and backgrounds successfully navigate in social situations and learning experiences
Intends to contact community agencies for assistance
Intends to participate in volunteer activities
Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and knowledge
Indicator: Increased awareness of cultural diversity in the region
Method: Post session evaluation
Timeline: May 2025
Intermediate Outcome: Behavior Change
Indicator: Individuals report implementing new behaviors as a result of program
Method: Written or on-line evaluation
Timeline: 3 to 6 months following program or program series
Long-term Outcome: Change in acceptance in county of individuals
Indicator: Change in crimes related to cultural and societal differences
Method: Media analysis; crime reports
Timeline: 5 years
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Hands-on Cooking for English Language Learners
Content or Curriculum: Plate it Up Kentucky Proud
Inputs: Curriculum; food
Date: August, October, November 2024 and January, March, June 2025
Audience: Adults of General Public
Project or Activity: Culture and Cuisine: Thailand, Exploring Belizean Culture through Foods, and Culture and Cuisine: Israel
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: Guest presenters; hands-on cooking series focused on foods from various countries
Date: September, October, November 2024
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Healthy Eating Around the World Series
Content or Curriculum: UK Healthy Eating Around the World
Inputs: Curriculum, food, recipes
Date: March, April, May 2025
