Cornell Cooperative Extension Diversity Initiatives

July 2007

In January 2000, Cornell University reaffirmed its commitment to diversity with “Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds,” a statement that reflects a comprehensive vision for a vibrant and inclusive learning community. As a key outreach system of the university, active in 57 counties and New York City, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) has a unique and vital leadership role to play in exercising that vision. As New York State’s land grant institution, CCE is entrusted with creating and sustaining organizational and programmatic endeavors that reflect the needs of all New Yorkers. Diversity of staff and programming coupled with equitable access to employment and educational opportunities are essential to this work. Advancement of equal opportunity and affirmative action in policies, programs, procedures, and practices is a critical component of CCE’s public value. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements set forth by federal, state, and local employment and programming laws, CCE strives to leverage the benefits of diversity and inclusiveness through organizational and program development practices that enable staff and program participants to fully contribute their talent, abilities, and skills.

Modeled after Cornell University’s Diversity Plan, the CCE Comprehensive Affirmative Action and Diversity Plan advocates for requisite practices and procedures that ensure 1) equal opportunity for all staff and volunteers; 2) the elimination of discrimination based on federal, state, and local protected statuses, such as race, gender, nationality, religious beliefs, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability; and 3) the values of diversity and inclusiveness in employment and in educational programs.

As a partner in the Change Agent States for Diversity Project, CCE continues to work with a consortium of states toward building effective programming in a multicultural world and supporting healthy, culturally diverse communities. The consortium’s recent work includes the evaluation of a climate assessment study designed to identify progress and continued areas of focus for our diversity and inclusion efforts. Results will be available in Fall 2007. We expect to use the data to foster a more inclusive system internally and externally and help establish benchmarks for organizational change and development. Our Welcoming and Inclusive Work Environment Initiative with three county associations will provide additional baseline information and help identify further strategies and best practices for creating work environments in which our staff can fully contribute their talent and skills to enhance the effectiveness and impact of our programming.

Ongoing leadership development designed to enhance awareness and skills to communicate and implement processes for supporting diversity and inclusion at CCE is provided to all staff, including CCE Director’s Council, State Extension Representatives, Regional Chairs, and Executive Directors. Through the leadership and support of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Diversity Specialist and the Diversity and Inclusion Professional Development Team, the diversity competencies associated with understanding differences, diversity management, and program planning are regularly included in CCE’s annual conference and other ongoing professional development opportunities. The forthcoming addition of a Staff Development Specialist to the CCE Professional Development Team to assist in determining innovative and inclusive ways to deliver educational programs in support of the CCE Comprehensive Affirmative Action and Diversity Plan further reflects our continuous commitment to building capacity and competencies of our staff and programs to work across difference.

I am personally committed to supporting an assertive and effective comprehensive affirmative action and diversity policy in Cornell Cooperative Extension and urge each member of the extension community to join me by renewing your individual support for all of CCE’s diversity efforts. For ideas and suggestions on strategies for enhancing professional and organizational skills, understanding and awareness visit http://diversity.cce.cornell.edu/profdevelopment.htm.

Helene R. Dillard
Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension