It
takes a deliberate, effort-full plan to reach out to groups and communities
that have not been part of our organization in
the past.
Ideas and tips
- Connect with organizations, faith
communities, schools, community centers or agencies within new communities.
Ask for assistance.
- Go
to new
communities or organizations rather than asking them to come to you.
- Listen
to how Extension is viewed. Listen to past experiences.
- Find
out where people go for assistance or education.
- Discuss
ideas for partnering on a project or program.
- Find
out what papers, radio stations, or newsletters people pay attention
to.
- Ask
people if you can include them on an "community outreach list" to
get out information on job openings, programs, and other
opportunities.
- Find
out opportunities for learning more about community needs and wants.
- Take
the time to develop personal relationships.
Networking Checklist
I belong to professional or social groups where the membership is
very diverse.
I subscribe to a publication whose top priority is cultural
diversity or whose audience is a specific group I want to learn more
about.
I attend community functions, lectures, art exhibits, or holidays
that celebrate diverse cultures.
I consciously attend functions where I am an outsider, where
I don't know many people, and where many people are of a different
group (e.g. ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation)
At meetings, functions, conferences or work, I make it my business
to expand my contact with people from diverse groups.
I read books or check out videos about the history or stories
of different cultural and ethnic groups.
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