Diversity and Pluralism in Extension

The Extension Diversity Task Force (EDTF), founded in 1990, works to achieve and sustain pluralism as an integral part of every aspect of the Cooperative Extension System (CES)—mission and vision; work force; programs; audiences; and relationships with other people, groups, and organizations. The task force 1991 publication, Emphasis on Diversity, addresses the need to transform extension into a multicultural organization that values diversity and pluralism.

The EDTF arose from the Extension Committee, an elected committee which represents the 57 state and territorial cooperative extension systems in policy decisions, and provides nationwide program and organizational leadership. EDTF’s mission is to facilitate and monitor the implementation of the principles contained in Emphasis on Diversity. It recognizes that a diverse work force and diverse audiences are not necessarily multicultural organizations. EDTF’s goals have been continuous learning, planning for the CES, and acting on relevant key diversity issues.

EDTF members develop publications and advance the vision of diversity through presentations at national conferences, professional associations, and professional development training.

EDTF has facilitated funding for a variety of related projects, including the:

Diversity Across Higher Education, a new community of practice site of eXtension;
Change Agent States for Diversity and Engagement (CASDE), a consortium of 14 states dedicated to supporting greater diversity and welcoming climates in the Land Grant System by building system capacity and setting standards. The multi-state consortium uses a specific framework and conducts a research-based evaluation in each state over 5 years;
and the CSREES shared faculty position with Oregon State University, which helps facilitate the day-to-day management of the National Extension Diversity Center and assists the EDTF and others with diversity training and education.

EDTF also created the National Award for Diversity in 1991 to recognize outstanding efforts and accomplishments in achieving and sustaining diversity and pluralism in the CES.

Another result of the EDTF’s work was the reactivation of CSREES’ Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) in August 2000. The DAC meets monthly to review the current agency employee profile and to develop goals—as they relate to diversity and pluralism—for the recruitment, selection, retention, and promotion of CSREES employees. It also works to educate and sensitize CSREES employees to diversity and pluralism issues, both in and out of the workplace.

Related Links

USDA's Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program
Diversity Across Higher Education
Change Agent States for Diversity (CASDE)
Subcommittee for Extension Diversity (SED), Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP)

Resources

Privilege, Power, and Difference
U.D. Department of Energy's EEO and Diversity Program
U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity
Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering: 2009
Women in Agriculture issues, Small Farm Digest, CSREES. Newsletter on the role of women in farming, ranching, and working lands.
2008 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program
National Extension Diversity Conference, Seattle, Washington, April 25-27, 2007.
Appreciating Diversity through Foods: Farm to Table for All Ages, Tri-state Diversity Conference, Covington, KY, January 11-12, 2007.
Extension en Espanol; A national clearing house for Spanish-language educational resources operated by and for Extension professionals.
Economicdiversity.org, The Institute for College Access and Success, Inc. Source of campus-level data on student income, race and ethnicity, and student loan usage.
Creating metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, Southern Rural Development Center. PDF report from Measuring Rural Diversity Policy Series.
New Report on Ageism in America, The International Longevity Center-USA. PDF report with documentation and analysis of the numerous aspects of age discrimination.
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, The White House. Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
The Developing Leaders for a Diverse World Summer 4-H Teen event was held June 23 - 25, 2006 at the Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp near Leavenworth, WA.
National American Indian Heritage Month, National Park Service. Information and resources about the history and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Funded Projects

CSREES has released request for applications (RFA) for the following grants within the last month. The links below will take you to grant summary pages, which include links to the RFA and other information. Summaries for all of our grants, both open and closed, can be found on our Grants Search page.

Note: Some grants may require letters of intent to submit. Please check carefully and note critical dates.

Grant Titles