More than two dozen community members came together Monday to learn about a new workshop offered through Purdue Extension that will help bring about cultural awareness and understanding.
Navigating Difference Cultural Competency training was developed by Washington State University and will help participants expand their skill set when working with diverse groups.
Jan Dougan, a trained Navigating Difference facilitator, said the program is both science and research-based.
“This looks at the state demographics,” she said after a panel discussion with Washington Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Roach, Daviess County Public Health Nurse Kathy Sullender, Catholic Community of Washington Hispanic Ministry and Communications Coordinator Jessica Mattingly and Perdue Farms Human Resource Manager Sara Norfolk.
During that discussion, the quartet discussed what the ever-changing demographics of Daviess County means to their organizations.
Roach said the diverse makeup of the community makes Washington and Daviess County unlike any other community in the state. And in terms of accountability for schools, it’s that diversity that makes Lena Dunn Elementary unlike any other school in the state.
“Twelve percent of the school population is ELL (English Language Learners) and you won’t find any other community like that,” said Roach, adding that while it’s an ongoing challenge, the students are more enriched.
Mattingly said she and the others with the Catholic Community of Washington are trying to bridge the gap for those learning to English by offering a mass in Spanish weekly. The schools, she said, have also worked to celebrate the various cultures represented as well.
“We are just constantly educating ourselves,” she said.
From a healthcare perspective, Sullender said Daviess County offers services other places don’t.
“We’ve added a part-time position to work with our immigrant population to help combat infant mortality,” she said, adding infant loss is not restricted to one race or nationality.
Norfolk said, from an employer standpoint, with the area’s low unemployment rate, turkey processing plant Perdue Farms finds it difficult to find employees.
“We have to have staff to do what we do,” she said adding the facility employs many individuals from other countries.
“We have to reach out to other options,” Norfolk said.
Those options include bringing in workers from Puerto Rico who work on contracts for the plant for an eight-month period before having the option to become regular Perdue employees. Those employees may often be misrepresented by those uncomfortable with someone who is different.
That’s where the Navigating Differences can make an impact. Daviess County Extension’s Cindy Barber, who serves as the community development associate educator said the training, which can be offered in a three-hour workshop format, can help with that.
“I’ve found Navigating Differences to be something incredibly practical and really enjoyable,” said Barber, adding all Purdue Extension staff have gone through the program.
She said the theories are organized in a way that makes sense and helps individuals grow.
“It connects you to a broader community of people who are on this journey together,” she said. “Kris Parker, regional community development educator, said it tries to tackle the big issues of the world in our own small circles of influence and tackling the big challenges of our communities by looking at them through new lenses and responding with new tools.”
To help the community look through that new lens, Barber said those interested in learning more have a couple of options.