Enhancing Extension's Capacity to Work with Spanish Speaking Populations

Diversity in the North Central region presents challenges and opportunities. New migrants from all over the world bring their dreams, skills and cultures to further enrich the people and communities of the area. A large proportion of our newcomers speak Spanish. While we have long had vibrant Spanish-speaking communities in urban areas and a few rural communities, individuals and households whose first language is Spanish are in more neighborhoods and more communities than ever before.

Extension throughout the region has responded in exciting ways to include Spanish speakers in their programs to support youth and families, strengthen local farms and economies, and build more secure and dynamic communities. We have learned that we must honor cultural differences among individuals and households of Latin American origin. We have learned that we must build on strengths within the community at the same time as we work for inclusion in our usual Extension work. We have learned that language matters, and have prepared dictionaries that help both employees and employers in agricultural enterprises. We have learned that sharing culture is a good base for strengthening youth and families.

Yet we still have much to do to be inclusive and effective working with our Spanish-speaking customers. The North Central Regional Center for Rural Development and the Land Grant Universities in the North Central region hosted a conference in December 2001. This was the initial step in providing regional support to research and outreach that will result in these populations being better served and participating more actively in their communities.

On this web page we have included presentations and handouts from the December 2001 conference, an inventory of Extension programming efforts with Spanish Speaking populations in the North Central region, and resources available to support such programming efforts. We have also included a list of state contacts for more specific information. The NCRCRD is committed to our efforts to improve the quality of life for all people in our region.