Project Description:
Project Description: Alianzas fosters inclusive communities that recognize and address the unique qualities and challenges of Hispanic/Latino residents using a community-based, collaborative learning approach. This collaboration is with the University of Missouri Extension and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD). Website:
www.alianzas.us
Need: By 2006, the nearly 44 million Hispanics nationwide represented the largest minority group in the U.S. According to the Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis in 2000, all counties in Missouri had Hispanic residents. Between 1990 and 2000, the Hispanic population increased in 113 of the 115 Missouri counties and more than doubled in 57 of them. US Census Bureau estimates for 2006 show that Hispanics accounted for 2.8% of Missouri?s population. With a 38.5% growth rate in the state since 2000. Provided the growing Hispanic population on a national and state level, University of Missouri Extension is experiencing an increase in Hispanic consumers. To ensure that it is meeting the needs of, and providing services to, all Missouri residents with the purpose of enhancing their quality of life, it is important that University of Missouri Extension faculty and staff learn outreach strategies that cross cultures to reach all Missouri residents.
Goal: To conduct ongoing discussion groups and key informant interviews between Hispanic/Latino residents and University of Missouri Extension personnel to gain a greater understanding of the issues influenced by the demographic shifts. It will examine existing databases to identify demographic trends in the Hispanic community, throughout Missouri. Also, it will provide technical assistance and research resources to support identified areas of concern and activities in each of the eight UME regions.
Alianzas identifies resources within state and local government agencies that can partner with University of Missouri Extension (e.g., Latino Centers, Department of Health); resources within the Hispanic/Latino community that can assist in strategic planning and program implementation (e.g., Spanish classes, translations); other community agency partners that can bring resources to bear on a Hispanic/Latino program. Alianzas established and maintains a database of these resources.
Objective: Through continued facilitation Alianzas fosters collaborative learning approaches by providing a greater understanding of cultural diversity and awareness for University of Missouri Extension personnel. The objective is that the University will become more equipped to serve the needs of their consumer and conversely, the community to better understand the University and the services they provide.
Alianzas also identifies the cultural diversity needs of current academic programs within UMKC to support community program development and needed academic development activities.
To enhance the capacity of University of Missouri Extension staff in responding to Hispanic/Latino-related issues;
o To enhance the capacity of the University of Missouri-Kansas City in responding to Hispanic/Latino-related issues;
o To build a relationship with local governments and the Mexican Consulate;
o To problem-solve on issues related to immigration, culture, language and other related Hispanic/Latino issues;
o To introduce coalition-building as a problem-solving tool for improved community development;
o To assist with the implementation of community-based activities; and
o To assist with the expansion of University of Missouri Extension's outreach programs in the State.
Benefits: To expand the partnerships and collaborations between the University of Missouri Extension and the Hispanic communities throughout Missouri. Alianzas strives to develop a greater understanding of the cultural diversity in Missouri through education and program development. Some program development includes: resource development, research, presentations, survey, and analysis, and event planning. A statewide resource development program is linking UME, UMKC, and the Hispanic/Latino community.
Leadership roles have been established at both the university and community levels to support program development. It is anticipated that Alianzas will continue to develop into a long-term resource development program that leverages university dollars, state agency dollars, federal dollars, and private investors.
Keyword(s):
Hispanic/Latino newcomers and community development
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Quality of Life, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership, Other
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State, Regional
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
