Issue:
Purdue Cooperative Extension in Marion County is making efforts to address the educational needs of a growing Hispanic population in Marion County, as well as offering educational opportunities directed to traditional audiences to help them assimilate in a positive manner the current demographic shifts in this county.

What you have done:
Purdue Cooperative Extension in Marion County has created a Cultural Sensitivity Program to bring knowledge and cultural experiences to communities and organizations around the State of Indiana. The program consists of a presentation of facts about Hispanic immigration to the United States, Midwest Region and the State of Indiana, as well as information on the impact of Hispanic immigration to a particular community and/or organization. In addition to the facts, the Extension educator presents information on the cultural characteristics of Hispanic immigrants, reasons for immigration and the positive impact immigrants have on the economy and the culture. Many personal and anecdotic information peppers this presentation to make it more relevant and closer to the feelings of participants.

Impact:
One hundred and thirty-seven individuals have participated in this program. After each presentation participants offered feedback on the impact this experience has had on their opinions and attitudes towards Hispanics. The evaluations show that 100% of participants have learned new significant information about Hispanic immigrants. Significant new things learned are: Hispanics are steadily moving into the Midwest; the reason for moving is availability of jobs; they have no access and prefer not to use welfare services; and, that local companies actively recruit Hispanic workers. Eighty-three percent of participants also reported seeing Hispanic immigrants in a positive manner after learning about the contributions Immigrants make to the communities. Reported contributions are: hard workers; example of good values such as dedication to family and friends; and, immigrants bring new flavors and sound to enrich the cultural life of communities. Ninety percent of participants in this program rated the presentation as very good and very informative. At the personal level, participants reported having made a commitment to become more understanding and caring towards immigrants, learn Spanish to be able to communicate with them, suggest businesses become involved in social services, and encourage their respective churches to increase their outreach efforts to Hispanic immigrants.

Impact Summary:
Purdue Cooperative Extension in Marion County has created a Cultural Sensitivity Program to bring knowledge and cultural experiences to communities and organizations around the State of Indiana. Participants learned significant new factual and anecdotic information that has helped them to see Hispanic immigration as positive and to make a personal commitment to be more welcoming of Hispanic immigrants.