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
Resources
Funded Projects
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