Navigating Difference is an 18-hour cultural competency program for people who want to deepen their knowledge, skills and appreciation for connecting with and across diverse groups of all kind.

This offering is open to all those conducting the work of MU Extension, including on and off-campus faculty and staff, administration, Extension Council members, volunteers, and county support staff.

Navigating Difference seeks to increase the ability of people to: 

• Engage in culturally diverse settings, initiatives, and programs.
• Integrate cultural competencies in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs, events and activities.
• Practice strategies for successful intercultural communication in public and professional settings.  

Navigating Difference was created by Washington State University Extension, designed using adult education theory and practices that create a safe and welcoming environment for all learners. The activities respect and support individual learning styles, and the participants’ life experiences are viewed as an important source of knowledge. The intent of the program is to gain knowledge and skills that can be used when engaging in a new situation/culture, rather than focusing on specific cultural knowledge.

As each portion of this program builds on the previous work, participants are expected to attend all 6 sessions, and to approximately 1.5 hours each week of outside coursework, including readings, videos, and assessments.

The first session will be in-person at the former Hiram Young School, the first local school for African American children, now home to Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity.

There is no fee to participate in the program, but we are not able to cover the  cost of additional meals, mileage or lodging (if desired) for the in-person session.

We encourage local sponsorship.

Contact: Tish Johnson, JohnsonLK@missouri.edu, 573-445-9792

Sessions Details:

• Tuesday, March 11, will be in-person, 9:30 to 3:00, at the Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity in Independence, the former Hiram Young School. Lunch will be provided. 
• The remaining sessions will be online via Zoom on Tuesday mornings, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., on the following dates: March 25, and April 1, 8, 22 and 29