In This Together: Learning about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Accessibility DEIJA

Wednesday, 1/18/23  -  Wednesday, 4/19/23

In this together photo

In This Together: Learning about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) is a program for UNH Cooperative Extension volunteers interested in gaining awareness and understanding of JEDI/cultural proficiency concepts and practices in order to help build a more welcoming organization and more inclusive communities. UNH Cooperative Extension has prioritized cultural proficiency as a means of “meeting people where they are”. This effort begins with supporting staff and volunteers to learn more about cultural proficiency and apply the concepts and practices through Extension work.

This program will support a self-selected cohort of volunteers from across UNH Cooperative Extension's 14 volunteer programs to participate in a variety of learning opportunities on cultural proficiency topics. It is designed to draw UNHCE Volunteers into the University’s and Extension’s initiatives to embrace greater justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through a more culturally proficient organization.

Participating volunteers can:

  • Grow in knowledge of cultural proficiency concepts and how they apply in Extension volunteer settings
  • Have opportunities to share learning and experiences with others in Extension
  • Contribute to creating more welcoming and inclusive environments for all Extension staff, volunteers, and program participant

What’s involved? 

  • For 2023, this program will be conducted with all remote sessions. There is no cost to join and no experience with the technologies is necessary for participation. We will provide all the training necessary to participate. Participants will need to be able to access the internet, correspond via email, and participate in Zoom sessions.
  • Register to participate. This program will run from January through April 2023. Space is limited. Registrations will be considered on a first come, first served basis, although effort will be made to encourage broad representation from different programs. The registration deadline is December 7th, 2022. Accepted registrants will receive an email notice by December 12th, 2022.
  • If one’s registration is approved, registrants will need to agree to approximately 1.5 hours of participation each week and guidelines for productive discussions. Every two weeks a new "module" will be offered. Each module consists of:
    • Learning on one’s own time and at one’s own pace with select, assigned readings and videos
    • Connecting with other participants through an easy online forum (asynchronous)
    • Participating in a scheduled one and half hour online learning sessions with experienced practitioners and other volunteers in "live" Zoom sessions (synchronous)
    • Provide feedback periodically about this pilot in order to help shape and improve similar programs in the future
  • Session topics include: NH’s Changing Demographics, Identity and Culture, Implicit Bias, Structural Bias, Bias Intervention, Disability and Allyship.

What next?

Check your calendar. Live sessions are scheduled for the following Wednesday dates and times.

  • January 18 (12:00 - 1:30)- Introductory session
  • January 25 (12:00 - 1:30) - Live session
  • February 8 (12:00 - 1:30) - Live session
  • February 22 (12:00 - 1:30) - Live session
  • March 8 (12:00 - 1:30) - Live session
  • March 22 (12:00 - 1:30) - Live session
  • April 5 (12:00-1:30) - Live session
  • April 19 (12:00 – 1:30) – Live session

Apply

Our goal is to have committed volunteers from each of the 14 UNHCE volunteer programs. We hope you will join us! –  Megan, Julia, Mary, Haley, Malin, Charlotte, Wells, Dari, Joe, Bob, Trish, Zeanny, Ruth

This program is supported by grants from UNH's Office of Community, Equity and Diversity, NH Sea Grant, and UNH Cooperative Extension. Funds will help defray costs associated with specialized trainings, guest presenter fees, or materials.