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Working together to build a diverse community

Racial demographics in Manitowoc County are changing. Along with this trend comes an uncertainty about how the changes will affect local culture, economics and the traditional values of a fairly homogeneous population.

Cross-institutional grant provides support

Seeing the success of colleagues in neighboring communities in using the Diversity Circles process to address issues of immigration, racism and inclusion, UW-Extension Family Living Educator Faye Malek joined forces with UW-Manitowoc Continuing Education Director Kathy Palmer to bring the Diversity Circles process to Manitowoc County residents. Together, they applied for and were awarded a UW Colleges and UW-Extension Cross-Institutional Diversity and Multicultural grant in January 2006.

UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor David Wilson (second from left) learned about the success of Diversity Circles when he visited Manitowoc County in October 2006. Participants at this session included (from left) Deb Douglas, Chancellor Wilson, Diversity Circles Coordinator Linda Hunter, Dan Rhodes, Tina Prigge, Rick Hines, Yolanda Lambert, May Lo Vang, Phil Walters and Simona Rhodes. Photo by Brenda K. Dolski, Lakeside Foods Inc.

How Diversity Circles work

Using a proven curriculum from the national Study Circles Resource Center, two trained facilitators lead a group of 8-to-12 residents in an open, respectful dialogue about racial, ethnic and cultural aspects of life in their community. Jay Xiang, a Manitowoc County Diversity Circle participant, endorses the program, saying, "I am glad we have the Diversity Circle as well as many open-minded community leaders right here in Manitowoc who are willing to make diversity the learning priority in our community."

Contributing partners

The Manitowoc Diversity Circles program is supported by resources from both UW Colleges and UW-Extension. The grant is used primarily to fund a part-time Diversity Circles coordinator position held by Manitowoc County resident Linda Hunter. Palmer coordinates the physical space needs for the coordinator, serves as a member of the Circles Steering Committee, and speaks to local groups to encourage participation in a circle. Malek provides guidance and direction for the Circles coordinator and steering committee and provides facilitator training. Bruce Peters, a UW-Manitowoc assistant campus dean for administrative services, is the grant's fiscal agent. Both institutions provide in-kind support in the form of printed materials, translation, office space and supplies, networking and marketing.

High interest from the community

Diversity Circles has kindled interest from both private- and public-sector organizations. Last fall Lakeside Foods Inc. hosted a circle attended by employees, residents, and UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor David Wilson. In December 2006, students and teachers from Lincoln High School, the largest school in the Manitowoc Public School District, met with the UW-Parkside Diversity Coordinator Roseann Mason and high school students from Kenosha to learn about their Diversity Circles program. Lincoln High School will initiate student circles later this year. UW-Manitowoc Dean Dan Campagna and the Manitowoc County UW-Extension staff are collaborating on the initiation of future programs for Manitowoc County residents.

Continuing commitment

A well-attended Diversity Circles Action Forum was hosted in May 2006, and another is planned for May 2007. Past participants attend and focus on what they want to do in the community to continue their efforts in making Manitowoc County a welcoming community.

Manitowoc County Diversity Circles impacts

In 2006:

• 120 county residents participated in Diversity Circles
• 35 became trained Diversity Circles facilitators
• 30 organizations contributed in some way to the vitality and sustainability of the program

97% of the participants rated the Diversity Circles program as "good" or "excellent"

Residents who participated in Diversity Circles increased their:

• ability to openly discuss race issues (71%)
• understanding of others' attitudes and beliefs (92%)
• understanding of racial issues in the community (87%)

For more information:

http://www.manitowocdiversitycircles.org

Faye Malek
Manitowoc County Family Living Educator and Department Head
(920) 683-4171
faye.malek@ces.uwex.edu

By Kathy Palmer, continuing education director, UW-Manitowoc