Facilitating partnerships with Hispanic/Latino communities in Missouri

ALIANZAS WORK GROUPS

At the Alianzas retreat in November 2006, participants identified six priority areas for Alianzas programming.  Several attendees agreed to assist with the development of these priority areas by signing their name next to the area that interested them, thus forming work groups.  What follows is a list of the work groups and a description of each, as determined at the retreat.

Communication
"Development of communication skills (e.g., training for University of Missouri Extension staff interested in learning Spanish); standardized translation/interpretation in each University of Missouri Extension region; goal of one fluent Spanish speaker in every region."

Cultural Academy
"Three-phase cultural immersion academy that could serve as a signature program for Alianzas; could include University of Missouri Extension faculty and staff, as well as non-Extension participants; possibility of partnership with the MU School of Social Work."

Health
"Addressing the health needs of Hispanic/Latino residents; coordination of health fairs; ensuring that Hispanic/Latino audiences are healthy; enhance and grow Family Nutrition Education Program (FNEP) paraprofessional model as a delivery method."

Research
"Identify critical research needs such as how leadership is formed among new immigrants and emerging issues related to new immigrant communities; help the MU System identify Hispanic/Latino community needs that must be understood and addressed; become an active link with the MU Cambio Center."

Leadership
"Development of community leadership for Hispanics/Latinos and integration into broader communities; bilingual community dialogue on community issues; identify Hispanic/Latino leadership structure; choose and implement one statewide project such as 'Community Voices'."

Partnerships
"Build bridges to foster local partnerships; support Hispanic/Latino organizations through capacity building; foster local community partnerships to raise awareness, educate, serve, and build inclusive communities (co-learner); partner with local Hispanic/Latino community groups; educate Hispanics/Latinos about University of Missouri Extension resources and programs."