About ALIANZAS
BUILDING EFFECTIVE INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION AND ALLIANCES
Between MU Extension, Latinx Residents and the Community
ALIANZAS was created in 2011 in response to the increasing Latino population in Missouri to enhance the ability of University of Missouri Extension and its partners to respond to the needs of Latino immigrants and the Missouri communities that receive them. This was to be done through the implementation of outreach programs that focus on a community-based, collaborative learning approach.
Our program is here to facilitate and promote an effective intercultural communication. We form alliances with MU Extension and its specialists, the Latino residents and the larger community of our great state of Missouri.
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
What is it, exactly?
As we speak of “Intercultural Communication” some people believe that speaking another language fluently and visiting other countries makes them experts in what intercultural communication is all about. Certainly speaking the local language is very helpful. However, social interaction is about much more than language skills or experiencing such visits to foreign countries. (Internations)
The very phrase, intercultural communication suggests that is about a deeper cross-cultural competency rather than about language and interpersonal skills only. Let’s think for a moment on the etymology of the prefix; Inter…c.1300, from Old French: enterer , from Medieval Latin interrare “put in the earth, bury,” from Latin: it meant “between,” “among,” “in the midst of,” “mutually,” “reciprocally,” “together,” “during”.
Our program invites for a comprehensive reciprocity and equality among cultures. Such communication is based upon principles and values such as; respect, trust, self-awareness acceptance, freedom, understanding. Here relationships are transformed, and shaped through cultural diversity interactions. There is transformation and mutual gifting, racial and cultural power imbalances are addressed. (2011 The United Church of Canada)
Alianzas Objectives
To enhance the capacity of University of Missouri Extension staff in responding to Hispanic/Latinx-related issues and assist with the expansion of outreach programs in the State.
To enhance the capacity of the University of Missouri-Kansas City in responding to Hispanic/Latinx-related issues
To build a relationship with local governments and the Mexican Consulate
To problem-solve on issues related to immigration, culture, language and other related Hispanic/Latinx issues;
To introduce coalition-building as a problem-solving tool for improved community development;
To assist with the implementation of community-based activities;
Get Connected
CONTACT ALIANZAS
We’d love to partner with you to build effective intercultural communication and alliances with the Latinx population in your community.