Community Participation in Building Culturally Competent Programs

This workshop will explore powerful and practical ways to involve community members in program development, implementation and evaluation. Inspired by discussion at the September 2006 Building Cultural Competency Conference, this workshop will provide useful tools to engage your constituency (clientele, target group, customers) in developing programs that are culturally sensitive and highly effective. Hands-on exercises will offer opportunities to apply workshop content to your organization’s present or future community.

Michael Marzolla, 4-H Youth Development and Master Gardener Advisor with Cooperative Extension in Santa Barbara County, has over twenty-five years experience involving communities in program design and environmental education, both in the US and internationally. His specialties include experiential learning, diversity and community participation in development, and environmental education.

Susana De Anda, Co-Director of the Community Water Center in California’s San Joaquin Valley, helps communities find solutions through organizing, education and advocacy, so that all water users in the valley have access to safe, clean and affordable water. Susana holds a B.A in Environmental Studies and Geography from UC Santa Barbara.