Newcomers to area neighborhoods, especially those coming from other countries, sometimes need help becoming familiar with the expectations associated with occupying a residence. Just as majority community neighborhoods need education in cultural differences and other diversity issues, so do newcomers to those neighborhoods need education about the majority culture. As a community, we need to respect the board range of cultural traditions that our residents represent. We also need to be aware of the differences among us and to be clear on the rules that regulate our behavior.

The 21st Century Partnership Task Force on Diversity called for improving the internal diversity performance of community institutions and ensuring that institutions in the community include diversity as a priority in their own planning and programming. The network of relationships that knit the majority community together should be made accessible to the minority communities in the community as well. Strategies to extend opportunities for greater civic involvement to minorities could include:

• involvement in neighborhood groups,
• appointment to citizen committees serving local government
• recruitment by service clubs
• involvement in non-profit board
• involvement in interest groups such as the League of Women Voters, and
• involvement in committees advising business organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce

English language training is critical for the job success and community participation of non-native English speakers. As a community, we need to continue to support programs such as those offered in adult literacy though the Rochester Public Schools. In addition to adult basic education for native speakers of English, G.E.D. preparation, and diploma opportunities for adults, a variety of English language training classes are available. 

     The English program provides seven sequential levels of instruction in the English language and U.S. Culture. The classes are open to all non-native speakers of English in the Rochester area. In addition, the following programs are also available: 

• Assistance for foreign-born residents preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Exam, 
• Refugee tutoring assistance
• Work skills program
• Parenting classes and preschool education for speakers of other languages. 

Classes are offered in several locations, including the Rochester Community and Technical College Heintz Center, Ability Building Center, Corrections Department and on-site employer customized educational assistance through the Work Skills Project. 

Olmsted County is a diverse community made up of many cultural groups bound together by common life experiences, traditions, behaviors, and values.  Health care institutions should provide education programs for all staff members regarding cultural and cross-cultural health care traditions to ensure effective outreach and provide equal access to services. Education programs for health care employees should include background regarding the differences in customs, traditions, language and history as well as the positive health care practices that exist within cultures.

     Many refugees who come to this region in search of safety and a new life have experienced overwhelming suffering and loss as a result of war, torture and the hardship of life in refugee camps. Differences in language, income, education and access to appropriate health care may also compromise the physical and mental health of residents. It is important for health care providers to support community education and outreach programs beyond the mainstream or majority culture to meet the needs of all residents, including those in the immigrant and newcomer population.

The following goals and objectives will ensure that the health care needs of all residents are met: :

• Ensure that the employees of health care institutions have the opportunity to learn the health care traditions of the community members they serve
• Improve access to health care by providing education and outreach to all cultural and cross-cultural communities with Olmsted County.
• Ensure appropriate and timely interpreter staff in health care systems for English language learners and non-native speakers.

Some of the youth in our community cannot afford to participate in youth sports and other community activities. While scholarship programs are available through some youth organizations, many still have fewer lower income participants than would be expected based on community population characteristics. It is not enough merely to passively accommodate minority and low income youth participation. To increase the level of participation on the part of lower income youth and the minorities:

• Youth oriented organizations should make a deliberate, proactive effort to involve lower income and minority youth in their programs. Such efforts should include waiving fess, assisting with the purchase of equipment, providing assistance with transportation when necessary, and active recruitment efforts. 
• Youth oriented organizations should also make an effort to attract minority adult leaders to their boards and youth contact positions
• Public entities should establish as a condition for the use of public facilities (meeting rooms, sports fields, and gymnasiums) that the organization using the facility has established efforts to increase participation among low income and minority youth.