Location
CSU 254
Start Date
21-4-2014 3:15 PM
End Date
21-4-2014 4:15 PM
Student's Major
Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Student's College
Education
Mentor's Name
Elizabeth Sandell
Mentor's Email Address
elizabeth.sandell@mnsu.edu
Mentor's Department
Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Mentor's College
Education
Description
The purpose of this study was to understand how leaders responded to the community’s increasing diversity. According to previous research, “adults in the state demonstrate both marked support for programs and policies supporting immigrants and refugees, and considerable xenophobia” (Fennelly, 2006). Of all the states receiving new immigrants, Minnesota has the greatest diversity (Somali, Hmong, Sudanese, Hispanic, Russian, South Asian) (Brower, 2013). Fennelly & Federico (2008) also found that rural residents hold more negative attitudes toward immigrants. Intergroup contact theory and acculturation studies address these issues. The study responded to these research questions: How do leaders conceptualize the ideas of diversity and welcoming? What are the leaders’ goals for creating a community that welcomes non-European Americans? How do the leaders operationalize their concepts of diversity and welcoming? Acculturation, intergroup contact theory, and the Minnesota context form the foundation of the research project. Ten to twelve community leaders (key actors) were purposefully selected from the education, non-profit, business, and government sectors (such as city administrators, school principals). Interviews took place to elicit information about what leaders think diversity and welcoming mean; their goals for a welcoming community; and how leaders implement those goals. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using software to identify themes and trends. Outcomes of the study may be used by leaders to identify the community’s strengths and weaknesses. The analysis could form the basis for additional educational or cultural programming.
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons
What Constitutes a Welcoming Community? Mankato Leaders Go Beyond the 'Welcome Wagon' for New Immigrants
CSU 254
The purpose of this study was to understand how leaders responded to the community’s increasing diversity. According to previous research, “adults in the state demonstrate both marked support for programs and policies supporting immigrants and refugees, and considerable xenophobia” (Fennelly, 2006). Of all the states receiving new immigrants, Minnesota has the greatest diversity (Somali, Hmong, Sudanese, Hispanic, Russian, South Asian) (Brower, 2013). Fennelly & Federico (2008) also found that rural residents hold more negative attitudes toward immigrants. Intergroup contact theory and acculturation studies address these issues. The study responded to these research questions: How do leaders conceptualize the ideas of diversity and welcoming? What are the leaders’ goals for creating a community that welcomes non-European Americans? How do the leaders operationalize their concepts of diversity and welcoming? Acculturation, intergroup contact theory, and the Minnesota context form the foundation of the research project. Ten to twelve community leaders (key actors) were purposefully selected from the education, non-profit, business, and government sectors (such as city administrators, school principals). Interviews took place to elicit information about what leaders think diversity and welcoming mean; their goals for a welcoming community; and how leaders implement those goals. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using software to identify themes and trends. Outcomes of the study may be used by leaders to identify the community’s strengths and weaknesses. The analysis could form the basis for additional educational or cultural programming.
Recommended Citation
Lieske, Sarah; Sadie Leidall; and Philip Munkvold. "What Constitutes a Welcoming Community? Mankato Leaders Go Beyond the 'Welcome Wagon' for New Immigrants." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2014.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2014/oral_session_14/2
