Philosophy

The purpose of the CASD is to build the capacity of the National Land Grant System to function inclusively and effectively in a multicultural world; setting standards and implementing a vision for healthy, thriving, and productive communities in a diverse world.

CASD provides for a seven-state partnership committed to pluralism and the challenge of leading and modeling change. As a partnership, each state's work is magnified through synergy, an economy of scale for use of resources and energy is optimized, and a vehicle for sharing with the rest of the system is established. This project builds a national resource of practical, applicable tools, strategies, successes, and expertise.

This investment will position the Land Grant System as a productive, effective and relevant organization with the infrastructure and capacity for tremendous impact in the 21st Century and beyond. No other institution is so national in its mission and so individually local in its impact; no other institution is better equipped to instigate change toward a pluralistic society.

Values of the CASD states (adopted from the October 1991 Strategic Plan on Diversity "Pathway to Diversity" document) include:

• Commitment to diversity in all staff, volunteers, and audiences; including full participation in programs, policy formulation, and decision-making.
• Ability to lead and model diversity throughout the organization and to lead society toward pluralism.
• Commitment to individual and organizational efforts to build respect, dignity, fairness, caring equality, and self-esteem.
• Recognition of the rights of all individuals to mutual respect; acceptance of others without biases based on differences of any kind.
• Commitment to equitable treatment and elimination of discrimination in all its forms at all organizational levels and throughout all programs.
• Recognition and promotion of the diversity of ideas and human potential.

Project Manager, Carol Young, 3904 Westbank Ct, Manhattan, KS 66503 Home Office Phone: 785-587-8124  
Fax: 785-587-8428 ..  casd@cox.net