SEOC - Serving Elders of Color

A Training and Networking Initiative

Executive Summary

First funded in 1996 by the Retirement Research Foundation, the goal of the Serving Elders of Color (SEOC) Initiative was to respond to the challenges posed by the increasing diversity of the older adult population, particularly the growth of racial and ethnic minority groups through a comprehensive training program and network. The SEOC training and networking initiative continued in 1997 and 1998 and involved 20 trainers across the country who conducted regional training events. We are currently in the process of seeking new funding to reinstate this special project. If you are aware of possible sources for funding, please contact Christabel Cheung, Director of Diversity, at the contact information provided below.

The initiative's two-day training program curriculum entitled Developing Cultural Competence: A Personal and Organizational Change Approach promotes the acknowledgment, appreciation and use of cultural differences as a critical factor in the development and operation of any system, institution or program. The training program provides a model for facilitating multicultural work and service delivery environments through systemic change with a focus on personal change. The program whose goal is to bring about organizational and behavioral change is designed for staff and volunteer leadership—those in positions to institute change in their organization. Participants work as a team to bring about change and to support each other in the process. A Diversity Assessment Handbook, which evaluates six organizational function areas is used to gather baseline information about an organization's cultural competence. Cultural competence is becoming a standard for practice in all fields of health and human services focusing on cultural awareness, sensitivity, relevance and appropriateness in planning and service delivery.

For more information, contact Christabel Cheung, Director of Diversity, ASA, 71 Stevenson Street, Suite 1450, San Francisco, CA 94105-2938, phone, (415) 974-9640; fax (415) 974-0300; e-mail: ccheung@asaging.org.