Cultural Diversity Paper (Midterm): Identify experiences you have had with one or two diverse populations, whether those experiences were work or volunteer related, travel experiences, summer camping experiences, diversity seminars, or any number of other experiences. Cultural diversity includes ethnic, racial, religious, social class, international, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. Diversity experiences implies relationships with people whose culture or experience is different from ones own culture or experience. 

Detail your history and experience with the diverse culture(s) in a personal narrative. Then, provide research and data regarding the culture(s) you interacted with. Include general details of the community such as their strengths and issues they may commonly face. Use scholarly data to do this (not stereotypes or anecdotes). End your paper reflecting on past and/or current personal biases you have held that would impact your work as a social worker with this group. How can or have you improved?

You may follow this outline guide to write your paper:

1. Introduction- What will you be discussing in your paper?

2. Your personal experience or interaction with a diverse population.

3. Research on difficulties this population may face (discrimination, stigma, misunderstandings, systemic issues this population faces, etc.) as well as strengths this population has or can draw upon. Use 3-4 scholarly sources to aid your discussion.

4. Reflect on what you have learned from interacting with and doing research on the diverse population. Did you previously hold any biases? How can you continue to improve your understandings of people who are different than you? 

5. Social Work- Relate the information you covered in your paper to the social work profession, values, and ethics.

6. Conclusion.

This paper should be 4-5 pages long in ASA or APA format. It is worth 100 points and 15% of the overall grade. The grading rubric is attached to the syllabus as Appendix A, and the late paper policy is below.