Culture represents an important core value for all Ohioans. Culture holds a factor in social interrogation, citizenship and personal economics. For that reason, it has an important role to play in meeting the new challenges facing the state, such as globalization, the information society, community competency and job growth.

According to (UNESCO/UN etc.), culture is the blending of socially transmitted behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular group of human beings. The concept of culture can include values, the arts, customs, inventions, beliefs, traditions, technology, language, and ways of living created by that group.

Culture is the combination of cultural traits, which could range from a custom (i.e. a certain way of preparing food) to an idea.

In an increasingly interconnected world, societies are always exposed to powerful external influences. This cross-cultural connection provides for exchange along new levels providing towards an international global culture.

Cultural Competence is an understanding that a variety of cultures exist and the acknowledgement that certain situational or behavioral differences can be attributed to them.  It is a set of attitudes, skills and policies that encourage organizations and staff to work in cross cultural situations. Ideally, Cultural Competence closes the gaps in social status and includes viewing behavior within a cultural context.

Here you will find resources that will help clarify the unique beliefs, practices, needs, and desires of various communities in Ohio.  The information is area-specific and based on sectors of society judged to be most prone to consistent misunderstandings between groups.