Connecting the DOTS
Diversity Outreach and Traffic Safety

NHTSA Regional Offices and State and Community Services, NHTSA

A Layout for Web-based Training and Handbook on Diversity Outreach

Table of Contents









Introduction - Regional Office Role in Diversity Outreach

Partnering with TSP to Share Best Practices and Innovative Programs with States

Assessing Traffic Safety Problems in Diverse Communities and Identifying State Needs Related to Diversity Outreach

Building a Regional Marketing Strategy for Diversity Outreach

Serving as an Honest Broker by Building a Bridge Between State Highway Safety Offices and State and Local Affiliates of Diverse Organizations

Taking a Leadership Role in Advancing Diversity Outreach through Training

Establishing a Diversity Outreach Resource Center and Providing Technical Assistance in Multiple Language Resources and People

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Connecting the DOTS
(Diversity Outreach and Traffic Safety)




Regional Office Role in Diversity Outreach

Our mission within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce traffic crash-related health care and other economic costs. Each Regional Office provides numerous services to the states, as well as other public and private sector customers. These services include, but are not limited to, technical assistance, supporting legislative efforts, administering the agency's grant fund programs, assisting in coalition building and program development, and delivering training. In the field, Regional Offices work in concert with the State Highway Safety Offices to ensure the delivery of effective traffic safety programs at the state and local level.

As regional staff, our customers include representatives of diverse populations. Through the efforts of NHTSA's Office of Communications and Outreach (TSP) and State and Community Services (NSC), NHTSA has placed a high priority on conducting outreach efforts for minority populations. Regional Office staff can play a critical role in advancing the agency's diversity agenda by serving as the link between the State Highway Safety Offices, and state/local affiliates of national organizations that represent minority populations. Regional staff can serve as bridge builders, honest brokers, and a communications network in fostering new partnerships, thereby expanding programs for diverse populations at the state and local level.










"Regional Offices must take a leadership role in reaching diverse populations."








Connecting the DOTS (Diversity Outreach and Traffic Safety) is the first national effort to expand regional expertise in diversity outreach. This program includes resource materials, websites, and a web-based training program for NHTSA staff on multicultural initiatives. Connecting the DOTS also refers to the strengthening of linkages between the TSP Office of Communications and Outreach (TSP), State and Community Services, Regional Offices and state partners on diversity outreach. It is through these partnerships (connecting the dots) that we hope to expand the number of traffic safety programs for diverse populations.

The keys to our success---

(1) communication between the Regional Offices, State Highway Safety Offices, NHTSA headquarters, and minority organizations;

(2) implementation of a regional strategy for diversity outreach and marketing multicultural programs to the states;

(3) enhancing NHTSA staff expertise on diversity issues; and,

(4) coordination of training opportunities on multicultural traffic safety programs for state/local minority organizations and State Highway Safety Offices.

The following are a few suggested activities for Regional Offices in taking a leadership role on diversity outreach and multicultural initiatives.




Partnering with TSP to Share Best Practices and Innovative Programs with States

In recent years, TSP's National Outreach Division has been very effective in establishing partnerships with national organizations that represent minority populations. Many of these organizations have developed resolutions supporting NHTSA's priority programs and have participated in national initiatives. However, some national alliances have not translated into action at the state/local level. One of the most effective methods to expand NHTSA's minority outreach program to state and local affiliates of current organizational partners is to increase the exchange of information on successful programs in the states. As regional staff, we are NHTSA's communications channel with state and local programs and partners, and in this role we should relay available information on multicultural programs in traffic safety to the SHSOs and minority organizations (state offices and local affiliates). Regional Offices can provide more visibility to these programs by identifying successful multicultural initiatives in the states and funneling these program models through the national organizations' newsletters. How can we share information on best practices and innovative programs?




Partnering with TSP to Share Best Practices and Innovative Programs with States (continued)

Improved reporting - periodically screen information on joint programs for placement in national publications.

• Identify local activities, media events and successful programs involving minority groups.
  
• Develop an article for placement in the CLICK newsletter, Traffic Safety Digest, and NHTSA Now.
  
• Take a bottom-up approach to reporting state/local affiliate traffic safety events or activities for minority populations to their national offices (newsletters). Spread the word on traffic safety partnerships through the minority organization's communications networks! Be sure to share these articles with TSP.

Information distribution to minority organizations and State Highway Safety Offices - Diversity Coordinators in each Regional Office should develop a Diversity Outreach informational packet for distribution to State Highway Safety Offices or minority organizations at the state and local levels. Diversity Outreach Packets could include the following (as appropriate):

• Buckle Up America - Seat Belts and African Americans
  
• African-American and Hispanic Yearbooks
  
• Bibliography of agency and other documents addressing multicultural initiatives in traffic safety
• El Cinturon De Seguridad Y Los Hispanos (Seat Belts and Hispanics)
  
• Fatality reports on minority groups
  
• Listing of contact persons for key minority organizations at the state and local level
  
• MeHarry Medical College Seat Belt Study
  
• National Organizations Directory
  
• Newsletter articles that focus on minority programs
  
• NHTSA Traffic Safety Materials Catalog
  
• Sample Traffic Safety Digest Reports
  
• South Carolina Click It or Ticket Campaign Model for Boosting Belt Use in Minority Communities
  
• State and Regional Diversity Outreach - Highlight Report
  
• State census data
  
• Websites with information on minority traffic safety initiatives

For more information and links to other websites and resource materials go to the web-based training on diversity outreach at http://webster/connectingthedots

Resource materials available through NHTSA:

Buckle Up America - Seat Belts and African Americans, Item No. 1P1127
El Cinturon De Seguridad Y Los Hispanos (Seat Belts and Hispanics), Item No. 1P1150
National Organizations Directory, Communications and Outreach Division (TSP), NHTSA
NHTSA Traffic Safety Materials Catalog, DOT HS 808 337
South Carolina Click It or Ticket Campaign Model for Boosting Belt Use in Minority Communities, DOT HS 809 277
State and Regional Diversity Outreach - Highlight Report, September 2001, DOT HS 809 339

Available on the NHTSA website at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/:

MeHarry Medical College Seat Belt Study, Achieving a Credible Health and Safety Approach to Increasing Seat
Belt Usage Among African Americans
State and Regional Diversity Outreach, Highlight Report, September 2001
Traffic Safety Digest Reports

Take a look at these websites for more information:

Hispanic Yearbook - http://www.hispanicyearbook.com/
MeHarry Medical College Seat Belt Study - www.mmc.edu/seatbelt_safety/
NHTSA Multicultural Outreach Program Website - http://webster/diversity/
State census data - http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/BasicFactsServlet

Other publications that may be helpful:

African-American and Hispanic Yearbooks
TIYM Publishing Company, Inc.
6718 Whittier Avenue, #130
McLean, Virginia 22101
Telephone: (703) 734-1632; Fax - (703) 356-0787; e-mail: tiym@aol.com




Assessing Traffic Safety Problems in Diverse Communities and Identifying State Needs Related to Diversity Outreach

We need a solid foundation for promoting diversity outreach in the regions and states. Every Regional Office should maintain an accurate regional traffic crash profile (including minority population data - census, morbidity, mortality, diversity resources, and other information deemed appropriate). First, look for statewide trends within the minority population's crash profile. If a state does not have a significant minority population then examine population centers that may have a need for multicultural programs. The outreach strategies are the same whether your focus is statewide or in a specific community. Armed with this information, Regional Offices are the ideal resource to assist states in examining crash trends within minority populations and building programs that address traffic safety problems in diverse communities.

Provide data - Provide a copy of the regional profile on fatalities by race, ethnicity, restraint use, and drivers' BAC as resources on traffic crash involvement of diverse populations, NOPUS survey, and NHTSA minority fact sheets.

Identify target populations

• Assist state and local programs with identifying target populations using state census and crash data.
• Provide technical assistance in analyzing traffic safety trends with diverse populations.
• Utilize Safe Community Data Tool Kit's automated data templates to a) determine which population groups are over represented in motor vehicle fatal and injury crashes and b) develop a profile of crash involvement by race.

Utilize the Regional Checklist on Assessing States' Needs for Diversity Programs Provide a copy of the checklist to assess the need for diversity outreach and priority problems in specific states. Use as a technical assistance tool during the highway safety planning process, program development, and program implementation.
	"Regional Offices should maintain an accurate regional profile on minority populations."





Assessing Traffic Safety Problems in Diverse Communities and Identifying States' Needs Related to Diversity Outreach

For more information and links to other websites and resource materials go to the web-based training on diversity outreach at http://webster/connectingthedots

Resource materials available on the Connecting the DOTS website:

Regional Checklist on Assessing States' Needs for Diversity Programs
Regional Profiles by Race and Hispanic Origin

Available on the NHTSA website at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/:

National Occupant Protection Use Survey 2000 (NOPUS) - DOT HS 809 318 (for additional copies call of this research note, please call (202) 366-4198 or fax your request to (202)366-7078

Take a look at these websites for more statistical information:

CDC Web-based injury statistics - http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars/
NHTSA - National Center for Statistics and Analysis - www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/ncsa
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation State Health Facts - http://www.statehealthfacts.kff.org/
Safe Community Data Tool Kit - www.nhtsa.gov/safecommunities







Building a Regional Marketing Strategy for Diversity Outreach

Now that you've identified a need for expanded diversity outreach efforts in a specific state, how do you gain the State Highway Safety Office's support on this effort? Since SHSOs serve as the primary vehicle for partnerships, funding, and training on traffic safety programs, it is very important that you build a regional strategy to heighten awareness of SHSO decision makers on the value of multicultural traffic safety initiatives. Although it is not within the Regional Offices' role to implement state and local traffic safety programs, we can serve as a catalyst to spur development of multicultural programs. Six simple steps will pave the way for expansion of diversity outreach efforts in the states.

Step One - Marketing brochure. Develop a short sales brochure for your Region (with state data) outreach highlighting the technical assistance and support that can be provided through the Regional Office, highway safety websites, available training and resources. (See the generic marketing brochure on diversity outreach and regional support.)

Step Two - Pilot diversity outreach training. Solicit a volunteer state to host a Diversity Outreach workshop for state/local highway safety staff; follow up with Diversity Outreach training for other interested State Highway Safety Offices and/or a Traffic Safety workshop for diverse organizations.

Step Three - Organize a regional diversity outreach team. Organize a Regional Diversity Outreach Team including representation from each state in the Region; host periodic conference calls for idea sharing and program planning.

Step Four - Remember diversity at regional events. Incorporate diversity in all Regional Office-sponsored events by including minority representatives as participants and spokespersons and showcasing successful multicultural programs.

Step Five - Provide periodic updates for state contacts. Provide periodic updates for diversity contact persons in State Highway Safety Offices on new programs, resources, and training opportunities related to diversity outreach.

Step Six - Coordinate multi-state project that includes a minority outreach component. Solicit state participation in a regional campaign or conference that includes diversity outreach as a component (see Region IV Click It or Ticket model and New York Diversity Symposium).





Building a Regional Marketing Strategy for Diversity Outreach

For more information and links to other websites and resource materials go to the web-based training on diversity outreach at http://webster/connectingthedots

Resource materials available on the Connecting the DOTS website:

Evaluation of NHTSA Region IV Click It or Ticket Campaign, May 2001
New York Diversity Symposium
Region IV Click It or Ticket Summary Reports
Safe Communities Data Tool Kit
Generic Marketing Brochure for Diversity Outreach





Serving as an Honest Broker by Building a Bridge Between State Highway Safety Offices and State and Local Affiliates of Diverse Organizations

Regional Offices can assist the states in bringing key stakeholders in multicultural programs "around the table." Invite new and old partners to informal sessions to discuss the mutual needs of the traffic safety partners and minority service organizations. Additionally, Regional Offices could establish a Regional Diversity Outreach Team including key minority organizations to obtain feedback on proposed initiatives targeting diverse populations and to participate in regional traffic safety meetings or media events. Organizations representing diverse groups have greater access and influence in minority communities but may not have the necessary tools and resources to conduct traffic safety programs. By partnering with these organizations, NHTSA and the State Highway Safety Offices can strengthen their linkages to diverse populations and ultimately, reduce traffic injuries and deaths within these groups. What's the regional staff's role as honest brokers?

Participate in introductory meetings with minority organizations - Assist states in planning an introductory meeting and feedback session with key minority organizations to discuss joint traffic safety programs. Serve in a facilitation role.

Utilize TSP's "Guidelines for Partnering with State Highway Safety Offices" - The manual includes information for organizations on State Highway Safety Office's roles and responsibilities and keys to building successful relationships with SHSOs. Regional Office staff can work with TSP in providing a sample agenda for this meeting.

Coordinate with States and TSP on mini-grants - Identify TSP mini-grants with minority organizations in the Region and contact these organization to offer information and assistance and to link the programs with the State Highway Safety Offices.

Encourage joint planning - Encourage states to include diverse groups in traffic safety activities. Some examples:

• participation in traffic safety campaigns (May or November seat belt media and enforcement campaigns)
• special emphasis weeks (3-D Month, Child Passenger Safety Week, or Buckle Up America Week)
• special events focusing on minority populations (such as a local child passenger safety seat clinics)
• strategic planning sessions
• participation on traffic safety coalitions or committees

Assist states with identifying new partners - Assist states in identifying new organizations that can be involved in diversity outreach.

Encourage states to identify minority spokespersons - Representatives from the minority community may be overlooked as potential traffic safety advocates and spokespersons. Civic leaders, health professionals, and law Enforcement leadership can play significant roles as spokespersons for the state highway safety program.

Link states with private sector programs targeting diverse populations - Assist the states in identifying and partnering with minority organizations on special projects offered by the private sector that focus on disadvantaged or minority populations (such as Midas Muffler, GM, Nationwide Insurance, and Ford).

Encourage states to recruit minority CPS technicians - Child passenger safety events provide an ideal opportunity to link with the minority community on an important traffic safety issue. Provide a copy of the "How-to-Manual on Identifying and Enlisting Support from Diverse Populations as Child Passenger Safety Technicians."

Encourage states with diverse populations to establish a diversity liaison position - Some states with diverse populations have elected to hire diversity liaisons or community outreach coordinators. These individuals facilitate minority inclusion in the states highway safety programs. See Georgia Community Outreach Project-Traffic Safety Digest.

Broker relationships on challenging issues such as racial profiling - Upon request, regional staff can provide assistance by identifying resource materials on racial profiling and addressing differential enforcement through dialogue with law enforcement leadership and the establishment of training in police and Highway Patrol/State Police academies.




Serving as an Honest Broker by Building a Bridge Between State Highway Safety Offices and State and Local Affiliates of Diverse Organizations

For more information and links to other websites and resource materials go to the web-based training on diversity outreach at http://webster/connectingthedots

Resource materials available on the Connecting the DOTS website:


Florida, Georgia and Connecticut Child Passenger Safety Training Targeting Minority Populations, Traffic Safety Digest Reports, Winter 2000
How to Guide on Identifying and Enlisting Support from Diverse Populations as Child Passenger Safety Technicians
Georgia Community Outreach Project Summary

Resource materials available through NHTSA:

How-to Manual for National Organizations, Communications and Outreach Division (TSP), NHTSA
TSP Mini-grant Announcements, Communications and Outreach Division (TSP), NHTSA

Take a look at these websites for more information:

National Organization of Law Enforcement Executives - Cultural diversity training, racial profiling and publications - http://www.noblenational.org/

University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management - Safe and Legal Traffic Stop training (SALTS) - http://www.iptm.org/

Other publications that may be helpful:

NOBLE Racial Profiling Report and Achieving Increased Seat Belt Use in Diverse Communities: The Law Enforcement Role
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
4609-F Pinecrest Office Park Drive
Alexandria, Virginia 22312-1442
Phone: 703-658-1529
Fax: 703-658-9479





Taking a Leadership Role in Advancing Diversity Outreach through Training

As regional staff, we are on the front lines in conducting training and conferences for state and local partners. Regional staffs coordinate and serve as instructors in several NHTSA courses including Safe Communities, Highway Safety Project Management, Highway Safety Program Management, and Media Skills. A diversity outreach component has been integrated into each of these training programs for state and local partners. Additionally, the National Diversity Team developed a stand-alone training curriculum for state and local partners that provides basic skills on how to work with diverse populations, how to identify priority traffic safety problems in the minority community, the benefits of targeting messages and partnering with nontraditional organizations, and how to address diversity outreach as a part of program planning. Finally, Regional Offices can assist State Highway Safety Offices with planning state meetings or conferences that include diversity outreach as a component.

Speaker's List - Develop a regional diversity speaker's list for use at press events, workshops, conferences, referral to state programs, etc.

Safe Communities Training - expand Safe Community partnerships with minority organizations through training opportunities and informational packets on diversity outreach. Diversity outreach is a natural fit for these programs.

Regional and State Conferences - incorporate diversity outreach into regional conferences and encourage states to include a diversity component in state highway safety conferences, Occupant Protection meetings, Safe Community conferences, and Youth Diversity Summits.

State Conferences on Multicultural Traffic Safety Programs - assist State Highway Safety Offices in planning multicultural conferences on traffic safety to educate minority organizations on traffic safety programs and to enlist their support and involvement; provide a sample agenda for this meeting.

Conduct diversity outreach training - market diversity outreach training to the states. Organize a training team.
"As regional staff, we are on the front lines in conducting training and conferences with state partners and diverse organizations."





Establishing a Diversity Outreach Resource Center

Regional Offices need to establish a resource center on diversity outreach. We are often viewed as NHTSA's one-stop shop for data and information on new initiatives. The Regional Office should be the source of the latest NHTSA information and resources on diversity, best practices, demographic profiles by jurisdictions, differential enforcement monographs, profiles on minority crash involvement, and information on diverse partners.

Regional Diversity Library - Diversity Coordinators should maintain a Regional Diversity Library utilizing the suggested bibliography provided by the Regional Diversity Team. See NHTSA diversity products listing.

Diversity programs on regional web pages - Each Regional Office should maintain a multicultural page on the regional website with the latest information on programs in the Region. (See Diversity Library Bibliography.)

Diversity training videos - House specific training videotapes on diversity outreach.




Providing Technical Assistance in Multiple Language Resources and People

We need to support the states efforts in developing relevant materials in multiple languages. States have found it difficult to identify sources for this type of information. Regional Offices can work jointly with headquarters and the states in identifying resources to assist the state with translations.

Recruit bi-lingual translators - Serve as bicultural liaison to states by making contacts with translators and offering referral to states that need assistance. Emergency rooms, colleges, and courtrooms have access to translators.

Recruit bi-lingual/minority CPS technicians - Regional staff should encourage states to expand enlistment of bi-lingual/minority cps technicians; utilize the "How-to-Manual on Identifying and Enlisting Support from Diverse Populations as Child Passenger Safety Technicians."