New Technologies for Ag Extension 2022-2023 Yearbook

Show Me How Resource Library

Nourish and Flourish University of Minnesota

FarmerTech

Cultural Competencies for Municipalities

University of Maryland The Maryland Department of Agriculture recently began transitioning required grower compliance processes to an online format. This is creating challenges for some farmers. “FarmerTech” is an interdisciplinary Extension program that aims to increase digital literacy in the agricultural commu- nity. Teen mentors will be trained using a research-based 4-H curriculum and will then teach farmers the digital skills they need to know. One measure of success will be increased online submissions by growers, increasing their revenue and improving their environmental protection. Teen mentors will develop leadership and public speaking skills. Right now, the team is … • partnering with agencies and community-based organizations; and • seeking funding for a four-year project. THE TEAM Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, University of Maryland Erika Crowl, Agricultural Educator, University of Maryland Mark DeMorra, State 4-H STEM Specialist, University of Maryland Santana Mays, 4-H Educator, Animal Science, University of Maryland

One in five Minnesotans experiences mental illness each year; people living in poverty are disproportionately affected, with a strong link among food insecurity, stress, and depression. Accessing mental health services is often a challenge for low-income populations and people of color, compounded by a lack of insurance, mental illness stigma, and difficulty finding providers. The “Nourish and Flourish” team (from their institution’s Extension SNAP-ED team) is creating conversation guides for use by community support program staff with their clientele, to spark conversation about healthy lifestyles and mental health. Right now, the team is … • creating conversation guides; • collaborating with mental health and community support organizations; and • seeking partners to pilot and test the conversation guides. THE TEAM Abby Gold, Health and Nutrition Extension Specialist, University of Minnesota Kanko Akakpovi, SNAP-Ed Regional Health & Wellness Coordinator, University of Minnesota Chad Bolstrom, Community Member, Vail Uptown Clubhouse Director Melissa Jansma, Doctoral Student, University of Minnesota Rachel Jones, Health and Wellness Coordinator, Universi- ty of Minnesota Kelly Kunkel, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Alissa Perteet-Jackson, Doctoral Candidate, University of Minnesota Sally Sales, Community Member, Health & Wellness Manager Mary Schroeder, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Kate Welshons, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota

Lincoln University Evidence indicates that community engagement de- creased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Show Me How” project is developing an application and kiosk to increase re-engagement with underserved communities in the post-pandemic period. Using mobile technologies will enable easy, no-cost, on-demand access to user-friendly Extension resources (including videos, fact sheets, and other publications). The multidisciplinary Extension team will partner with other 1890 institutions and public libraries in this effort, which aims to promote thriving communities. Right now, the team … • is organizing resources; and • has developed a pitch for funding. THE TEAM Callie Newsom, Area Educator, Youth Development, Lincoln University Felicia Anderson, Regional Educator, Lincoln University Stephanie Cobian, Writer/Editor, Lincoln University Sarah Eber, Nutrition and Health Program Coordinator, Lincoln University Susan Jaster, Farm Outreach, Lincoln University Mariann Wright, Regional Coordinator Assistant, Lincoln University Anon Anderson, Area Educator, Agriculture, Lincoln University

West Virginia University The “Cultural Competency in Municipalities” project part- ners with West Virginia cities and towns to provide educa- tion and cultural competency outreach. The project aims to build understanding and awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, ensuring that West Virginia is a welcoming place to work, live, and play. This program builds individual awareness by providing a developmental continuum for committed organizations to better understand equity and inclusion. The team works with partner orga- nizations to create customized and collaborative training experiences for nonprofits, employers, and communities. They strive to reach people where they are, while encour- aging them to look further. Right now, the team is seeking … • funds to expand the work; • collaborators; • pilot sites; and • partners who are interested in developing multistate collaborations for future USDA-NIFA grants. THE TEAM Tony Michael, Extension Professor, West Virginia University Adeola Agunade, Extension Specialist, West Virginia University Denis Scott, Extension Professor, West Virginia University

MENTOR Angell Jordan, Southern University

MENTOR Tira Adelman, Extension Foundation

KEYWORDS agriculture, digital equity, digital literacy, economic devel- opment, farmers, intergenerational, leadership develop- ment, producers, technology, technology adoption, teens, youth development

MENTOR Bekah Sparks, Mississippi State University

KEYWORDS community development, cultural competency, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, DEI, DEIA, organizational development, training

KEYWORDS applications, digital equity, digital resources, library, mobile technology, resources, rural, technology, technology adoption

MENTOR Angell Jordan, Southern University

KEYWORDS basic needs, depression, equity, food, food insecurity, health, health access, healthy lifestyles, low-income, mental health, nutrition, poverty, SNAP-ED, stress

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EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2022-2023 YEARBOOK

2022-2023 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE

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