The UNM Extension team surveyed 42 soil and water conservationists about these challenges (and got responses from 39). (S ee “Needs Assessment Survey Snapshot. ”) . Based on that feedback the team decided to create the Watershed Engagement Programming (WEP) Hub to support the watershed-related outreach and engagement efforts of these already-strapped experts.
The Hub will contain a library of resources and tools that will help soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), watershed districts (WDs), and other local government and environmental entities create powerful and effective outreach, engagement, and education programs. (See “ Hub Tools .”) Although the WEP Hub is still under development, the team has worked diligently to implement best practices for building a clearinghouse and has
The WEP team is striving to create a functional resource hub that will link to and highlight materials from a variety of sources.
overcome numerous challenges along the way. Some of the challenges have included online platform selection, web development, learning about and implementing digital accessibility requirements, and understanding copyright and material ownership issues that are particular to a public institution. Through all of this, the WEP team is striving to create a functional resource hub that will link to and highlight existing materials from a variety of sources (with permission, as appropriate) and will contain new resources that have been created based on the results of the needs assessment and iterative feedback from the WEP advisory team and its target audience.
Needs Assessment Survey Snapshot
A WEP Hub-type clearinghouse would possibly or definitely improve our outreach and education program. Lack of topical materials and templates strongly or moderately affects our ability to conduct outreach, engagement, and educational activities. Lack of knowledge related to social science strongly or moderately affects outreach and educational programming. Staff communication of presentation skills strongly or moderately affects program effectiveness.
100%
57%
71%
48%
Planned Outcomes
Evidence-based programming is a high priority for the Extension Foundation and NTAE. The UMN Extension team hopes that the WEP Hub will help SWCDs, WDs, and other local conservation entities meet their programming goals through highly effective and measurable water resource education, outreach, and community engagement across Minnesota. Other projected outcomes include the following:
improving efficiencies for local conservation staff in their outreach work
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