Franklin County CES

Title:

Constructing novel communication channels through Extension programming with inclusive and diverse audiences

MAP:

Building Diversity and Inclusion in Extension Programming

Agents Involved:

K. Bishop, A. Leonberger, A. Brewer, M. Preece, C. Carter, N Colten

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Substance Use Recovery - FCS

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Community Engagement

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Local Food System Development and Mapping

Situation:

The year 2020 had the nation dealing with crises of public health, the economy, race relations and public safety, and an upcoming presidential election. In the U.S. communities are beginning to engage in courageous conversations that promote socially and politically healthy communities for all citizens.

According to Mapping Civil Unrest in the United States (2000–2020), Over a 20 year period instances of civil unrest falls into four categories.

1. Economic and social injustice
2. Sports and event-related riots
3. Politically motivated civil unrest
4. Reaction to police actions

Diversity

The seen and unseen characteristics and experiences, visible and invisible, which define who we are and how we experience the world around us. These include (but are not limited to) gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religious and cultural background, familial status, age, languages spoken, and more.

Inclusion: Creating an environment of respect, connection, and community, where all people can feel respected and valued. Inclusion means that all perspectives and contributions are valued, and team members are empowered to be their full, authentic selves.

The Cooperative Extension service is committed to training professionals who will, in turn,  facilitate conversations about race and racism (and other issues related to human differences) in their communities. The purpose of such dialogue is to increase understanding and positive relationship-building across differences.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Expanded diversity and inclusion in extension programs, clientele and shareholders.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Initial Outcomes:

Increase the awareness of the sensitive topic to youth in Franklin county and establish a MANRRS chapter within our 4-H Program. 

Work with FORR and public school faculty, administrators and staff to increase awareness and productive dialogues that increase racial understanding in school systems, home and community.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

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Intermediate Outcome:

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Learning Opportunities:

Audience: City/county

Project or Activity: Frankfort Community Council activities

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Audience: Underserved, typical non-extension clientle

Project or Activity: KSU/UK Updates

Content or Curriculum: Current opportunities in ANR, FCS & 4H

Inputs: Workshops

Date:

Audience: Middle/High School Teens, Community Groups, 

Project or Activity: MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences

Content or Curriculum: Program Area Curriculum  e,g, FCS Coming together for Racial Understanding

Inputs: Meetings & activities

Date: 2022 Program Year