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

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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, E. Chavous, T. Claiborn
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General
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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Long-term 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




Success Stories

Robotics Creates Interest in STEM

Author: Casey Townsend

Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology

Frankfort YMCA, Kings Community Center, and local businesses have limited space for kids to participate in summer camps.  According to the National Science Foundation, STEM workforce represented 23% of the total U.S. workforce in 2019.  This data shows that there will be a high need of STEM experts in the future. For this reason a  A 4-day Robotics 101 program was created for cloverleaf 4-Hers out of school for summer break.  15 out of the 16 program participants we

Full Story

4-H Club Fair

Author: MacKenzie Preece

Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development

In the past two years, several Franklin County 4-H clubs that are traditionally well-attended have come to a halt due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and low attendance. The only clubs that have remained thriving have been the Country Ham Project, Teen Leadership, Clover Buds, Shooting Sports, and Cooking Club. Franklin County 4-H agents Austin Brewer and Mackenzie Preece have made it a goal to revive programs such as Livestock, Sewing, Horse, and Dog Club. The 2022 Franklin County 4-H Club Fair was de

Full Story

4-H Teen Conference

Author: MacKenzie Preece

Major Program: Leadership

The 99th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 13-16, 2023. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develop youth-adult partnerships, and become acquainted with

Full Story
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