Success StoryZooming Around the World



Zooming Around the World

Author: Rita Stewart

Planning Unit: Lincoln County CES

Major Program: Community Engagement

Plan of Work: Leadership Development & Volunteerism 2020-24

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

When the pandemic forced us into virtual programming, we all found ourselves learning to find new ways to meet the needs of communities.  We learned to use Zoom and Facebook Live to teach classes and communicate with others.   We encouraged people in our communities to learn to use these platforms to join in our programs.  In Lincoln County, this Extension Agent embraced the change and moved forward with Family and Consumer Sciences programming.  This agent has set up more than 60 Zoom meetings and either facilitated or taught these classes.  Many members of the community embraced the change as well.  FCS programming is crossing county and state lines and international borders since programming is now virtual.  A larger number of people are also participating in our programs. FCS programming is also very diverse and almost always includes an American Sign Language interpreter.  Members of two Lincoln County Extension Homemakers clubs now meet via Zoom as do the county and area council members. Five Extension Homemaker members in the Philippines and one in Saudi Arabia participated in the Crafty Lock-in this fall.  Held on a Friday night here, the twelve hour lock-in was on Saturday there.  Members were able to meet one another “in person” via Zoom and talk about plants, foods, quilting, and other crafts. One member in the Philippines virtually walked the Lincoln County group around her garden. We try very hard to eliminate as many barriers as possible and to include as many people as possible in our programming. We’re striving to reach and serve our people with our educational programs, just in a very different way. It is only through everyone working together that we can accomplish much in our communities -- whether they be here or abroad, virtually or in person -- and help strengthen families everywhere. 






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