Innovation

Which Cities Became More (and Less) Racially and Economically Inclusive Over the Past Few Years?

A few years ago, The Urban Institute explored how 274 of the largest U.S. cities ranked on racial, economic, and overall inclusion across four decades. They defined inclusion as the opportunity for all residents to contribute to and benefit from economic prosperity. Journalists, advocates, city leaders, and practitioners then used the data feature and report to reflect upon their policies and programs and to hold leaders accountable to inclusion goals. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Urban Institute

Multicultural Self-Awareness Workshop: Online Version

During this multi-day virtual Multicultural Self-Awareness Workshop, participants will explore ways in which to view interactions with people different from themselves. The emphasis is on differences rather than similarities. The workshop focuses on the individual and helps explore belief systems about multiculturalism to identify feelings and values from a multicultural perspective. This intensive learning experience focuses on increasing awareness of several areas of prejudice, discrimination and oppression, including racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, and ableism. Participants are encouraged to reflect on how they’ve learned to think about human differences and on the widespread tendency to view differences within a monocultural view of “better than/less than” thinking. In addition, participants have opportunities to apply what they’re learning to their work and begin to create a plan moving forward. This workshop is being held January 13, 14, 20, 21, 2021 and is open to non-MSU Extension staff and community partners.  Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Michigan State University

Using ArcGIS StoryMaps in Your Research and Teaching

Want to make a map that will help you share the stories being uncovered through your research and make them accessible to a broader audience? Want to give your students an opportunity to engage with spatial thinking and work on an exciting digital project? ArcGIS StoryMaps allow you to weave an inspiring and interactive narrative by combining text, maps, and multimedia content – images, videos, and embeds – to communicate information through engaging and user-friendly web mapping applications. This self-paced, 100% online workshop should take approximately 90 minutes to complete beginning on September 14, 2020. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: CURA

Empowering Communities to Feed Themselves in the Time of COVID-19

On a morning in early April, a line of people snaked around a Bronx city block. Normally a bustling borough, the area, on this day, was subdued, as most residents heeded the government advice to stay home to stop the spread of COVID19. And yet some 3,000 senior citizens –  the majority of them nervous, wearing masks, and keeping a safe distance from their line neighbors, found their fear of the contagious illness trumped by a more immediate human need: hunger. Their queue stretched more than a mile as they waited next to their shopping carts for a city councilman to arrive with the pantry staples he had promised to distribute. Follow this link to read more.

Sourced from: Next City

Ohio Victory Gardens Program Kicks Off

Victory Gardens originated during World War I, an answer to a severe food shortage at the time. The idea was wildly successful, growing an army of amateur gardeners and serving to boost morale and patriotism. ODA and OSU Extension are reviving the effort and once again encouraging people to plant seeds, realize the fruits of their labor, and share with others if inspired. Advice and resources on every aspect of planting and harvesting produce are available at the Ohio Victory Gardens website.

“At a time when many people are spending more time at home with their families, we saw revitalizing the concept of Victory Gardens as an enjoyable, interactive way to learn about growing your own nutritious food that can be made into meals everyone can enjoy,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda. “This is a great way for anyone to start a new hobby and to have a little fun while learning an important life skill.” Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Morning Ag Clips.

Project for Public Spaces Recordings

If you missed any of the Project for Public Space webinars, they are now available to watch on their website. Project for Public Spaces provides opportunities to learn from other placemakers, and can help can take your observation, community engagement, and implementation skills to the next level. PPS provides regular in-house trainings, conferences, and speaking engagements, as well as customized events, tailored to your community. Follow this link to watch the recordings.

Sourced from: Project for Public Spaces

Tomatoes and Panzanella: Growing Franklin

COVID-19 has impacted the ability to deliver in person education; however, it hasn’t stopped Extension educators from continuing to support backyard growers, community gardeners and urban farmers. Agriculture and Natural Resources educator, Tim McDermott, recently paired with Chef Katie and Chef Stephanie to provide the Ross Heart Hospital clients a virtual learning experience. The experience was originally set to stream from the demonstration kitchen of Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension Building; however, the weather was too nice to not take advantage of the Veggie Trials Garden. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: OSU Extension Franklin County

National Urban Issues Identification Survey

The National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) is leading a national urban issues identification and prioritization process for Extension. As part of this process you are invited to take a few minutes to complete a survey to prioritize a set of urban issues that Extension is, could or should be working on in the North Central states. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. The information collected will be used to set regional and national urban issues, develop national urban issue teams, and focus content for future regional and national urban conferences and staff professional development. Follow this link to the Survey.

Sourced from: NUEL