Food Security & Healthy Communities Panel Discussion

Last month, CURA hosted a panel discussion on Food Security & Healthy Communities. This was the first in a series of events centered around the theme of Food Security & Healthy Communities. The panel consists of experts from the City of Columbus – Cheryl L Graffagnino, Franklin County – Brian Estabrook, OSU Extension – Karima Samadi, and the College of Engineering, Knowlton School of Architecture – Kareem Usher.

Nearly 11% of the world’s population are food insecure or malnourished, and it may get worse: by 2050 farmers will need to produce almost 60% more food than currently. In Franklin County Ohio food insecurity is affecting Columbus neighborhoods. The type of food that is available to residents in these neighborhoods also plays into food insecurity. People who live in areas that do not have easy access to supermarkets tend to rely on stores that sell nutritionally-deficient or more expensive food. Transportation services, sidewalks, and the availability of crosswalks are also variables in residents’ access to healthy food options.

Follow this link to learn more.
Follow this link to watch the recorded panel discussion.

Sourced from: CURA

Making a Difference Through Family and Consumer Sciences

Celebrating Family and Consumer Sciences Educator Day on Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS): the field of study focused on the science and art of living and working well in our complex world.

Family and Consumer Sciences Educators: career title of individuals most often found working in secondary, post-secondary, and Extension programs.

Who should celebrate Family and Consumer Sciences Educator Day?
Anyone who wants to:

  • celebrate Family and Consumer Sciences Educators
  • share the story of FCS education’s relevance in today’s society, and effectiveness in addressing modern life needs within our United States
  • encourage students to consider careers as FCS educators

I am a Family and Consumer Sciences educator in an urban county. In many ways my programming looks similar to my colleagues in rural counties but there are some differences. While I feel self-conscious about taking a day to promote my work, I’m starting to understand the importance of FCS Educator Day. When I look at the inspiring work that my colleagues are doing across the state, in urban, rural, and suburban communities I realize that it’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight the stories and work of FCS Educators.

The theme for promoting FCS careers is: Making a Difference Through Family and Consumer Sciences. I’m confident my FCS colleagues would be making a difference, no matter what their field of work. When I think about this group of individual professionals, working in different communities across the state, there are notable commonalities. One specific trait I notice in my peers is that every one of us is a Problem Solver. We certainly don’t look at everything the same way, act in the same way, or solve problems in the same way; but I cannot think of an example when my colleagues weren’t willing to jump in and help create solutions. The problem solving is not limited to just offering advice. My colleagues actively help work on and contribute to solutions.

Occasionally, challenges are easily identified and then fixed. More often, especially when working with people and families, there is no one right answer. Sometimes it’s even difficult to determine the specific dilemma. Most solutions take time and require dedication and effort. My colleagues don’t shy away from a challenge. Because we work in various counties across the state, most of us do not see one another on a regular basis. We rely on technology to call, zoom, and share resources. Even without working together in the same physical space, FCS educators often work as teams and therefor are good at co-creating solutions.

For FCS Educator Day,

  • If you are a problem solver and you’re considering your best career path, learn more about Family and Consumer Sciences. It’s a field of study that benefits a variety of careers.
  • If you are reading this and thinking, “I know an FCS Educator,” take a moment to let them know what you appreciate about them. If someone is comfortable being in the spotlight, please share their story widely. If someone prefers working in the background, it’s a good time to recognize what they contribute to this field. Send a note, post a message, or share a picture of the professionals that contribute to strong families and communities.
  • If you are reading this and thinking, “I wish I knew an FCS Educator” check out your local schools and Extension office. Occasionally, FCS is not given the recognition it deserves. While FCS Educators could be spending more time promoting the work they do, my guess is that most of my peers will spend FCS Educator Day, similar to other workdays. They will be building a better community, working with one person, family, or class at a time and not necessarily seeking accolades.

Follow this link to learn more about FCS Educator Day.

Article courtesy of Patrice Powers-Barker, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Lucas County, Ohio

FCS

Summit on Extension in Ohio’s Urban Communities

More than 40 participants, representing OSU Extension county and state offices as well as campus and community partners, participated in the January 29 Summit on Extension in Ohio’s Urban Communities. Participants explored converging interests of university, college, and national urban Extension. Diverse working groups discussed the pull of the future, push of the present, and weight of the past for the four strategic Ps outlined in the National Framework for Urban Extension – positioning, programs, personnel, and partnerships. These groups moved from dialogue about a potential future to specific goals for a planned future for 2020-2025. Students DaVonti’ Haynes and Amelia Michaels shared preliminary analysis of a case study conducted with Extension’s urban-serving teams in Ohio’s most populated counties. Two outstanding professionals, Chris and Marvin Olinsky, were celebrated for their contributions to Extension in Ohio’s urban communities. This event followed the OSU Sesquicentennial Think Beyond Summit on Urban Universities + Thriving Communities. See cityextension.osu.edu for additional information and opportunities to join the positive forward motion.

Registration Now Open for the 2020 JCEP Extension Leadership Conference

JCEP 2020Professionals (JCEP) Board developed the Extension Leadership Conference to provide leadership training for professional association officers around the country. It has evolved into a premier conference for any Extension professional seeking leadership development, updates in national initiatives, and networking. The conference theme, A Vision For The Future, will be woven through the 32 concurrent and general sessions. The conference will be held February 12 -13, 2020, on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: ECOP

Strengthen Ohio by Strengthening Cities and Urban-Rural Connections: Summit on Extension in Ohio’s Urban Communities

Summit on Extension in Ohio’s Urban Communities:
“Strengthen Ohio by Strengthening Cities and Urban-Rural Connections” will be held at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus, Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Purpose:
To better understand and address:

  • Real-life context of Extension work in urban communities (scale, diversity, complexity, urban-rural interface);
  • Alignment with the National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) Framework and Integration with university, college, and other converging interests;
  • OSU Extension’s strategies to be relevant locally, responsive statewide, recognized nationally; and
  • Strengthen Ohio by strengthening cities and urban-rural connections.

Who Should Attend?
The event is open to everyone interested in how OSU Extension can better address Ohio’s urban influence and urban-rural interface.

Registration:
Registration is $20 (includes morning refreshment and lunch). Please register by January 20. The registration fee will be waived if a short article and photo for the OSU Extension in the City blog are submitted to Michelle Gaston.6@osu.edu by February 20.

Follow this link for agenda.
Follow this link to register.

The Urban Engagement Team would also like to extend an invitation join them for dinner following OSU Sesquicentennial Think Beyond Summit, Urban Universities, Thriving Communities on January 28, 2020.

Support for Hamilton County 4-H Showcased at the Annual Hamilton County 4-H Awards Banquet

On Sunday, January 12, 2020 4-H volunteers, members and supporters gathered for the annual Hamilton County 4-H Awards Banquet to recognize the outstanding achievements of the 4-H youth. Presented by the Hamilton County Community Fair Association at Miami Whitewater United Methodist Church the event was hosted by OSU Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Tony Staubach. Dinner was donated by the Hamilton County 4-H families. The highlight of the meal was the farm fresh, locally sourced chicken by the Roell and Tumlin families. Together they cared for 70+ chicks that 4-H members hatched at the Hamilton County Community Fair and the Harvest Home Fair. Following Dinner OSU Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Tony Staubach read his original work titled “Walk On” reminding attendees that they were on a good path to success through 4-H.
Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Hamilton County Extension.

Columbus Urban Farmer Networking Meeting

Join the Columbus Urban Farmer Networking Meeting Thursday, January 30, 2020, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension Building. Come learn about: New Columbus zoning code changes related to: food sales at residential locations, hoophouse structures, and composting. This meeting will be presented by Cheryl Graffagnino, Local Food Systems Strategies Coordinator, City of Columbus. There will be refreshments provided. No RSVP or registration required. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: CFAES

Defining the New Urban Land Grant University: A Theory of Leadership, Action, and Impact

In the deep land-grant tradition, service to community is at the core of that amazing legacy. But the shift from largely rural populations to pervasive city demographics presents a transformative opportunity for those large public universities who live and serve there. We have learned much from early adopters of the anchor institution concept of urban-serving universities. But not enough that we can’t adopt a larger commitment to urbanity, not as ancillary to our mission but rather, fundamental to our future. Such opportunities require shared leadership and place-based investments, often referred to as “collective” theories of leadership, shared goals, actions, and individual responsibility in order to actually make significant and long-lasting change for the better. The address will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2020 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m at the Ohio Union. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Urban Universities + Thriving Communities