November 2020 Urban Extension News Bulletin | Metropolitan Center for Applied Research and Extension

Features: NIFA’s Urban and Emerging Agriculture Grants, Register now for Leadership in the City, National Urban Extension Leadership Award nominations

Dear Colleagues,

I find it hard to believe that it’s already November. Change is in the air. I’m really starting to feel the change in weather (not to mention, the changes in our health, environmental, and political climate).

We have the opportunity to engage, connect, and support some terrific urban Extension work taking place locally and around the country. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read on about some ways to get, and stay connected.

Be well, wear your masks, and wash your hands.

Brad

Urban, Indoor and other Emerging Agriculture and Food System

We have an exciting update and opportunity coming. You may recall that in May of this year the Metro Center partnered with the WCMER and NUEL to host listening sessions related to NIFA developing an Urban and Emerging Agriculture grant program (see https://metroextension.wsu.edu/urbanag/).

NIFA views this call to range from community and school gardens through commercial production as well as addressing social, and economic factors that contribute to successful urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production.

The Western Agriculture Experiment Station Directors (WAAESD) and Extension Directors (WEDA) have formally created a development committee with a charge to establish a Western Urban, Indoor and other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education and Extension Initiative to facilitate and promote multi-state research and extension projects. I’ve been asked to lead this development committee. Anyone interested in joining this committee (all aspects of the foodsystem including production, marketing, distribution, access, equity, and resource recovery) are encourage to do so.

The specific details of how to join can be found here: https://metroextension.wsu.edu/urbanag/. Feel free to reach out to me for any additional background or if you need assistance in joining.

Deadline to Register for Leadership in the City is November 20th!

Leadership in the City is a professional development program for Extension professionals working in urban areas who aim to be locally relevant, responsive statewide, and recognized nationally. The online curriculum builds upon existing leadership experiences, management training, and Extension professional development.

Leadership in the City topics include 1) entrepreneurial leadership; 2) personal, city, and university contexts; 3) innovation and marketing; 4) networking and inclusive engagement; and 5) entrepreneurial management. The blended learning format combines asynchronous (from your location, on your schedule) and synchronous (scheduled video conferences) and occurs over five months so you can balance your day-to-day schedule with professional development.

National Urban Extension Leadership Award Application (Submissions due 11/20)

In conjunction with the National Urban Extension Conference, the National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) recognizes individuals and teams who have made exceptional contributions to urban programming. We are requesting nominations for leaders in our Western region for the following two awards.

NATIONAL URBAN EXTENSION LEADERSHIP AWARD

Purpose: Recognize Extension Leaders (aka professionals) who have made exceptional contributions to urban programming. One regional winner will be selected from 1890 institutions, and one regional winner will be selected from 1862 institutions.

WESTERN REGION PROGRAM INNOVATOR AWARDS

Purpose: The NUEL Innovator Award is to recognize individuals and teams whose programming incorporates adaptation, innovation, impact, and commitment to urban communities.