Track: Campus-Field Partnerships, Program & Project Development
Description: Partnerships between Extension Specialists and Educators can bring benefits that enhance the impact and engagement of extension programming. However, constraints on time, differing expectations, incentive and evaluation structures, and varying levels of stakeholder connection can present challenges for developing such partnerships. This panel discussion will begin to explore the benefits and challenges associated with specialist-educator partnerships to foster more of these partnerships within Purdue Extension. The panel will include a specialist, educator and administrative leader who bring valuable experience and diverse viewpoints to this subject. The panel discussion will also serve as a lead-in to two subsequent sessions that exemplify successful campus-county collaboration and highlight practices associated with their success.
Presenters: Doug Richmond, Professor and Extension Specialist, Entomology; John Orick, State Master Gardener Coordinator, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; Colleen Brady, Professor, Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication; Lisa Graves, Assistant Director, Purdue Extension Program Leader, Health & Human Sciences; John Woodmansee, Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator, Whitley County
Wednesday December 4, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EST
Room 4
Track: Campus-Field Partnerships/PUCESA, Program & Project Development
Description: Campus specialists and field staff collaborated on a multi-year health education grant from 2020 – 2024. This session will present an illustration of a campus and county collaboration, describe useful practices for accountability and activity tracking across a project team, and share information about ways these practices were adapted over the course of a multi-year grant project.
Presenters: Christina Swathwood, Operations Specialist, HHS Extension (campus); Jennifer Stefancik, HHS Educator, Daviess County
Wednesday December 4, 2024 3:35pm - 4:25pm EST
Room 4
Track: Campus-Field Partnerships, Program & Project Development
Description: This presentation has two primary purposes: 1) Highlight the challenges and need of families impacted by disabilities as they address emergency or disaster situations, and 2) Introduce Extension staff to available teaching resources about this topic. A collaborative team representing county educators, AgrAbility, Indiana PREPared, and EDEN has developed teaching modules that can be used to conduct workshops or training programs for both adult and youth audiences. These teaching resources will discuss the issues faced by persons with a disability in disaster situations, and provide appropriate recommendations for individuals, families, and communities that will enhance their ability to effectively manage disaster and emergency situations.
Presenters: Ed Sheldon, AgrAbility Outreach Coordinator and Agricultural Safety Specialist; Mandy Gray, HHS Educator, Hancock County; Amanda Mosiman, ANR Educator, Warrick County
Wednesday December 4, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EST
Room 4
Description: Social Media has changed the way students communicate. Incidents of cyberbullying are on the rise and are a growing concern among community leaders. Students fear being threatened or harassed online and being “cancelled” by their peers. Victims of cyberbullying can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. In this session, you will hear tips and strategies on how to help students use technology and social media responsibly and safely. You will be equipped with tools on how to identify and address cyberbullying and support the mental health needs of our young people as we collectively delete cyberbullying in our schools and communities.
Presenter: Sherri Cripe, director of School Bullying Prevention, Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 4
Description: The Farm Stress Team presents "Farming Futures: Cultivating Mental Strengths in Agri-Youth," a newly developed curriculum aimed at addressing the mental health challenges faced by youth in agricultural communities. This session offers an in-depth overview of the program, highlighting its key components and strategies for effective implementation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the unique stressors impacting young people in agriculture and learn how "Farming Futures" equips them with the tools and resources needed to build resilience and promote mental well-being. Additionally, practical guidance on distributing the curriculum within county youth networks will be provided. Join us to explore the future of youth mental health in agriculture and discover how you can play a pivotal role in supporting the next generation of farmers. Presenters: Emily Kresca, ANR Educator, Kosciusko County; Abby Heidenreich, ANR Educator, Gibson County
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 4
Description: Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers experience numerous stressors and mental health challenges that are specific to this community. While farm work is sometimes described as “low-skill” or “no skill,” the nature of this occupation requires dexterity, speed, skill, endurance, and mental acuity. Farm workers experience high rates of mental health and substance use problems due to numerous risk factors. Over the past few years, mental health has increased as a priority in farm worker communities. Barriers to mental health services prevent most farm workers from accessing mental health services. This session will explore farm stress and mental health challenges among migrant/seasonal farmworkers. This session will examine challenges for Extension Professionals and service providers in meeting the mental health needs of farm workers and their families. Participants will be engaged in critical conversations on meeting farm workers' mental health needs in their communities.