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Learn how to effectively conduct grassroots outreach for the 2008 Farm Bill, involving community gatekeepers, partnerships, and relationship building to address food, conservation, and energy initiatives.
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Outreach, a grassroots approach • Public Law 110-234 (2008-Farm Bill) • Food, Conservation, and Energy Act • Contains over $300 Billion (lots of money)
As a nation… • How can we get the word out? • What can agencies and institutions do? ? ? ?
First Things First • You have to have a passion • You have to want to make a difference • The sustainable agriculture Coalition • Had a passion • They spoke with one voice • Language in 2008 farm Bill
Getting the message out… • Highways & Hedges • We need a grassroots approach
Grassroots Outreach Approach • Outreach is about: • Building Relationships • Recording Stories • Hanging Out • Identifying where you need to work • Finding the community gate keepers • Finding the right partnerships
Identify Where to Conduct Outreach • Be honest about your workload • Have I been reaching out to: • Socially Disadvantaged • Minority Producers • Youth • Women • Where have I been directing money?
After Identifying Work Site • Find the gate keeper • A gate keeper is: • A community leader • A person that open or close the gate to the community • A person that has a passion for the community and people
A Visit to the Community • A visual observation of the community with the gate keeper • The gate keeper knows the culture and people • A mental assessment can be obtained • Make some notes • You may see things that NRCS cannot service • You can’t put conservation on the ground if the roof is leaking
Design of an Outreach Strategy • With the gate keeper’s help: • Select a meeting site • Select a meeting date • Select a meeting time
Develop Advertising Materials ~ Flyers ~ Radio programs ~ TV programs ~ Word of mouth ~ Let the gate keeper be in charge
Invite Agencies and Institutions • Invitations should be based on the assessment made with gate keepers • Provide refreshments (recommended) • Agencies need to discuss high points (only) • Develop sign-in sheets that collect follow-up data • Name, phone, e-mail, amount of land, resource concern
Follow-up and Field Visits • Use sign-in sheets as a tool • Provide hands-on assistance with program application • Provide hands-on assistance with elderly
Design System to Help Overcome Barriers • Up front money is always a problem • Revolving loan funds • CCC-036 payment to vendors
Rural Development Needs • Organized farmers • Participation in farm bill grant programs • Established grant writing teams