Responding to critical community issues
Approximately 160 University of Wisconsin-Extension county-based educators and administrators throughout the state have participated in conflict-resolution training, increasing their capacity to respond to community issues. Here are just two cases where Extension educators facilitated consensus building and problem solving, and assisted communities in protecting the health of individuals and families.
Improving food security
Toni Rogers and J.P. Ploetz, nutrition coordinators in Oneida, Langlade, Vilas, Florence and Forest counties, launched the Hope for the Hungry Task Force in 2003 with the goal of increasing community involvement and making food more accessible for families.
Oneida Co. Cooperative Extension
"Until UW-Extension did a survey, many people in the region didn't realize that their neighbors
were hungry. By bringing together public- and private-sector groups, we are now able to provide food security and protect the health of our children, adults and seniors."
— Toni Rogers, Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program coordinator, Langlade and Oneida counties
TASK FORCE IMPACTS
- Second Harvest food distribution was improved and expanded.
- A farmers' market was initiated in Vilas County. WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program participants and seniors in Oneida and Vilas counties received vouchers to use at the market. In Oneida County arrangements were made for transfer of excess market produce to pantries.
- The number of community- and church-sponsored events to raise money for pantries increased.
For more information: Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program Coordinator Toni Rogers, toni.rogers@ces.uwex.edu, (715) 365-2750
Raising awareness of drinking-water quality
In response to concerns about groundwater quality, Paul Ohlrogge, community resource development educator in Iowa County, worked with Iowa County town boards, plan commissions and the board of supervisors to launch a countywide water-testing program in 2004.
Iowa Co. Cooperative Extension
"In a 1999 Iowa County Cooperative Extension Office needs assessment survey, groundwater was at the top of environmental issues. The work done by UW-Extension, towns, and county, state and federal organizations will help determine the most vulnerable aquifers and what precautions should be taken before development proceeds."
— Paul Ohlrogge, Community Resource Development educator, Iowa County
PROGRAM IMPACTS
- Drinking-water education programs were developed and attended by 164 people in seven towns. Of those who participated, 94% said they gained a better understanding of groundwater sources and how to protect themselves from contaminated groundwater.
- More than 850 wells were tested, 24% of rural home wells in Iowa County.
- Groundwater guidelines are now included in the Iowa County Smart Growth plan.
- Iowa County has co-funded one of the most sophisticated groundwater-mapping studies in the state, conducted by the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (a unit of UW-Extension).
For more information: Community Resource Development Educator Paul Ohlrogge, paul.ohlrogge@ces.uwex.edu, (608) 935-0391
— Jo Futrell