Topics
Coordinates Positive Youth Development initiatives, focusing on advocacy, health, community design, and placemaking. By Youth For Youth (BYFY) empowers Dane County high schoolers to address community issues and allocate funding. Youth Advocates for Community Health (YACH) foster policy changes for youth well-being. The Youth in Governance Program empowers young leaders in county decisions. Additionally, manages 4-H programs, engaging 300 adult volunteers and 800 youth members in learning, decision-making, and skill development, including 4-H Ambassadors and Juntos 4-H for Latino students’ support.
Collaborates with organic vegetable producers, co-funded by FairShare CSA Coalition, on production and management. Manages Organic Vegetable Production Conference, conducts on-farm research for climate adaptation, and oversees Farm Manager Apprenticeship. Works regionally to improve water quality, aids producer groups, and supports farmers with soil and water conservation practices and holistic education.
Offers educational programs and facilitation support for nonprofits, local government units, and civic organizations to enhance capacity and foster inclusive public engagement. This includes the Nonprofit Peer Learning Program for sustainable organization management, facilitation and strategic planning services emphasizing collaboration and skill-building, and community development programs tailored to address local issues through inclusive processes.
Provides well-researched information about families and relationships, and helping families and individuals achieve financial well being.
Tackles food access and sustainability through education, partnerships, and policy advocacy. Initiatives include Food Policy & Planning with the Dane County Food Council, promoting a sustainable local food system. Also includes Food Sovereignty & Justice, aiding community gardeners and supporting food access via programs like Double Dollars. Additionally, offers support and education for food entrepreneurs and local market development.
The FoodWIse Nutrition Educators plan and conduct high-quality learner-centered nutrition education for people with limited income. Nutrition education lessons relate to basic nutrition, regular low-impact physical activity, food safety, and food budgeting. FoodWIse is federally funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) grants.
Educates home gardeners and professionals in horticulture through courses, manages the Dane County Extension Teaching Garden, serves on the Dane County Tree Board, writes for the WI State Journal, and features on WPR Garden Talk. Master Gardener Volunteers offer presentations on diverse topics, assist with the Horticulture Helpline, and the Green Thumb Series offers seasonal courses for industry pros and community members.
Provides educational initiatives concerning natural resource matters. Supports community organizations, committees, and departments in making well-informed decisions, devising strategic plans, and advancing initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental advantages and natural resource assets within the Dane County community. Additionally, offering a Natural Resources Education Resource Center functioning as a lending library, offering equipment and training to residents regarding natural resource topics.
