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This series of SARE PDP Community of Practice Learning Sessions was designed to facilitate sharing among colleagues working to foster local/regional food systems throughout the North Central Region, especially through the development and/or implementation of collaborative statewide food systems plans or Charters. This project was supported by a grant from the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) Professional Development Program.
Centering Racial Equity in Statewide Food Systems Plans
Network Development Strategies
Data Collection & Storytelling: Tracking & Sharing Progress
Advocacy Action Pathways
The goals of each learning session were to help participants:
learn from and highlight challenges, opportunities, ideas to support our collective and individual efforts;
identify possible partnerships or opportunities for sharing and collaboration; and
contribute tools, resources, or other models we can build from.
If you're having trouble viewing the videos below, click here to view the playlist on a seperate website: Learning Sessions Playlist
March 3, 2023
As we begin our Learning Session Series, we start with the foundational concept of addressing racial equity in our food systems work. In this session, we hear from representatives from two north central states on the importance of shared language and practical approaches to racial equity and food sovereignty in a community-led effort.
Learning Objectives
Explore models, practices, and progress in centering racial equity in statewide food system plans
Assess our roles in addressing racial and structural inequities through our respective food systems plans or statewide and regional efforts
Presenters:
amaha sellasie
Lindsey Scalera
Facilitation Team:
Dr. Brittany Jones
Naima Gardener Rice
Rhoda Burrows
Lindsey Scalera
May 18, 2023
As we continue our Learning Session Series, we move onto the concept of networks. In this session, we will kick things off with an interactive activity and discussion. We will also hear from representatives of four north central states sharing their insights from research and community-driven experiences developing statewide and regional food systems networks.
Learning Objectives
Gain an understanding of components that contribute to the development of networks supporting statewide food system plans/charters at different stages
Explore a continuum model for collaboration that supports network development, and hear real-world examples and insights about networks in early stages as well as further along.
Presenters:
Catie DeMets
Abby Gold
Facilitation Team:
Geb Bastien
Stephanie Blumhagen
Catie DeMets
Abby Gold
Sarah E. Smith
Sarah Buranskas
Lindsey Scalera
October 19, 2023
In this interactive learning session, we focus on how to incorporate data strategies into impactful storytelling as part of statewide food systems plans. Participants will hear from practitioners in our network who will share their experiences and explore strategies for whether you're just starting out or already working on tracking progress toward statewide goals.
Learning Objectives:
Hear examples of measurement projects that are further along
Reflect on the challenges and successes of different approaches
Understand how on-the-ground projects and systems or policy change can result from data gathering and storytelling.
Facilitation Team & Presenters:
Abby Gold
Dr. Brittany Jones
Lindsey Scalera
Sarah Buranskas
January 10, 2024
In this learning session, we will explore the elements of policy advocacy - a broad spectrum of action to shape policy - and hear from two states on the pathways their statewide food systems plans have provided to engage in policy advocacy.
Prior to this meeting you are welcome to add to and review our Policy Action Bulletin Board or share your favorite toolkits for communication and advocacy to the Resource Hub.
Learning Objectives:
Learn about the essential components of advocacy, including different roles people can play in advocacy processes
Explore at least two state examples of “successful” advocacy pathways
Feel empowered and inspired to engage in food systems advocacy
Facilitation Team & Presenters
Erin Melton
Jan Libbey
Tommy Hextler
Lindsey Scalera
Sarah Buranskas
Geb Bastien