On April 29,
I had the pleasure of sharing research I completed as a graduate student via
webinar for this eXtension community of practice. The webinar focused on the
results of a study that investigated the challenges of the engagement process
associated with volunteering in low-income urban communities of color, as
perceived by Master Gardeners. This research used qualitative research methods
and was completed between 2011/2012. At the time, I was also serving as a
University of Minnesota “Master Gardener intern,” the title given once is
granted admission to the program and the period in which educational coursework
and volunteer hours are being completed. The purpose of this study was focused on the question, “What challenges or barriers exist within the
Master Gardener program in reaching and volunteering in low-income, urban
communities of color as perceived by Master Gardeners?” This study took place in the Twin Cities
(Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN) metro area.
After the
webinar, I was asked to address the following question:
“How do you stress the importance of
reaching parity in Extension programming to volunteers? Many do not seem to understand this no matter
how much we explain it's USDA requirements, many also don't seem to care about
it as a personal value.”
As the
question notes, our own personal values and beliefs play a role in ensuring
program volunteers, staff, etc. reach broad audiences. Working in diverse,
under-resourced communities has greatly shaped my views on health and has
allowed me to better understand how social, political, and economic factors
greatly influence behavior and overall health outcomes. Previous jobs that included providing care
through home visits to young Latina and African American mothers in Grand
Rapids, MI and then as a refugee nutritionist on Chicago’s diverse north side
neighborhoods have served as some of my most valuable education/teachings. These personal experiences and interactions pushed
me to want to learn more. I wanted to
better understand these larger factors – the social determinants of health and how best to ensure health for all people.
A few
resources to consider when thinking about the need for diverse, equitable and
inclusive work -
- The “Gardener’s Tale,” an allegory for racism adapted from work of Camara Phyllis Jones and theoretical framework.
- The Impact of Racism on Health and Well-Being, a webinar series by the American Public Health Association
Sarah
Eichberger is a registered dietician who has been working in urban community
settings with diverse populations since 2003.
She is currently an extension educator for Michigan State University
focusing on chronic disease prevention and programming.
