17 pages, via online journal, In disaster crises, communication among stakeholders and response organizations are important. In Florida, the role of the County Extension Director (CED) is threefold – educational programming, leadership of a county extension program, and county office administrative responsibilities. However, their primary role in disaster emergencies is to facilitate collaborations with state and federal partners. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, UF/IFAS CEDs assisted in response efforts. However, communication efforts can become challenging in such chaotic and stressful situations. This research explored communication challenges among CEDs, clients, and statewide partners in hurricane events. Insights into the communication role of CEDs could enhance UF/IFAS Extension’s communication plan for effective information dissemination post-disaster. The Uses and Gratifications Theory guided this qualitative study. Interviews occurred with nine CEDs from various counties across Florida. Results showed CEDs used numerous communication channels to connect with clients, staff, and statewide partners, mainly for the purposes of information dissemination. The main reasons for selecting these communication channels depended on its accessibility, reliability, and whether it was a usual form of communication. Some participants were unaware of available resources which resulted in duplicate efforts. Thus, they required additional information from statewide partners. Some participants also had difficulty connecting clients with people who could assist them with insurance information and aid. As such, this study recommended a central communication system to avoid redundant efforts, strengthening relationships with disaster agencies to promote information-sharing and avoid miscommunication, and developing a list of resources and contacts for CEDs’ first engagement in disaster response.
Govindasamy, Ramu (author), Schilling, Brian (author), Sullivan, Kevin (author), Puduri, Venkata S. (author), Brown, Logan (author), and Rutgers State University
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
2005-07
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C27427
Notes:
Posted at http://dafre.rutgers.edu/documents/ramu/jerseyfreshsurvey.pdf
Dennee, Phyllis M. (author), Paul, Lynn C. (author), and Montana State University Extension, Bozeman, MT
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1994
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 97 Document Number: C07881
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection, Ham, Mimeographed, 1994. 1 p. Presented at the Society for Nutrition Education, Portland, OR, July 16-20, 1994., A successful statewide nutrition education model has been developed with the mission to endorse and support efforts to improve the ability of Montanans to improve nutritional health. The objectives include: 1) develop an identity and logo for Eat Right Montana, 2) select yearly nutrition education themes, and 3) coordinate and provide resources for yearly themes and education campaigns. Members of the coalition form a broad base of food and nutrition interests, such as Extension Service, Public Health Nutrition, Beef Council, Food Distributors Association, School Food Service, University Dietetic Students, and the State Dietetic Association. The Coalition has been highly successful in identifying and promoting the Coalition and its yearly educational themes among many food and nutrition agencies throughout the state. For example, the first year's theme "Five A Day' has been successfully promoted at the state legislature, in schools, and with Extension audiences. The evaluation of the program indicates that the coalition is a successful model for striving for the Health [People] 2000 objectives.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 142 Document Number: C21965
Notes:
16 pages., A guide to instituting the use of collaborative processes for preventing and resolving disputes. Describes approaches used in various states.
