Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

BRIEF SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING: FEBRUARY 11, 2008 General Organizational Meeting began at 12:00pm on Monday, February 11th, 2008 in Atlanta GA. 1. Welcome and Introductions: Bo Beaulieu Introductions (notes taken on participants' current projects for Latino audiences) and discussion of current activities resulted in achieving preliminary assessment of current resources and assets. 2. Review of Meeting Agenda/Additions to Agenda: Bo Beaulieu A motion was passed to approve meeting agenda 3. Administrative Advisor's Report: Reuben Moore **What is a SERA (Southern Extension and Research Activity)? --Information exchange groups of researchers and extension specialists sharing a particular interest or issue area; provide a functionally integrated forum to coordinate joint activities to address stakeholder needs. --SERA's are approved by Directors of Extension and Research Stations based on the proposal submitted. SERA-37 is approved for the time period: Oct 2007 - 2012. **Roles and responsibilities of SERA members --Provide leadership and expertise in collaborative projects and information exchange --Through group efforts, increase the capacity of Extension and Research efforts --Produce Extension and Research products that are stronger due to collaborative efforts **How to become a formal member of SERA-37 --Register at NIMMS (National Information Management and Support System) web site: http://nimss.umd.edu/ **The leadership structure of SERA --Administrative Advisor(s): --Extension Advisor: William McCarty (MIS) - Assistant Director/State Program Leader - ANR (unable to attend) --Mississippi State University Research Advisor: Reuben Moore (MIS) - Associate Director, Mississippi State University Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station --CSREES Representative: Sally W. Maggard, National Program Leader for Centers for Rural Development, USDA-CSREES --Group should elect a chair, chair-elect and secretary. --Organizational support from Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) and the Social Science Research Center (SSRC) of Mississippi State University. **See meeting handout for more detail. 4. Selection of Nomination Committee Bo Beaulieu, Sharon Gibson, Reuben Moore and Art Cosby served on the Nomination Committee to identify candidates for Chair, Chair-Elect and Secretary. 5. Review of SERA-37 Proposal: Bo Beaulieu See: http://nimss.umd.edu/homepages/home.cfm?trackID=9477; (SERA-37 project page on NIMSS web site). 6. Discussion of Process for Organizing Task Forces around SERA-37 Objectives: Bo Beaulieu Group divided themselves into the following Groups: --Administration --Family and Youth --Agriculture and Natural Resources --Community Development Each group began brainstorming needs and assets with regard to the following objectives: --Communication --Existing Resources --Gaps (Extension and Research) --Products --Training Programs Group representatives provided reports of these group discussions on the next day. Meeting adjourned at 5:15PM FEBRUARY 12, 2008 Meeting reconvened called to order at 8:30 AM 7. Partnership Opportunity with SERA-19 group and the North Carolina Center for International Understanding (NC CIU): Julia Storm ***Presentation (handout distributed) and discussion of draft proposal to extend immersion training model developed by NC CIUs Latino Initiative to several states in the Southern Region ***Shown video from NC CIU about the Latino Initiative 8. Election of SERA-37 Executive Committee: Bo Beaulieu Co-Chair: Andrew Behnke, NC State University and Cesar Asuaje, University of Florida; Co-Chair-Elect: Cintia Aguilar, NC State University and Sharon Gibson, University of Georgia; Co-Secretary: Nancy Calix, Kentucky State University and Julia Storm, NC State University; A vote was unanimously in support of this slate of officers. 9. Group Presentations: 1) Administration -Develop specific strategies to be developed for implementation -Diversity should become 3rd in value with efficiency and effectiveness as 1st and 2nd -Properly addressing policies for local providers -Integration needed due to importance of cohesiveness -1/3 of Latinos are recent immigrants and Latinos have also been here for a long time. SERA should recognize this population as heterogeneous. Within this spectrum, we need to be individual-oriented 2) Families and Youth Communications - Barriers Include: Language & Cultural Literacy " Buy-In (Admin, Faculty, Local) " Trust  Limited Entrée (No real Latino face on Cooperative Extension) " We need to find a way to get past One-Time Events and do comprehensive programming " Child Care, Transportation, & Time Conflicts " Lack of Awareness of Products - Gaps & Opportunities for Change: " Clear Benchmarks of Demand, Engagement, & Outcomes " Culturally Appropriate Tools & Measures (any research on program delivery?) " Effective/ Engaging Products (Child focus and focus on entire families) " Collaboration / New Local Buy-In (Faith-based, Media, Social-Service) " Incentives and/or Policy Promoting Latino Programs " New Hires with Latino Focus " Effectively engaging---not just handouts - Resource Assessment and Future Products " Repositories (Agent Training and Information; DVDs, Videos, & Handouts " Multicultural centers may help with inclusion rather than Latino centers " Evaluation and Assessment tools (# of Resources & Usage Data; Baseline to Assess Gain & Links w/ Other Latino-Serving Orgs.; Info on Evidence Based Programs) " Cultural Competency Seminars (Enhance our ability to serve) 3) Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) -The community changes and programming should focus on these changes. -Need to have a person in the field to design effective/efficient program development. -Ext. agents may have skills but not the language to communicate. -program development should be designed in accordance with current analyses -change in one policy may change the programs entirely; therefore, we need to stay updated -networking is important in particular areas. -Take advantage of recognized leaders -penetrate network to communicate effectively 4) Community Development: -Encourage dialogue on effectively integrating Latinos -Professional organizations can develop dialogue. -Make resources readily available -Use information that already exists and build upon this -Develop an Academy for Extension (A learning academy) -It will be useful to collaborate with universities in Mexico, particularly on immigration issues. 10. Break and Executive Committee meeting 11. Building a Plan of Work for the Coming Year: Andrew Behnke and Cesar Asuaje Andrew and Cesar presented information on Task Force assignments. Participants divided into 5 groups (below) and were asked to: Develop a logic model, a 6-week timeline for next steps, and to schedule a conference call. 12. Group presentations: 1) Website (Group leader: Monica Rosas, Mississippi State University) should be ready by March 25. Plans made for a logo, and a easy to manage website to spread work about SERA and facilitate our communication as a group. Contact: Monica.Rosas@SSRC.MsState.Edu 2) Training (Group Leader: Stacey McCullough, University of Arkansas) was seen from the perspective of audience needs. Excellent plans started to create training on regional and national scale. Contact: smccullough@uaex.edu 3) Inventory (Group Leader: Ron Cox, Oklahoma State University) suggested to create a catalog system. It is recommended that specific list serves be kept in addition to the general listserve. Contact: r.cox@okstate.edu 4) Immersion Program  (Group Leader: Julia Storm, NCSU) multistate exchanges and binational exchanges. There are different models that are in place. We can tap into different resources and consider corporate partners and community service organizations. Contact: julia_storm@ncsu.edu 5) Research -(Group Leader: Art Cosby, Mississippi State University) The challenge is that input in this group is small. Briefs can be done on demographics and issues. Look at what has already been done such as the role of the Catholic Church. Possibility of a webcast with a speaker from Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (she needs to be confirmed!) Funds exist to do a survey related to Hispanic growth in the US, which can be made available to group. Contact: arthur.cosby@ssrc.msstate.edu 13. ACTION ITEMS: § All members: o Visit NIMSS web site http://nimss.umd.edu/ and register. o Participate in task forces. § Task force leaders: o Submit group members names and e-mails to Andrew Behnke (andrew_behnke@ncsu.edu). o Schedule a conference call before April 5 with group members. o Complete development of logic model and timeline of next steps for task force and assign responsibilities. o Begin taking steps to accomplish projects decided on as a group. § Executive Committee: o Schedule regular conference calls. o Investigate how to update the listing of SERA-37 participants on the NIMSS web site. o Update the SERA-37 participant list; note those who attended the Atlanta meeting and provide a break down of Task Force leaders and members. o Be in regular communication with Task force leaders and membership. o Compile Task Force reports into the SERA-37 Plan of Work. 14. Meeting adjourned at 2:00 PM

1. Establish and facilitate dialogue and information exchange among land-grant representatives from the South dealing with key Hispanic issues in the region. This will be achieved via regularly scheduled conference calls, annual face-to-face meetings, and web-based conferencing. 2. Catalogue the research and Extension resources existing within the region and beyond that focus on issues associated with the expanding growth of Hispanics in urban or rural areas. In addition, facilitate access by land-grant faculty in the region to this important repository of information. This would be done by creating a website that would be a portal to a variety of electronic-based research, statistical information, educational modules/products, and policy resources of value to the SERA team. The development and distribution of an electronic newsletter that provides timely updates on research, outreach, and policy products of relevance to Southern land-grant universities and- they constituents would be pursued as well. 3. Identify the existing gaps in the research and/or Extension resources that focus on important Hispanic issues in the South, and seek to mobilize land-grant faculty in the region to address these gaps. 4. Identify, analyze, and prepare a series of information briefs that profile the demographic, educational, social, and economic changes associated with the regions Hispanic population, and outline the important implications associated with these trends. These products  which would build on the applied research being conducted by LGU faculty in the South and nation  would be distributed to land-grant administrators and faculty, leaders government leaders at all levels (local, state, regional, and federal), community-based organizations, philanthropic groups, and other interested organizations and individuals. 5. Design and sponsor training program(s) that introduce and expand the capacity of Extension faculty in the region to work with, and deliver educational programs targeted to, the Souths expanding Hispanic population. These training activities will be carried out in collaboration with the Southern Rural Development Center Current milestones leading to the accomplishment of these objectives: A. Developed a logic model for each of the five specific taskforce teams with realistic timeline to help accomplish each groups goals. B. Ongoing development of SERA-37 website to facilitate communication with Southern land-grant university faculty, staff, and partners. C. Developing training ideas and Power Point presentations. D. Creating assessment tools and inventory and data management system E. Discussing options for multistate exchanges and binational exchanges to provide for immersion experiences for Southern land-grant university faculty, staff, and partners. F. Created basic research agenda for SERA-37 and ideas for informational briefs. G. Developed a Logo to market the initiative. H. Created an updated listserve with over 88 active members.

Peer reviewed Publications: Behnke, A. O. (in press). Expanding the Latino market niche: Developing capacity and meeting critical needs. Journal of Extension. Behnke, A. O., MacDermid, S. M., Coltrane, S. L., Parke, R. D., Widaman, K. F., & Duffy, S. A. (in press). Family cohesion in the lives of Mexican American and European American parents. Journal of Marriage and the Family Behnke, A. O., Taylor, B., & Parra Cardona, J. R. (in press). I hardly understand English, but&: Mexican origin fathers describe their commitment as fathers despite the challenges of immigration. Journal of Comparative Family Studies. Extension Publications: Behnke, A. O. (2008). Conjunotos Familiares de Exito (Successful Family Meetings). NC Cooperative Extension Family Support Series, FCS 521-06. Behnke, A. O. (2008). Pandillas. Que Pueden Hacer los Padres al Respecto? (Gangs. What Can Parents Do?). NC Cooperative Extension Family Support Series, FCS 521-05. Behnke, A. O. (in press). Cómo Apoyar a su Adolescente con su Tarea (How to Help your Teen with their Homework). NC Cooperative Extension Family Support Series, FCS 521-04. Behnke, A. O. (in press). Aplicación de la Ley (Law Enforcement in the US). NC Cooperative Extension Family Support Series, FCS 521-03. Behnke, A. O. (2007). Aprender  Haciendo: Ayudando los jovenes a prepararse para el siglo 21 (Learning by Doing: Helping youth to prepare for the 21st century). Spanish-language Poster to introduce parents to North Carolina 4-H Programs available to youth. Behnke, A. O. (2007). Cómo Ayudarle a su Hijo Tener Exito en la Escuela (How to Help your Child Be Successful in U.S. Schools). Spanish-language Poster teaching how to talk to teachers and let parents wishes be known. Behnke, A. O. (2007). El Sistema Escolar de Carolina del Norte (Navigating The N.C. School System). Spanish-language Poster teaching how the basic laws and requirements of N.C schools. Behnke, A. O. (2007). Medidas de Seguridad Personal (Measures for Personal and Community Safety). Spanish-language Poster teaching how to use 9-1-1, recognize fraud, and avoid identity theft. Behnke, A. O. (2007). Seguridad en Su Hogar (Safety in your Home). Spanish-language Poster teaching how to reduce the risk of falls, burns, poisoning (chemical, carbon monoxide), and improve household air quality. Behnke, A. O. (2007). RCP - Resuscitación Cardiopulmonar Para Adultos y Para Niños (CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Adults and Children). Spanish-language Poster teaching the basics of CPR for adults and children. Behnke, A. O. (2007). RCP - Resuscitación Cardiopulmonar Para los Bebés (CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Babies). Spanish-language Poster teaching the basics of CPR for babies. Behnke, A. O. (2007). Seguridad Contra Incendios (Safety in Time of Fire). Spanish-language Poster teaching how to prevent fires, and what to do in the case of a fire. Behnke, A. O. (2007). Qué Hacer Cuando Alguien Se Está Atragantando? (What Do I Do if Someone is Choking?). Spanish-language Poster teaching the Heimlich Manuever. Behnke, A. O. (2007). Técnicas Seguras para Levantar (Safe Lifting Techniques). Spanish-language Poster teaching how to lift heavy objects safely, and ways to avoid back injuries at work and at home. Behnke, A.O. with Aguilar, C. Viaje a La Universida (Voyage to the University). Large Spanish and English maps describing the pathway to college. Presentations: Asuaje, C. (2007). Teaching Methodologies for Bilingual Pesticides and Farm Safety Trainings. The abstract was presented at the 2007 National Institute Farm Safety Conference. The presentation provided information about the teaching methodologies used to train non-English speaking Hispanic agriculture workers. British Columbia, Canada, 2007. Asuaje, C. (2007). Worker Protection Standard, Portable Central Location Project. Submitted abstract and accepted. The abstract was presented at the 2007 Pesticide Worker Safety and Health Conference sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency. The information presented is related to a portable central location prototype developed by the University of Florida to provide alternatives on how to comply with pesticide information requirements in farms with multiple field workers entries. Washington DC. Asuaje, C. (2007). Safety and Cultural Diversity. This was at invitation of the National Pork Board to provide information about how to improve job safety communication by understanding Hispanic workers cultural values and norms. Kansas City, Missouri. Behnke, A. O. (March, 2008). Why Home Visits? Making home visits a part of your comprehensive services to Latino parents and families. East Coast Migrant Head Start Conference. Durham, North Carolina. Behnke, A. O., with Bonaparte, F. (February, 2008). Reaching Out to Latino Parents and Families. 3-hour National Teleconference. Raleigh, North Carolina. Behnke, A. O., & Urieta, D. (March, 2008). Cultural Sensitivity for Working with the Latino Population of North Carolina. Three hour presentation made at 2008 Statewide Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect: Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina. Winston Salem, North Carolina. Behnke, A. O., & Aguilar, C. (February, 2008). Dropout Prevention and College Access Programming: Together for a Better Education Program. Presentation made at 2008 North Carolina College Access Conference. Greensboro, North Carolina. Weaver, D., Behnke, A. O., & Aguilar, C. (February, 2008). Dropout Prevention and College Access Programming: Together for a Better Education Program. Presentation made at 2008 North Carolina College Access Conference. Greensboro, North Carolina. Behnke, A. O. (April, 2008). Fathers' Count: Why involving men really matters and how to be successful doing it! Presentation to be made at the 2008 North Carolina Head Start Conference. Greensboro, North Carolina. Behnke, A. O. (December, 2007). Strengthening Fathers, Strengthening Families. Day-long Training Seminar for North Carolina Head Start Hispanic and Family Initiatives. Raleigh, North Carolina. Behnke, A. O. (December, 2007). Parents as Mentors (Juntos para una Mejor Educación) Program. Presentation made twice at 2007 North Carolina Youth and Family Summit In-service. Durham, North Carolina. Behnke, A. O., & Aguilar, C. (December, 2007). Together for a Better Education Program. Presentation made at 2007 North Carolina Youth and Family Summit. Durham, North Carolina. Jones, S., Behnke, A. O., & DeBord, K. (December, 2007). Student Success in the 21st Century. Presentation made at 2007 North Carolina Youth and Family Summit. Durham, North Carolina. Behnke, A.O. (November, 2007). Culturally Competent Child Care in the 21st Century. Keynote presentation made at West North Carolina Child Care Conference. Statesville, North Carolina. Behnke, A.O. (November, 2007). Unanswered Questions about Diversity in Child Care. Panel presentation made at West North Carolina Child Care Conference. Statesville, North Carolina. Behnke, A.O., Plunkett, S., & Bamaca, M. (October, 2007). An ecological understanding of immigrant Latino adolescents depression: Neighborhood, parent, and individual factors. On New Shores: Understanding Immigrant Children in North America. Guelf, Canada. Martin, S., Behnke, A. O., Ebata, A. Nelson, P., Ontai-Grzebik, L., Weigel, D. (November, 2007). Opportunities to Evaluate an On-line, Multi-state eXtension Parent Program. Roundtable discussion held at the 2007 conference of the National Council on Family Relations. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Behnke, A. O., & Parra Cardona, J. R. (November, 2007). Padres Fuertes: Mexican origin fathers descriptions of their parent/child relationships in relation to the challenges of immigration. Presentation made at the 2007 conference of the National Council on Family Relations. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Behnke, A. O., Ebata, A., Martin, S., Nelson, P., Ontai-Grzebik, L., Weigel, D. (November, 2007). Innovation in Evaluation in the Just In Time Parenting Program. Poster at the 2007 conference of the National Council on Family Relations. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Behnke, A. O., Trujillo, A., & Barnes, N. (2007). Education Forum. Program on parent involvement in their youths education. Broadcast on Oct 28th on UNC-TV.