An Introduction to Utilizing Community Leaders to Expand Resiliency Efforts Following a Disaster

An older man in a brimmed hat sits on a wagon outdoors with a small child on his lap and a basket of vegetables in front of them. Image was taken prior to national guidelines of face coverings and social distancing. Credit: UF/IFAS File Photo

In the southeastern United States, many agricultural, vulnerable, and rural communities (AVRCs) must cope with natural disasters regularly. These natural disasters not only harm communities, crops, and livelihoods, but also can negatively impact the mental health of affected individuals, including those living in AVRCs. The purposes of this new 3-page article are to (1) provide tips on identifying specific individuals who could qualify as community leaders and (2) provide details on how partnering with community leaders can be beneficial for mental health communication and outreach. Written by Lisa Lundy, Jacqueline Aenlle, Ricky Telg, Tracy Irani, Angie Lindsey, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Michaela Kandzer, and Phillip Stokes, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc383

Don't Fake It, Make It! Thriving in Virtual Conferences and Meetings

Illustrated differences between in-person conferences (left) and meetings (right).

Our ways of working, meeting, and networking have become more virtual than ever before. This series dives into the preparation needed to host a successful virtual experience, as well as steps participants can take to get the most benefit from a virtual conference or meeting. This series will also help hosts understand the value of online conferences and meetings and demonstrate how to create engagement in an online format. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, the first in the series, was written by Lauri M. Baker, Matt P. Benge, Anissa Zagonel, Jarred Shellhouse, Cheryl R. Boyer, and Phillip Stokes.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc365

Using Social Media to Communicate in an Emergency Situation

In Florida, this species of mosquito (Culex nigripalpus) plays a major role in the transmisssion of disease-causing viruses. (UF/IFAS/File Photo)

The Prevent & Protect publication series focuses on the creation of different material formats to resonate with various audiences and ways to maximize their efficacy in communicating risk to the public about mosquito control. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication explains how to engage in effective crisis communication and how to effectively use the Prevent & Protect emergency toolkit in a mosquito-related crisis situation. Written by Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Ricky Telg, Phillip Stokes, Alena Poulin, Shelli Rampold, Angela B. Lindsey, and Sandra Anderson.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc363

Understanding Public Perceptions of Mosquito-Related Information Sources and Adapting Research Findings to the Needs of Industry Professionals

Close up of a mosquito. UF/IFAS File Photo

The Prevent & Protect publication series focuses on the creation of different material formats to resonate with various audiences and ways to maximize their efficacy in communicating risk to the public about mosquito control. The overview of the Prevent & Protect project, developed by the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE Center), can be found in EDIS publication AEC694/WC357, Public Perceptions of Mosquitoes and Mosquito Control. This new 3-page document describes the importance of understanding and adapting to public perceptions of information sources and how scientists can adapt their research findings based upon the needs of professionals in the field to create usable outreach materials. Written by Shelli Rampold, Ricky Telg, Alena Poulin, Sandra Anderson, Angela B. Lindsey, Ashley McLeod-Morin, and Phillip Stokes, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc358

Public Perceptions of Mosquitoes and Mosquito Control

In Florida, this species of mosquito (Culex nigripalpus<) plays a major role in the transmission of disease-causing viruses. (UF/IFAS File Photo)

The Prevent & Protect publication series focuses on the creation of different material formats to resonate with various audiences and ways to maximize efficacy in communicating about mosquito-related risks and mosquito control topics to the public. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication provides a background of public opinion on various aspects of mosquito control covered in the Prevent & Protect campaign. Written by Shelli Rampold, Ricky Telg, Alena Poulin, Sandra Anderson, Angela B. Lindsey, Ashley McLeod-Morin, and Phillip Stokes.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc357