15. Sustainable Agriculture Education Association: Deepening student-based networks across North America

Organization Information

Organization Name

Sustainable Agriculture Education Association

Mission and Vision of Organization

The Sustainable Agriculture Education Association (SAEA) promotes and supports the development, application, research, and exchange of best teaching and learning practices in sustainable agriculture education and curricula through communication, training, development, and collaborative activities for teachers and learners. The Association is organized exclusively for education purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The goals of the Association are as follows: Promote and advocate the establishment of sustainable agriculture education programs. Promote the collaborative development and exchange of curricula, best educational and experiential learning practices, and research related to the teaching and learning of sustainable agriculture. Provide public forums for addressing issues in sustainable agriculture education teaching and learning. Serve as a vibrant network for individuals and organizations involved in sustainable agriculture education. Engage in activities to aid the professional development of sustainable agriculture educators and students. Serve as an advocate for sustainable agriculture in other contexts and in collaboration with other organizations relevant to sustainable agriculture education. Obtain public and private funds to collaboratively develop and exchange sustainable agriculture education and curricula at all educational levels and with the general public. Attract talented, bright individuals to teach and work in the field of sustainable agriculture. Contribute to the growth of sustainable agriculture in the U.S. and abroad (within grassroots and educational institutions, farms, businesses, etc.).

Guiding Principles + Values

Contact Information

• Primary Contact Person(s): Colin Dring (he/him)
• Email: ccdring@gmail.com
• Phone: N/A
• Address:
• Website: [1]Sustainable Agriculture Education Association

Preferred Method of Contact

• Best method(s) to contact: Email
• Best day(s) to contact: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
• Best time(s) to contact: Afternoon

Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration

• In person
• Email
• Zoom

Project Description

Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?

Sustainable food system education programs are increasingly being offered across post-secondary institutions in Canada and the USA. Par of SAEA's mandate is to connect stakeholders involved these programs and facilitate networking, learning and showcase the similarities and unique attributes of programs, peoples and places involved. The ease and familiarity of on-line collaboration tools provides a low-barrier opportunity to connect undergraduate students within these programs so that they can learn more about the work, scholarship and extra-curricular activities of their peers, allowing us all to develop a deeper understanding of how we are collectively working towards developing more just, healthy and sustainable food systems.

Main Project Activities and Deliverables

• Connect with groups of undergraduate students at 3-4 food system education programs across North America (contact info will be provided)
• Develop a set of interview questions to ask each group, focusing on their experiences, activities, and future goals related to their degree programs
• Coordinate interviews
• Create a series of blog posts that highlight their programs, the issues that matter most in the region, and show case student work

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

Curiosity and excitement to meet peers in North America, open to all skills sets common to undergraduate

Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?

Will the project take place online, in person, or a combination?

• Online

Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?

• No

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

The following will be provided at the first community partner meeting: