customizing environmental education, training, and employment opportunities to rapidly changing...
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National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program Presentation, March 27, 2014TRANSCRIPT
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Customizing Environmental Education, Training, and
Employment Opportunities to Rapidly Changing
American Demographics:
Hispanic Communities
Panelists and Contributors
USDA Forest Service
Kimberly Winter, Ph.D., NatureWatch Program Leader
Pedro Nieto, M.Ed., National Equal Employment Manager
Tamberly Conway, Ph.D., Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
Environment for the Americas
Natasha Kerr, M.A., Diversity Outreach Coordinator
USDA Forest Service & Environment for the Americas
Sergio DeHoyos, M.Eng., FS-EFTA Celebrate Shorebirds Intern
and
FS Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Intern
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USDA Forest Service & Environment for the Americas
Panel Overview
Status Report - USDA and Forest Service Efforts
Toward Diversity and Inclusion
Successful Outreach Education
and Internship Programs
Recommendations
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Why keep pushing for diversity in natural resources activities
and hiring if they havent come to us already?
Diversity in the melting pot of the U.S.A. is who we are as Americans: we embrace the
cultures, skills, and creativity of people
from every walk of life and every country
on Earth.
Diversity provides resiliency against the dynamic forces of change; drawing from
the unique strengths of individuals to
support a system thats even better than its parts.
Federal employers serve the American public, and their workforces should reflect
trends in the growing demographic
diversity of that public.
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Why keep pushing for diversity in natural resources activities
and hiring if they havent come to us already?
Answer: We are not (yet) reaching people where they are
culturally, linguistically, or geographically.
(Hint: If we were, there would be no they)
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Hispanic Diversity and Inclusion at the
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
USDA Forest Service
Environment for the Americas
Sergio DeHoyos-Irizarry, M.Eng.
Intern, FS-EFTA Celebrate Shorebirds and
FS-Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
USDA Forest Service
Pedro Nieto, M.Ed.
National Equal Employment Manager
Civil Rights Staff, Special Emphasis Programs
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2010 Latino Population
Distribution by U.S. County
(U.S. Census Bureau, 2011)
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Workforce Statistics (U.S. Federal Government)
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Hispanic Workers by State
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STEM Representation by Race
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Hispanic Workforce Composition
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
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Hispanic Workforce Composition
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Permanent Workforce
Hispanic Men Hispanic Women All Hispanics
MO/YR All # FS % CLF # FS % CLF # FS % CLF
Sep-13 28817 1467 4.87% 5.17% 786 2.61% 4.79% 2253 7.48% 9.96%
Mar-14 28337 1460 5.15% 5.17% 780 2.75% 4.79% 2240 7.90% 9.96%
The data reflects that overall, Hispanic employees have representation rates
below the 2010 National Civilian Labor Force (CLF)
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Hispanic Workforce Composition
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Permanent Workforce Critical Occupational
Hispanic Men Hispanic Women All Hispanics
FS CRITICAL
OCCUPATIONAL SERIES Total # # FS %
Series
CLF # FS %
Series
CLF # FS %
Series
CLF
0301 Misc. Admin & Program 1185 45 3.80% 3.70% 46 3.88% 6.20% 91 7.68% 9.80%
0340 Program Management 677 41 6.06% 3.70% 10 1.48% 6.20% 51 7.53% 9.80%
0401 Biologist 2160 84 3.89% 2.70% 39 1.81% 2.60% 123 3.00% 5.20%
0460 Forester 1439 43 2.99% 2.00% 7 0.49% 0.40% 50 2.00% 2.40%
0462 Forestry Technicians 8216 717 8.73% 4.60% 87 1.06% 4.00% 804 9.79% 8.60%
0470 Soil Scientist 128 4 3.13% 3.70% 4 3.13% 1.00% 8 6.25% 4.70%
0486 Wildlife Biologist 594 31 5.22% 2.70% 17 2.86% 2.60% 48 8.08% 5.20%
0810 Civil Engineer 589 42 7.13% 4.50% 15 2.55% 1.00% 57 3.50% 5.50%
1101 Gen Business & Industry 423 7 1.65% 3.70% 20 4.73% 6.20% 27 6.38% 9.80%
2210 Information Technology 643 27 4.20% 5.80% 18 4.30% 2.30% 45 7.00% 8.10%
Red and italics indicate that the grade representation rate is below the overall onboard representation rate.
Source: National Finance Center Reporting Center Report Minority Grade Profile as of March 2, 2014
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Educational Paths and Employment
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The objective of Forest Service Special Emphasis Programs (SEP) is to administer individual
programs which are a part of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program. The Special
Emphasis Program Managers (SEPM) serves as subject-matter experts regarding the hiring,
career advancement and retention of the employees.
They help identify and take affirmative steps to ensure that all Forest Service employees have
an equal opportunity to compete fairly in all aspects of Agency employment, e.g., recruitment,
training, upward mobility, career counseling, developmental details, promotions, and any
other condition of employment.
USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights
Special Programs
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Forest Service Agreements with USDA &
Hispanic Serving Institutes
52 different institutions from 8 states and
Puerto Rico submitted 76 proposals for
consideration for funding for this year, the
15th year of the program.
Institutions submitting proposals were from:
Arizona (5), California (23), Florida (3),
Illinois (5), New Mexico (5), New York (1),
Texas (26), Washington (1), and Puerto Rico
(7).
These proposals requested the following per
year of USDA funding:
Fiscal Year 2011: $26,153,028.00
Fiscal Year 2012: $40,936,149.00
USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights
Capacity Building Programs: Hispanic Serving Institutions
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Forest Service California Consortium Objective: to strengthen
community outreach, recruitment, and capacity building programs.
Targeted outreach to Hispanic and Asian communities.
Initiatives emphasize employment opportunities, but also integrate
community collaboration, encouraging underserved communities to
promote healthy ecosystems through forest management planning.
Projects implemented include forest ecosystem enhancement,
conservation, maintenance, and restoration.
USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights
Capacity Building Program: California Consortium
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Budget (Fiscal Year 2012)
The Forest Service contributed $460,502.00
for Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI)
Accountability
Total Enrollment: 41 positions (23 Females, 18 Males)
Mission Critical Job Series: 98%
Student Job Satisfaction Rate: 94%
Supervisor Feedback: Student Superior Performance Rate: 95%
HSI Cost FY 2012:
Fall 2011: $13498.00 (15 weeks), Spring 2012: $13498.00 (15 weeks)
Summer 2012: $10599.00 (10 weeks), Fall 2012: $13606.00 (15 weeks)
USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights
Capacity Building Programs: Hispanic Serving Institutions
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Budget Fiscal Year-2013
The Forest Service contributed $389,788.00 for
Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI)
Accountability
Total Enrollment: 32 positions (16 Females, 16 Males)
Mission Critical Job Series: 98%
Student Job Satisfaction Rate: 98%
Supervisor Feedback: Student Superior Performance Rate: 95%
HSI Cost FY 13:
Fall 2012: $13,606.00 (15 weeks)
Spring 2013: $13,606.00 (15 weeks)
Summer 2013: $10,678.00 (10 weeks)
USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights
Capacity Building Programs: Hispanic Serving Institutions
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USDA Forest Service
Tamberly Conway, Ph.D.
Partnerships, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
FS Conservation Education Programs
Conservation Education and Community Outreach:
USFS & Partner Programs Integrating Tools, Methods, and
Techniques to Reach Latino Audiences
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Latino Legacy
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Mexico(51%)
U.S.(30%)
Central America
(13%)
South America
(6%)
Country of Origin
0-9 yrs. (27%)
10-19 yrs.(42%)
20-29 yrs. (17%)
30-79 yrs. (14%)
Time Spent Living in the U.S.
U.S. Forest Service-funded study assessed a conservation
education and community outreach pilot program
(Latino Legacy)
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Bilingual children
(n=210)
(89%)
Spanish (67%)
English33%
Survey Language
Spanish(40%)
English(6%)
Bilingual(54%)
Spoken Language
Spanish(40%)
English(10%)
Bilingual(50%)
Language Read
Spanish (68%)
English(16%)
Spanish and
English(16%)
Language Spoken at Home
Spanish (56%)
English (29%)
Bilingual(15%)
Preferred Language to Receive Conservation Education Programs
Language Usage
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30% born in the U.S. and 80% with a college degree selected the survey in Spanish
45% born in the U.S., 50% living in the U.S. for 20-29 yrs. speak Spanish at home
25% with a college degree and 70% with less than a high school degree could read only Spanish
50% in all education levels preferred Spanish language programs
Findings support literature and beliefs that Spanish is an important aspect of maintaining cultural ties
Findings from analysis of 321 Latino respondents in Texas indicated that, on average,
Latinos preferred information and programmatic delivery in Spanish.
Language Usage Related to Demographic Variables
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Use of Spanish language in the U.S. is prevalent and will continue into future
Need for printed materials and conservation education/interpretive
programs and community outreach in Spanish
Levels of interest in conservation topics important to the USFS
Likelihood to attend programs related to USFS topics is high
Use of hands-on experiences and utilization of wildlife are very effective
attractions/educational tools that may be used to reach the Latino community
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A Model for Green Communities
Project Learning Tree/Forest Service GreenSchools!
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Engages students, teachers, administrators and community (approximately 90% Latino) in conservation education and action
Enlists schools in a feeder pattern from early childhood through high school levels (GreenSchools! Greenbelt)
Focuses on creating avenues to higher education and career pathways in natural resource conservation and management
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Capacity building through partnership and collaboration among
traditional and non-traditional partners has inspired a green movement within the community that continues to blossom and grow
with conservation education and stewardship actions.
Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
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El Buho Woodsy (Woodsy Owl)
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FSNatureLIVE Distance Learning Adventures
www.FSNatureLIVE.org
- bi-and sometimes tri-national
- MonarchLIVE! (US, Mexico and Canada)
- PollinatorLIVE! (Polinizadores enVIVO!
in Spanish)
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Provide volunteer, internship and employment opportunities
Employ knowledgeable and prepared Latinos in order to maintain a relevant cultural perspective
Increase the number of Latinos and Spanish-speaking individuals within agencies and organizations to better mirror the faces of the public we serve
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Power of PartnershipsSowing the seeds
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harvesting the bounty!
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USDA Forest Service
Tamberly Conway, Ph.D.
Partnerships, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
FS Conservation Education Programs
Conservation Education and Community Outreach Tools,
Methods, and Techniques to Reach Latino Audiences
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Hispanic Youth Field Training & Community Outreach
Environment for the Americas Celebrate Shorebirds Internship Program
Environment for the Americas
Natasha Kerr, M.A.
Diversity Outreach Coordinator
Sergio DeHoyos-Irizarry, M.Eng.
Celebrate Shorebirds Intern
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Over 350 species of migratory birds travel throughout Western Hemisphere
Migratory link between communities and wildlife
Environment for the Americas
Home of International Migratory Bird Day
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Americas Great Outdoors funding of
8 Latino youth interns in: Alaska, Oregon,
California, Washington, D.C., and Colorado
Objectives:
Train Latino youth in wildlife research & environmental education
Connect youth to conservation careers
Engaging diverse communities in bird conservation
Conduct migratory shorebird monitoring for international research
Environment for the Americas
Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program
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Beginners please apply!
Sense of community among cohort of interns
Ongoing mentorship
Networking opportunities
Substantive research and other skill-building opportunities
Paid internship, some include lodging
Latinos belong in this field!
Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program
Connecting Youth to Conservation Agencies
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WetlandsLIVE online distance learning program
Intensive shorebird monitoring at a critical
migration stop-over site
Latino media outreach
Shorebird Festival
Environmental Education
Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program
Copper River Delta, Alaska
U.S. Forest Service Intern Placement
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Completion of 1,700 hours gathering data on migratory
and nesting shorebirds of Pacific Coast
Environment for the Americas
2013 Project Accomplishments
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Involvement of 8,000 youth and adults, primarily Latino, in
education programs about birds and their conservation
Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program
Community Engagement
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Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program
Where Are They Now?
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Leveraging resources Connecting new audiences to public lands Diversifying conservation workforce
Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program
Benefits of Partnership
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EFTA Celebrating Shorebirds Interns
Host Agency Staff (Forest Service):
Gain perspective on how interns (and possibly the interns communities/culture) view natural resources
Expose hidden communication and institutional barriers that may be blocking real inclusion of the public in FS outreach
Learn technical Spanish words specific to FS jobs and audiences
Earn credibility through communications and actions that reflect the needs and cultural perspectives of FS constituents
Demonstrate leadership through mentoring
Enjoy the technical assistance and work output of interns
Walk the talk as an agency of diversity and inclusion
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Environmentfortheamericas.wordpress.com
Connecting Cultures Toolkit: birdday.org
EFTA Celebrating Shorebirds
Follow our 2014 Interns!
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Hispanic Youth Field Training & Community Outreach
Environment for the Americas Celebrate Shorebirds Internship Program
Environment for the Americas
Natasha Kerr, M.A.
Diversity Outreach Coordinator
303-499-1950
Celebrate Shorebirds
2014 Sponsors
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Recommendations for Customizing
Approaches to Growing Demographics
Training
Expand scope of marketing natural resources job postings
Prepare potential applicants (training, mentoring)
Reach people where they are (not just where agencies or distant public lands are located, not just in one language)
Foster public-private partnerships (esp. academic institutions with high densities of under-represented
demographics)
Focus on representing the unique demographics of your region, with an eye for changes in American society
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Recommendations for Customizing
Approaches to Growing Demographics
Institutional Strategies
Provide cultural sensitivity training for employees
Collaborate with local organizations representing predominant minorities
Identify internal (within agency) mentors
Showcase programs that have successfully integrated different cultural perspectives and skills
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Recommendations for Customizing
Approaches to Growing Demographics
Institutional Strategies
Ask representatives from underserved communities for feedback and guidance, especially in planning discussions
Monitor and evaluate progress towards diversity goals (be honest and continue to adapt your approaches)
Ensure that marketing materials are inclusive and detailed
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Recommendations for Customizing
Approaches to Growing Demographics
Building Rapport
Face-to-face interactions in the language of preference demonstrate inclusivity
Social media/web outreach in language of preference
Establish and nurture relationships with community leaders and liaisons
Engage youth and families
Hire local youth and community members
Host multilingual events and programs
Be persistent and creative
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Customizing Environmental Education, Training, and
Employment Opportunities to Rapidly Changing
American Demographics:
Hispanic Communities
Panelists and Contributors
USDA Forest Service
Kimberly Winter, Ph.D., NatureWatch Program Leader
Pedro Nieto, M.Ed., National Equal Employment Manager
Tamberly Conway, Ph.D., Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
Environment for the Americas
Natasha Kerr, M.A., Diversity Outreach Coordinator
USDA Forest Service & Environment for the Americas
Sergio DeHoyos, M.Eng., FS-EFTA Celebrate Shorebirds Intern
and
FS Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Intern