CAUSES In Action | November 2020
Dive-in with Dean Jones

With thankful hearts, we give you, CAUSES in Action: November Edition!

In my daily reading time, I recently encountered the term "counterfactual history." This branch of history engages a series of "what if" questions, effectively speculating how the world might differ if historical decisions were made in the opposite or counter to recorded history knows them to be. Since encountering the term, I suppose it has become an infatuation for me because I am a systems thinker by nature. As such, I tend to see decisions through multiple lenses at once, which can be a bit disconcerting and paralyzing at times. 

The "what if" question led to its next logical path (at least for me), "If I could turn back time, what would I tell my younger self?" All sorts of categories and responses flooded my mind-- from relational to financial to emotional to educational. You name it. Each category, each thought, had a different nuance-- cause and effect. After the momentary reflection was over, I concluded there is one statement I would tell my younger self, which prefaced all other possibilities and potentials. There is always something to be thankful for, even in the seeming darkest situations. 

Each of us has the same amount of time each day, the same number of minutes in a second. This year has been many things to many different people, the world over. While the experiences are different, the common denominator is time. No matter what life has brought in 2020, I hope someday, a chosen day, maybe today or Thanksgiving Day, you'll take time to share thanks with your loved ones. I am grateful to the CAUSES Team for their role in helping each other and pressing forward to advance the college this year. I am thankful for the opportunity to lead and be led by the 70 + people who call CAUSES home. Gratitude is an attitude. When I mentally turn back time in the future, I'll be able to look at these moments and say, "I was thankful for the time, during the time, every time."

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!


Kind regards,

Dwane Jones, Ph.D., ACC (Associate Certified Coach)
Acting Dean of CAUSES and Director of Land-Grant Programs
CAUSES NEWS
NEW: African American/Black Citizens of DC Voice their Knowledge and Perception of Environmental Issues
Elgloria Harrison, former Associate Dean of CAUSES, Dr. Ashley Milton, former Project Specialist of CAUSES, and Dr. Matthew Richardson, Assistant Director of Urban Agriculture Research in CAUSES recently published the article "Knowledge and Perceptions of Environmental Issues by African Americans/Blacks in Washington, DC, USA: Giving Voice to the Voiceless” in the journal, Sustainability.
Findings: Nearly 500 African Americans/Blacks participated in the survey and were categorized into four age groups 18–25, 26–40, 41–65, and 66 and older, for analysis. The researchers found that the level of environmental knowledge across age groups was relatively high and largely similar. The results suggest that blacks care about the environment, see the environment as beneficial to their health, and are knowledgeable about natural resources. However, younger blacks (18–25) were the least likely to think of the natural world as a community to which they belong, report feelings of connection to, and recognize how it impacts their personal welfare.

Conclusion: The researchers concluded that blacks in the District possess environmental awareness and use local environmental language, depicting the uniqueness of their community. The mainstream environmental movement may fail to recognize this local language, leading to the exclusion of vulnerable populations based on faulty premises assuming that these populations lack knowledge or interest in environmental issues.
The DC Master Naturalist Program Launches New Site, Opening Both Trainee and Instructor Applications!
The DC Master Naturalist Program (DCMNP) is back with the launch of its newly designed website, and now accepting applicants for its upcoming trainee cohort program, starting February 2021!

DCMNP is also looking to expand its new talent pool of instructors to help train the next generation of master naturalists in the D.C. community.

For additional information, please direct inquiries to Simon Bird at masternaturalists@udc.edu.
CAUSES Registered Nurse To Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (RN to BSN) Reopens Admission for Virtual Learning!
In case you missed it: The RN to BSN Program has reopened to admit students in a fully online nursing program. Data were obtained from student requests for online programming, changes in the nursing profession, and increased options for upper mobility in nursing prompted the nursing faculty to revamp the course delivery structure to facilitate enrollment and success by working nurses who wish to obtain a BS in nursing.

This program offers the flexibility and convenience required by adult learners who seek programs that allow them to learn at their own pace while balancing other duties and responsibilities.
If you know of a licensed RN interested in applying to the RN to BSN program, please direct them to the website.

For additional information, contact Program Director, Dr. Pier A. Broadnax, at 202-274-5916 or pbroadnax@udc.edu.
Must Read: Newly Published Article Addressing Food Policies Within The District by CAUSES Dr. Sabine O'Hara
CAUSES very own Distinguished Professor & Ph.D. Program Director Dr. Sabine O'Hara's latest article, "Food access in crisis: Food security and COVID-19," is now available for use, containing bibliographic information.

The topic at hand is food policy within the District. This scholarly article can be found online at no cost until 12/29. Please grab your copy while it is FREE!
NEWS: UDC CAUSES Alum Brenda Perez joins the ANS's Naturally Latinos Conference as its speaker!
We are happy to report UDC CAUSES Alum, Green Fellow at the D.O.E.E and Latina Environmental Champion, Brenda Perez, will join forces with Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS) as a session speaker for its third Naturally Latinos Conference. This virtual event will be led from 12/2 to 12/4.

This year's conference theme is "Una Comunidad, Many Voices." Event participants will experience thought-provoking presentations by diverse regional and national environmental experts. Attendees will also have the opportunity to virtually and interactively network with leading nature professionals.

Join Brenda and become inspired to use the many strategies and tactics you will learn from this live event to transform your local community.
Alumni Spotlight
Meet Oluwakemi “Kemi" Adeola:
UDC Nutrition Student Alum Hired as Clinical Professor at Howard! 
Join us in congratulating UDC Student Alum Kemi for her recent accomplishment of becoming a Clinical Professor at Historically Black College University, Howard University and learn more about how UDC helped played major and leading role in her student development and career success story.
"I migrated to the United States in 2013 to pursue my graduate studies in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of the District of Columbia. It is one of the best decisions I made. I was quite busy during my program; I was an intern at the USDA research lab, worked at the UDC Firebird Research Farm, and interned at DC Green Fruit and Veggie Prescription Program, worked as a teaching assistant, and a research assistant for CAUSES. (Oh, how I miss these meaningful days)."
  
"My UDC leadership roles and collegiate opportunities prepared me for my Ph.D. program at Howard University's Department of Nutritional sciences, and eventually being hired as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator for the coordinated program in dietetics in the department of nutritional sciences in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Science at Howard University. But while at UDC, many people played significant roles in my professional development, and without their support, I wouldn't be where I am today. Dr. Dwane Jones, Dr. Lilie Monroe-Lord, Dr. Ganganna, Dr. Elgoria Harrison, Dr. Batista, Dr. Almeida, Mr. William Hare, and Mr. Yao Afantchao."

My advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the nutrition industry is, "You are needed now more than ever, and what you do matters. Don't let anything or anyone hold you back. Just take it one day at a time, remain focused, and you will look back one day and be glad you persevered. Don't let your fear prevent you from taking that step to achieving your dreams. You might think you don't have it in you, but you will be surprised what you are capable of until you put your strength to the test. Your courage will take you far; your faith will give you strength." - Kemi
Announcements
CUAGE Harvest and Donation Report - November 2020
The University of the District of Columbia's Center of Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE) is excited to present its Harvest and Donation report from March to November 2020.

Serving the greater needs of the D.C. community has been the Center's primary objective since its development. To date, the Center has donated 11,855 lbs of fresh produce and goods to D.C. residents in 2020.

For more information on donations or if you are interested in partnering with CAUSES, contact Patricia Bon, Staff Assistant at the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education at patricia.bon@udc.edu or
202-941-7923.
Donations were made to these organizations:
  • Martha's Table
  • Jones Memorial Church
  • Dreaming Out Loud
  • Mike Jones
  • Bread for the City
  • Plantita Power
  • Food Not Bombs
  • Veggie City
  • Capital Area Food Bank
  • Mutual Aid Network
Bodywise is LIVE with their New Site! Sign-Up For Free Virtual Classes Now!
The Institute of Gerontology (IOG) launches a new virtual fitness program for the District's senior citizen community.

The BODYWISE Program is specifically designed and operated to promote health, wellness, and fitness for persons 60 years of age or older in the District of Columbia. Some of its benefits include an increase in participants' cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength, flexibility, overall life satisfaction, health, and preventive knowledge. All administered fitness classes are instructed by certified and appropriately trained instructors. Participants are encouraged to exercise at their level of fitness. The Program also provides excellent opportunities for socializing.

IOG invites all seniors to make the decision today and become "BODYWISE"! For all inquires, contact the Institute of Gerontology at gerontology@udc.edu.
UDC SNAP-Ed Program's Facebook Page is Now LIVE with NEW Content!
CAUSES SNAP-Ed Facebook page is now live and available for use and is open to all. This platform will serve as the program’s content repository, visual library (from multimedia to images), and an online marketing tool where site visitors can connect and engage with staff members at the tip of their fingers.

SNAP-Ed has shifted its operational efforts from an in-person curriculum to a virtual setting allowing site visitors unlimited access to up-to-date information and industry-focused content and resources.

SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education) is an evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention program that helps people lead healthier lives. Join the movement today!
SNAP-Ed
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education
Just In: Sustainable Aquaponics and Hydroponics Virtual Tour with UDC's Food Hub and Climate Classes DC!
Join Thomas Wheet from UDC CAUSES and Katie Nelson from Climate Classes DC for a virtual tour of the P.R. Harris Food Hub, and discover how hydroponic and aquaponic farming offer viable alternatives to traditional, resource-intensive agriculture models and provide local, fresh, and nutrient-rich foods to surrounding neighborhoods year-round.

To join this cause or share any requests, contact Thomas Wheet at thomas.wheet@udc.edu.
Course Participant Shares Insight On CAUSES Urban Agriculture Soilless Certificate Program and its benefits!
Small African business owner Keenan James Van Zuydam shares his personal insight on the virtual certificate program in urban agriculture led by UDC CAUSES.
Why did you choose to enroll in the Urban Agriculture Soilless Certificate Program?
I enrolled in this course to gain further knowledge involving growing food through more sustainable practices, to try and produce more with less, and to learn how we can incorporate various elements of farming to create a symbiotic relationship. My goal is to establish a self-sustained integrated farm one day.

How do you currently, or plan too, utilize urban agriculture practices in your area?
The knowledge I have gained from this course has motivated me to visit a commercial aquaponics farm and attain the much-needed practical experience that comes with running and maintaining a commercial-sized aquaponics system. After I have successfully implemented my own, I can use this as a platform to introduce others to the ideas and share information and produce good healthy food.

For further information about the course, please contact Victoria Mirowski directly at victoria.mirowski@udc.edu or 202-819-5704
NEWS: Build Your Farm Financial Management Skills Today with SARE!
Thanks to funding from a Northeast SARE Grant,
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program is offering 25 agricultural service providers the opportunity to build their farm financial
business advising skills through this innovative
program that combines online learning with
mentor-supported client work.

Over the course of three years, participants will
attend live, virtual, and educational sessions with
renowned instructor Julia Shanks, to learn farm
financial management skills. Attendees will also
then practice these skills with their clients with
support from experienced coaches who will
answer questions, provide feedback, and
support them in their on-farm work.

Provided at no cost to the participants, this
three-year program will educate participants in
basic accounting skills, develop a QuickBooks
based bookkeeping system, and analyze farms'
financial health. This series will benefit both the service providers and the farmers alike!
Deadline: December 11, 2020
Trainees of the DC Master Naturalist Program engage in natural resource-based programs and projects within their communities during pandemic!
In early November, the 2020 Cohorts of the DC Master Naturalist Program (DCMNP) assembled an online meeting to reconnect and be introduced to the new UDC program staff, Dr. Simon Bird, Dr. Elizabeth Gearin, Mr. Danyal Eisenbrandt, and Mr. Ronald Young. Members were provided with program and volunteer service hour opportunity updates, shared mid-pandemic challenges and experiences, and engaged in a presentation and discussion on biophilia led by Dr. Gearin. Despite social distancing restrictions, some members are finding ways to engage in natural resource-focused projects and programs in their communities. For example, Teresa Savarino and Kristiane Huber (pictured) are working on a new native plant-pollinator project at Horace Mann Elementary School in partnership with school administrators and teachers.
NEWS: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Offers New Internship Opportunities!
The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute offers exciting and unique internships that help participants reach a range of academic and professional goals.

Internships positions are available from a variety of groups at the Zoo including: veterinary medicine, Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), research, and animal programs. Each internship may have a slightly different application process. Applications may be accepted on an ongoing basis or have a deadline, as noted below.

Summer Internship Deadline: Feb. 1, 2021
Fall Internship Deadline: May 1, 2021
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Simon Bird Represents UDC at the Ecological Society of America Conference.
Dr. Simon Bird recently attended and represented UDC at the 2020 Ecological Society of America conference on biology education, focusing on remote and virtual learning approaches. Dr. Bird facilitated a breakout discussion session centered on incorporating field ecology in undergraduate courses, and attended and participated in a wide range of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops on, for example, innovative online teaching technologies, methods for promoting student interdisciplinary thinking, ideas for live-streaming field experiences, converting urban field-based courses to virtual platforms, and means to address COVID-era student learning and retention challenges.

The conference highlighted the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework: an eco-literacy approach developed around an array of ecological concepts critical to understanding the science of ecology and human-environment interactions.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Next Up: CAUSES Fall 2020 Research Series Concludes with Dr. Amit Arora!
Join CAUSES for the final live event at this month's Fall Research Seminar Series featuring Dr. Amit Arora. This discussion will touch on "Sustainability Strategies in Supply Chain Management".

Note: The research seminar event will be held on December 11th at noon and is open to all students, faculty, stakeholders and guests. Meet us there!
Meeting ID: 108-126-359

Passcode: 63694
Trending Virtual Programs
Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right: A Nutrition Series for Older Adults
With food security being such a big topic during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a better time to learn how to make affordable, nutritious meals that can be easily stored.

This one-hour workshop is designed to provide participants with information on healthy eating and food safety for older adults. There will be classes on reading and understanding the nutrition facts label and tips for grocery shopping.

Bonus: Each class will include a cooking demonstration with Chef Herb Holden!

For further information, please contact Alison Gerber directly at alison.gerber@udc.edu or
202-934-4107.
Are you interested in advancing your expertise and skill set in food saftey management?

This virtual course is designed to teach food safety management principles and how to use those principles to create a food safety culture. Additionally, the course emphasizes and provides information to students about identifying and avoiding harmful food contaminants, proper employee health and hygiene, cleaning and sanitation principles, and safe food handling practices. Class continue on 12/7!

Bonus: Participants will have the opportunity to earn a Professional Food Manager certification if they pass the national certification exam with a score of 70% or better.

For additional information about this course, please contact Paul Brown, Jr. at pbrown@udc.edu or (202) 841-1902.
Quick Tips to Understanding Nutrition Facts Label Virtual Event
Brush up on your nutriton education with CAUSES!

This one-hour workshop is designed to provide event attendees with information and easy tips on reading and understanding the nutrition facts label. Also, participants of this workshop will know what nutrients and ingredients are required on the label by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our upcoming virtual session is on 12/08!

Bonus: Participants will receive a digital certificate of completion within 10 days of completing the course!

For further information, please contact Dr. Johnson-Largent at tiffany.johnsonlarge@udc.edu or 202-274-6708.
MEET CAUSES
Welcome to the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). UDC is the only urban, land-grant university in the nation. CAUSES was formed, in 2010, as the university’s land-grant college.

We engage in applied teaching and research that helps to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of the District of Columbia and others around the world, through traditional academic degrees, and through non-degree, non-credit bearing, skills-building programs, such as green infrastructure and urban agriculture.

CAUSES is unique in its organizational structure and its mission: an interdisciplinary college, where academic programs, such as architecture, urban sustainability, health education, nutrition and dietetics, and nursing, train a forward-thinking generation of professionals who will ensure that the world has “Healthy Cities–Healthy People.” The college houses the only doctoral-level program in the nation that focuses on urban leadership and entrepreneurship.

For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact us at causes@udc.edu.
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About the University of the District of Columbia
An HBCU, urban land-grant, and the only public university in the nation's capital, The University of the District of Columbia is committed to a broad mission of education, research and community service. Established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the University of DC offers Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees and a host of workplace development services designed to create opportunities for student success. The University is comprised of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, a Community College and the David A. Clarke School of Law. To learn more, visit www.udc.edu. The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity. The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education - 3624 Market Street - Philadelphia, PA 19104 - 267.284.5000.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, this information is available in languages other than English. To file a complaint alleging discrimination, please complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to US Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Submit your completed letter or form to USDA via fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action institution. The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person on the basis of the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. This policy covers all programs, services policies, and procedures of the University, including admission to educational programs and employment. The University emphasizes the recruitment of minorities, women, disabled individuals, disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, and other eligible veterans.
El Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (USDA) prohíbe la discriminación en todos sus programas y actividades por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, religión, sexo, identidad de género (incluida la expresión de género), orientación sexual, discapacidad, edad, estado civil, estado familiar / parental, ingresos derivados de un programa de asistencia pública, creencias políticas, represalias o represalias por actividades previas de derechos civiles. (No todas las bases prohibidas se aplican a todos los programas.) Las personas con discapacidades que requieren medios de comunicación alternativos para obtener información sobre el programa. (por ejemplo, Braille, letra grande, cinta de audio, lenguaje de señas estadounidense, etc.) debe comunicarse con la Agencia responsable o con el TARGET Center de USDA al (202) 720-2600 (voz y TTY) o comunicarse con el USDA a través del Federal Relay Service al (800) 877-8339. Además, esta información está disponible en otros idiomas además del inglés. Para presentar una queja alegando discriminación, por favor complete el Formulario de Queja por Discriminación del Programa del USDA, AD-3027, que se encuentra en línea en http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, o en cualquier oficina del USDA o escriba una carta dirigida a Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos, Oficina del Subsecretario de Derechos Civiles, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 y proporcionar en la carta toda la información solicitada en el formulario. Envíe su carta o formulario completado al USDA por fax: (202) 690-7442; o correo electrónico: program.intake@usda.gov. Para solicitar una copia del formulario de queja, llame al (866) 632-9992. USDA es un proveedor, empleador y prestamista con igualdad de oportunidades para todos.
La Universidad del Distrito de Columbia es una institución de Acción Afirmativa en Igualdad de Oportunidades. La Universidad prohíbe la discriminación o el acoso contra cualquier persona sobre la base de la raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, orientación sexual, identidad o expresión de género reales o percibidos, responsabilidades familiares, matrícula, afiliación política, estado marital, apariencia personal, información genética, estado familiar, fuente de ingresos, estado como víctima de una ofensa intrafamiliar, lugar de residencia o negocio, o estado como veterano, según lo dispuesto y en la medida requerida por los estatutos del Distrito y Federal y regulaciones. Esta política cubre todos los programas, políticas de servicios y procedimientos de la Universidad, incluida la admisión a programas educativos y empleo. La Universidad enfatiza el reclutamiento de minorías, mujeres, personas discapacitadas, veteranos discapacitados, veteranos de la era de Vietnam y otros veteranos elegibles.