Class Experiences

Weekend Communications Students Advocate for the Farm Bill

St. Kate's Rhetoric, Civic Participation, and Social Justice class had the opportunity to collaborate with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) in their effort to make the complex Federal Farm Bill legislation understandable for both stakeholders and the general public. 

Students learned about the Farm Bill, analyzed the information, and developed creative ways to relay the bill, its history, and especially use of subsidies to farmers and subsequent impacts on our country’s nutrition and health to the general public.  They learned firsthand how federal legislation and advocacy works. Students developed and honed their  communication skills, got practice presenting knowledge in creative, interesting ways in order to effect positive change in federal legislation.

This service-learning project engaged students all term and culminated at the end of the semester with a viewing of student produced videos that highlighted important aspects of the Farm Bill.  IATP will use these videos to reach subscribers of their newsletter, visitors to their web-site, and through other social media avenues such as YouTube. 

Below are videos created by students in Joshua Haringa's Rhetoric, Civic Participation and Social Justice Class.  To watch the clips click the image below.