The LINK Newsletter — The National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE)2 The LINK Newsletter — The National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE)2 eLINK - The National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE)2

From the

PresidentDrenda Williams

2011 - 2013 Executive BoardPresidentDrenda Williams, Texas

Vice PresidentTerry Cosby, Ohio

Immediate Past PresidentKalven Trice, Arkansas

Correspondence SecretaryKatura Wright, Missouri

Recording Secretary Katundra Shears, Minnesota

TreasurerBennie Clark, Indiana

Financial SecretaryKevin Norwood, IN

ParliamentarianKeisha Tatem, Arizona

HistorianKeith Williams, Kansas

Regional Representatives

Midwest Region RepresentativeCara Clark, Illinois

NHQ & East Region RepresentativeTiffany Davis, Maryland

Northern Plains Region RepresentativeJoni Franklin, Kansas

South Central Region RepresentativeAlvin Peer, Arkansas

Southeast Region RepresentativeLeander Brown, North Carolina

West Region RepresentativeDr. Sharon Nance, California

In 2012, we celebrated our 20th anniversary which is a testament to our resilience despite all of the challenges over the years. It was 20 years ago on July 14, 1992 when we obtained our charter. Our first meeting occurred in December 1992 at Tuskegee University during the Professional Ag Workers Conference where our founding members passed a hat around the room to collect operating funds for what became the National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees.

A few months ago we celebrated an historic event for The Organization, the 2012 Outreach and Agriculture Education Expo. Our theme was “Reframing the Struggle of Minority Landownership in Urban and Rural America.” The Organization wanted landowners to know they are an integral part of the evolving changes that will take place in conservation, including the 2013 Farm Bill.

We are excited that The Organization cooperatively worked with our members, partners and supporters to reframe and restructure the process of bringing the minority landowner into the new century of farming and protecting the land. This expo was an example of the Organization reaching out to others who advocate building relationships and partnerships in order to move us all into the future with a positive outlook. The 20th anniversary publication pays tribute to the expo and highlights significant

accomplishments The Organization achieved over the past two years. Here are some additional accomplishments from our strategic plan:

Professional DevelopmentDevelopment of a mentoring

program for new hires and career employees that will kick off in January 2013. Held professional development sessions to further enhance members skills in some key areas during the 2012 Outreach and Ag Education Expo. We also partnered with the Minnesota/Wisconsin chapter to develop NRCS Black Firsts which identified the black employees who were the first to hold positions within the agency.

OutreachDeveloped an Outreach

Initiative where we administered a minority landowner survey to capture their issues and concerns at various small farm conferences. We are committed to partnering with minority landowners to help them understand agricultural and conservation program requirements so that they have access to more services. The Organization will be their advocate on a national level when they face challenges and obstacles. The successful 2012 Outreach and Ag Education Expo is part of the outreach initiative.

PartnershipsDeveloped an MOU with

NRCS, an MOU with the Minority Landowner Magazine, and we developed a substantial amount of partnerships through our expo including Jackson State University, Alcorn University, Winston County Self Help Cooperative, and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives. We were also

selected to be the technical assistance team lead for the Farm Turn Around team piloted in North Carolina in 2012.

RecruitmentDeveloped a recruitment

initiative which establishes a partnership with the 1890 Liaisons to have a qualified pool of college students that would volunteer with NRCS to obtain experience to help them compete for internships and employment. This initiative will allow us to partner with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences by establishing a network between agriculture/conservation students and agriculture professionals which would result in a comprehensive list of qualified student provided to federal agencies.

It has been a trying two years dealing with various challenges. In 2012, we did not wait for others to assist us in our mission; we were self-sustaining visionaries who sought out ways to continue the efforts of our founders. Not only was the expo monumental for outreach and agriculture education but for The Organization.

Everyone there sacrificed their personal time and finances to support the mission and founding principles. Again, I would like to thank everyone for supporting me as the 2011-2013 NOPBNRCSE President and the first elected female; I look to continue supporting the efforts of The Organization as the Immediate Past President.

“Reframing the Struggles of Minority Landownership in Urban and Rural America” 3

Makings of a Great Leader ~ by Jolene Lau, NOPBNRCSE Member & Civil Rights Chair, Hawaii

NOPBNRCSE Life Member Kevin Farmer presented on NRCS’ Emerging Leaders Development Program. The two-year residential program started in January 2011 in Maryland with three cohorts and 71 participants. Each participant is assigned a mentor and there are twelve modules that are 3.5 days long. The first module covers NRCS mentoring, coaching and orientation. The second module covers leadership and change. The third module covers building teams and conflict management while the fourth module covers effective communication. Leadership values and ethical decision making are covered in the fifth module. Organizational performance input and strategies are covered in the sixth module. Project management and strategic change are in the seventh module while becoming a strategic supervisor is the focus in the eight module. The last four modules cover quality decision making, effective resource management, strategic information management, and capstone simulation.

Regarding the latest update on competency profiles, we were all reminded about the Individual Development Plans and the three types of competencies. Handouts were provided to list the NRCS competency profiles for leadership and management. This is important to address the question, “What do great leaders do?” It also prepares you for future leadership or greater responsibility. We were shown the competency model with the foundational competencies at the base and executive competencies at the top. Via AgLearn, employees are encouraged to develop SMART career goals which stands for Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Framed. In conclusion, Farmer suggested that we all develop our own personal Board of Directors which includes a supervisor, mentor, learning coach, tutor, career advisor, proofer, family, connector, and accountability partner.

fourth strategy is to seek feedback and support. Farmer suggests that we plan how to keep current on developmental progress, actively seek ongoing information and feedback, and anticipate how to involve others as resources and developmental partners. The fifth strategy is to transfer learning to the next level. We can do this by periodically auditing our developmental progress, revising plans as circumstances change, and moving to a new objective to sustain continuous development.

After the four “Ps” and five strategies, Farmer listed his six “Cs” of leadership. They are character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, and courage. Character refers to how a leader deals with the circumstances of life. Talent is a gift but character is a choice. Charisma is the ability to draw people in by loving life, giving people hope, or sharing yourself with others. Leaders who think about others and their concerns before thinking of themselves, exhibit charisma. Commitment starts in the heart, is tested by actions, and opens the door for achievement. If you want to get anywhere worthwhile, you must be committed. Communication must be simple, show the truth, and seek a response. People will not follow you if they do not know what you want and where you are going. Competence is the leader’s ability to say it, plan it, and do it in such a way that others know that you know how to do it and then they will want to follow you. When you are competent, you show up every day and keep improving. You follow through with excellence and accomplish more than expected while inspiring others. Courage begins with an inward battle. Courage is making things right, not just smoothing them over.

Keys to Professional Development ~By Jolene Lau, NOPBNRCSE Member & Civil Rights Chair Hawaii

In the professional development workshop taught by NOPBNRCSE Life Member, Kevin Farmer, four “Ps” were identified. The first is “Positive” development which taps into your natural motivation to learn and accomplish objectives that matter to you and your organization. A positive focus emphasizes building and leveraging your capabilities rather than merely overcoming weaknesses of the past. The second is “Personalized” development which needs to begin where you are and address your unique situations and challenges because a standard one-size fits all approach will not work. The third is “Partnership” development which needs to be supported between you and your manager, coach, or organization. This is a joint responsibility. The fourth is “Process” development which is the continuous learning that is built into your daily routine. It is not an isolated event or activity.

In addition to the four developments, Farmer identified five strategies for effective career development. The first strategy is to focus on priorities. For example, he recommends gathering information that is relevant to development such as goals, values, abilities, perceptions, and success factors. In addition, you must commit to objectives that align personal and organizational interests. The second strategy is to implement something every day. Farmer suggests that you spend five minutes a day on development, creating meaningful challenges, taking intelligent risks, and facing barriers head-on. The third strategy is to reflect on what happened. Farmer suggests that we examine new behaviors and activities, build reflection into existing routines, and anticipate what actions to repeat and what actions to change. The

The LINK Newsletter — The National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE)4

Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) & Partnerships Presented by: Walter Hill, Dean and Vice Provost, Tuskegee University, Alabama; Chair of The PAWC

Hill discussed rural and small town poverty nationwide. He focused on poverty-stricken counties in Mississippi and Alabama. He said

the poor counties mirrored election results because Democratic-leaning counties (blue counties) tended to be more poverty-stricken.

Hill also defined socially disadvantaged farmers; they include minorities, underserved women and veterans.

During his presentation, Hill cited a profit-driven opportunity for small farmers spearheaded by the Wal-mart Foundation as part of its Wal-mart Heritage and Sustainability Initiative. Eleven agencies, including NRCS, signed an MOU to help small farmers become profitable through a pilot program in Alabama. Tuskegee’s Carver Integrated Sustainability Center, which Hill heads, worked with farmers in eight Alabama counties to help them sell their watermelon to Wal-mart customers in that state. Part of the marketing campaign included a sign that states “Locally Grown,” so consumers know they were purchasing local produce.

The project, part of a planned farmer cooperative, brought in between $250,000 - $1 million in its second year in the eight counties. The project has significant potential because Wal-mart owns about 200 stores in Alabama.

Hill discussed the PAWC and the partnering opportunities available with The Organization. The PAWC began on Dec. 2 at Tuskegee University. He said PAWC can help small farmers seize opportunities by bridging the gap between the ability of socially disadvantaged famers to grow fruits and vegetables and their ability to package and market these crops.

Being Politically Savvy~ by Dastina Wallace, NOPBNRCSE Member & Public Affairs Specialist, Delaware

Lloyd Wright, a former advisor to Secretary Vilsack, spoke candidly to fellow Organization members and Expo guests about the importance of politics. During his workshop,

he focused in on three key take-home messages:

1. Know Your Colleagues. Whether you’re the supervisor or a coworker, make sure you get to know your office staff and their political connections.

2. Respond to requests from your local, state and congressional offices and keep them in the loop. Share your successes and results with your representatives and staffers. They need to know what you’re doing to benefit their constituents, which will likely gain or increase their support for the agency and you.

3. Befriend those who are aware of the political process. Many things are important in the political arena, but getting people together who understand the political process is by far paramount.

Jackie Sutton/Plater Campbell General Session~ by Sylvia Rainford, NOPBNRCSE Life Member & NRCS Public Affairs Officer, NHQ

Opening Remarks

Newly elected Organization President Terry Cosby shared some of his background with conference attendees. He said that he is an Alcorn University graduate, grew up on a farm in a Mississippi and is the State Conservationist in Ohio.

He recognized agency leadership who attended the conference—Regional Conservationists Leonard Jordan and Astor Boozer as well as State Conservationists James Tillman, Mike Sullivan, Keisha Tatem and Homer Wilkes.

Cosby asked whether “we need The Organization.” The answer, he said, is a resounding “yes.”

He outlined the following five goals for his administration:

• WorkwithNRCSleadershiptoensurewe get more African-Americans in leadership in NRCS;

• Workwiththeotheremployeeorgani-zations on shared goals;

• Workwithnumerouspartnersinclud-ing Professional Agricultural Workers Conference and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives;

• Workmorecloselywithourretireemembers. We need to engage them more.

• Re-energizeourcurrentmembersandreach out to new employees. We need to demonstrate the benefits of The Organization membership to them.

Cosby acknowledged former USDA Assistant Secretary of Administration and former NRCS Chief Pearlie Reed. He said Reed was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and praised him for his service over the years to USDA and NRCS.

Hill also mentioned that USDA can help these farmers and the groups that service them by ensuring that policy, technical support and resources, including financial help and markets for products, are available to the farmers and groups simultaneously. “Our support group must have their game tight,” he said.

He urged The Organization and others to seek more funds for 1890 colleges and universities to allow them to better serve their customers – the socially disadvantage farmer and rancher. Currently, universities are receiving less than their full baseline funding.

“Reframing the Struggles of Minority Landownership in Urban and Rural America” 5

University Extension Assistance Presented by: Dr. Cedric Sims, Alcorn State University:~by Jolene Lau, NOPBNRCSE Member & Civil Rights Chair, Hawaii

Staff and faculty at Alcorn help limited resource audiences. They are proactive, responsive, and collaborative, with a commitment to growth and development of people through life-long learning. Currently, there are 40 people on staff working in counties throughout Mississippi. They have three learning centers, one for vegetable processing, the second for small farm incubator, and the third for technology transfer. These centers provide training to youth and assists rural community development such as small farm outreach, farm ownership, and farm operation loans. Dr. Sims said that Section 2501 of the Farm Bill, states that outreach and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers will also provide financial assistance to Land Grant Institutions, Tribal governments, Latino-Serving Institutions, community organizations, and non-profits that work with minority farmers participating in USDA specific programs.

Farm Turnaround Team~by Jolene Lau & Sylvia Rainford, NOPBNRCSE Members

Victor Harris, editor of the Minority Landowner magazine, discussed the newly developed Turnaround Team, a pilot in North Carolina. The Farm Turnaround Team was established to address financial management, technical assistance, marketing, and succession planning. He explained it as a farm turnaround strategy that looks at farming as a business. Their focus is on partnerships because increased production leads to increased profitability, which leads to increased opportunities to maintain ownership of their land.

The NOPBNRCSE heads the technical assistance team, with assistance from North Carolina A&T University and USDA’s Forest Service. The turnaround team also has a process for farmers to request its services.

2012 Small Black Farmer of the Year!

Earl and Charisse Snell of Dale County, Alabama were recognized as the first place winners of the Lloyd Wright Small Farmer Award during the 2012 NOPBNRCSE Outreach & Ag Education Expo. 

The Snell family was recently featured in a U.S. Department of Agriculture video highlighting seasonal high tunnels or hoop houses. This video is part of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative which connects farmers and consumers and promotes the purchase of fresh, local food. The Snell’s hoop house operation adds many benefits to the land including energy reduction, increased water quality (with reductions in pesticides and nutrient inputs and outputs), and improved soil quality. They are also extending their growing season.

“The Snells are pioneers in the field,” said NRCS State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett, “They were the first farmers in Dale County to construct a seasonal high tunnel and they have been instrumental in adopting and promoting this new technology in the area.”

The Snells participate in Alabama’s “Buy Fresh - Buy Local” Initiative, providing vegetables to:

• sevenhighschools• tworecreationaldepartments• localfarmersmarkets• grocerystores• seniorcitizensgroups• lowincomecommunities• localevents,i.e.,rodeos• localrestaurants

Life Members Recognized at Expo• SharynAlvarez• MaxineBarron• GregDansby• JamesJohnson• RussellMorgan• CarolRowe• KeishaTatem• DonnaTaylor• TomikaWalker

Sharyn Alvarez (l) and Donna Taylor (r) recieve Life Membership Certificate and clock from President Drenda Williams.

The LINK Newsletter — The National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE)6

insight. She said that NRCS is aiming for consistency across the nation in how conservation practices are applied on the land. The agency offers certain scenarios where conservation practices will be covered. NHQ is now involved in how payment schedules are determined. Each EQIP conservation practice must be linked to a resource concern. She encouraged landowners to think of conservation systems instead of specific conservation practices. She also told the landowners to look beyond the funding and check the rate for their specific conservation practice. She said whatever funding is listed in your contract is what you will receive.

NRCS addresses a specific resource concern in EQIP. NRCS can provide technical and financial assistance to landowners only if their eligible land is in agricultural production. If it is not, she encouraged them to then seek other partners that can help you. Be creative. She said you also must have a complete conservation plan to ensure the land is adequately treated.

Taylor reminded the landowner to become more involved in FSA’s county committees. He told them to learn more about the county committee process, including elections. For instance, nominations are due by June 1 and close Aug. 1. Also, build relationships with USDA service center staff and learn more about the USDA agricultural programs. Learn about the resource concerns in your community by participating in your local work group.

contacting NRCS’s Plant Materials Center and the NRCS’s new strikeforce initiative. The NRCS state agronomist, John Lee, from Arkansas told the group that using switchgrass for biofuel takes some time before it generates income.

Question: A landowner said he could use the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for a parameter fence in the past and now he’s unable to do so. Why?

Answer: That practice was allowed under the Small Farmer Initiative, a pilot. However, the EQIP rules have changed and now parameter fences are only allowed for expired CRP land that is being put into pasture. Mississippi has not established its policy on parameter fence yet.

Question: A landowner wondered why he is being taxed for a conservation practice such as a water source.

Answer: If you receive financial assistance from the government, you will receive a 1099 that will reflect all of the funding you received. Taylor encouraged farmers to learn more about “Schedule F” and to talk to someone about this.

Landowner Town Hall Meeting ~ by Sylvia Rainford, NOPBNRCSE Life Member & NRCS Public Affairs Officer,

NHQ

Frank Taylor, President of Winston County Self Help Cooperative, served as facilitator and

Donna Taylor,

President of Human Capital Developers, served as moderator for the hour-long town hall. The town hall’s question and answer format allowed the black farmer to ask questions and experts, Taylor and NRCS representatives, responded to them. About 50 landowners attended the town hall meeting. Below are some questions posed at the town hall:

Question: Where do we go and who do we talk to get information?

Answer: A recent issue of Minority Landowner contains that information. In addition, there are several agencies that can help socially disadvantaged and small farmers and ranchers solve problems. Alcorn University can help because Alcorn services are for small and disadvantaged farmers statewide. Farm Service Agency also keeps a list of minority landowners.

Question: How can we get help to convert switchgrass to biofuels. We want to take it to the next level?

Answer: A recent Agricultural Research Service magazine contains a cover story about the use of switchgrass as an energy source. Other suggestions include the use of Conservation Innovation Grants,

Question: A landowner said he could use EQIP for a corral; however, he can no longer do so. Why?

Answer: NRCS now uses a regional payment schedules that includes Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. Mississippi will work to get the practice back on the regional payment schedule.

Keisha Tatem, State Conservationist in Arizona, has extensive knowledge about this issue and provided additional

“Reframing the Struggles of Minority Landownership in Urban and Rural America” 7

The Pearlie S. Reed Excellence in Conservation Award Recipient—Doris G. Washington

Life Member Doris G. Washington was awarded the prestigious Pearlie S. Reed Excellence in Conservation Award at the 2012 Outreach & Ag Expo.

Doris Washington has been committed, involved, and dedicated to The Organization as a Life Member and as an Arkansas Chapter member. She has assisted with the goals of the Arkansas Chapter in providing outreach to youth and minority farmers, providing agriculture career development and counseling for students, providing scholarships to students by sponsoring special events/fundraising activities, encouraging other NRCS employees to become a member of The Organization and the local chapter, and providing mentoring to students and NRCS employees.

Doris has been an employee of the NRCS for over 23 years. She has a strong background managing NRCS programs and providing one on one technical assistance at the field level. She started with NRCS as a Student Trainee and has since worked as a Soil Conservation Aide, Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist, Outreach Specialist, and Area Resource Conservationist. Doris has over 13 years working as a Manager at the state level as an Assistant State Conservationist for Strategic Planning, State Administrative Officer and Assistant State Conservationist for Operations. She is a member of the NRCS National Headquarters Science and Technology Deputy Area.

Doris has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agronomy from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

She served as National Committee Chair for Membership, NOPBNRCSE; Interim Treasurer, NOPBNRCE, 2010/2011; National Conference Planner for National Organization of Professional Black NRCS

Employees and served in other positions within The Organization. Mrs. Washington has won numerous awards which includes the United States Department of Agriculture Performance Award.

Doris Washington-Contributions to Black Farmers/ Other Black Employees

NRCS National Center of Excellence Coordinator:

•ProvidednationalleadershipfortheNRCS COE Program that was initiated in 1989 by the USDA 1890 Taskforce to establish a partnership between 1890 Institutions and USDA agencies. NRCS sponsors five partnerships with historically black universities and colleges to provide a USDA presence on the 1890 campuses, enhance the capability of the institution to assist in the delivery of USDA programs and services, ensures support from the agri-business community, and provides assistance to outstanding students who are committed to USDA careers in agriculture. Since becoming the National Program manager in 2008, $680,000 has been provided to states to partner with the NRCS Centers of Excellence gaining technical services, outreach to minority and limited resources farmers and providing internships for minority students majoring in related agriculture studies.

Special Assignment, Office of Regional Conservationist:

•Providedstaffleadershipandguidanceto organize panel discussion with Tribal Leaders, Black Farmers, and USDA Agencies, 2010 sponsored by the Regional Conservationist

•DevelopedandcoordinatedNewStateConservationist Training that included four Black New State Conservationist.

Soil Conservationist, Arkansas State Office Staff

•Bridgedacrossboundariestoassistminority, limited resource, and small farmers gain access to Farm Bill Programs and to find alternative technology necessary to customize the water/irrigation needs of their small acreage farms improve efficiency and maintain cost effectiveness.

•CollaboratedwithresearchersfromArkansas land and farm Development Corporation, UAPB, Winrock International, and the Kellogg foundations to provide services to minority and limited resource farmers that wanted to participate in USDA Farm Programs.

•Providedleadershipforinvestigatingalternative methods for sustainable agriculture for small farmers in the Delta resulting in 25 minority/limited resource farmers being able to install irrigation practices suitable for their operations.

EXTRA: (Pearlie S. Reed was NRCS Chief at this time)•Playedamajorrolein2000Transition

to the New Administration: served on detail to the Office of the Chief of NRCS as a member of the Conservation Issues and Analysis Team. Collaborated with the Chief and Senior Agency leaders to review and prioritize the most critical policy issues that impacted the agency, and identified organizational changes required to carry out the vision of the agency that was expressed to the incoming new presidential administration at the request of the Secretary of Agriculture. (1999-2000)

eLINK - The National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE)8

The Pearlie S. Reed Excellence in Conservation Award Recipient—Kansas STC–Eric Banks

making a total of six Black female new hires in Kansas in less than three years under Eric’s direction. Eric believes in Diversity and he is passionate about it. As a result of his passion, Eric has brought in a number of Black, Hispanic, and Asian Pacific Island student trainees for the past couple of summers to further diversify Kansas for the future.

Eric also currently has two 1890 Scholars students on the Kansas NRCS roster. The two students are from Tuskegee and Southern Universities.

Altogether there have been eight Black employees hired in Kansas under Eric’s direction since he became STC in 2008. All eight of those employees have come to Kansas from out-of-state. Their diverse backgrounds and skills have certainly helped Kansas NRCS become more of an employer of choice.

Eric jointly hosted with Missouri and Arkansas the 2010 NRCS Joint Professional Organization meeting in Kansas City which was an extreme success. Eric also jointly hosted the 2011 National MANNRS conference with Missouri NRCS. These are examples of Eric’s belief in Diversity.

Eric Banks became State Conservationist (STC) in Salina Kansas, June 9, 2008. Once Eric arrived in Kansas, he recognized there were no Black females in the Kansas Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Eric worked extremely hard to recruit Black females and other minorities to come to Kansas.

Today there are three Black females in the state office. In the field there is one Black female district conservationist, one Black female soil conservationist, and one Black engineer at the area office level,

One of the first actions Eric completed as STC was to immediately engage the Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA). Eric met with them on several occasions to identify what role NRCS could play to help them meet their goals and objectives.

Eric met with KBFA to help them develop their FY 2009 Strategic Plan. Eric also added KBFA to the Kansas Technical Committee (KTC) and they have provided excellent input to the KTC and made the committee even stronger.

Under Eric’s direction, the Solomon Valley Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council in Kansas has worked extensively with the KBFA. The RC&D coordinates their monthly meetings and helps set their agendas. The RC&D has also provided a great deal of assistance in helping KBFA implement their Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) grant which involves carrying out various experiments involving growing and marketing teff. Teff is a grain native to Ethiopia. The project began in October 2007 and was completed in September 2010.

WCSHC Partnership and Relationship

Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) joined forces with NOPBNRCSE to engage farmers from Mississippi and Louisiana to participate in this prolific organization’s Ag Expo. This event focused on broadening the organization’s persona in rural America by providing farmers a platform to share their concerns and opinions directly with service providers through a town-hall format. Several members of NOPBNRCSE said that were elated for this gathering of members and farmers to discuss pertinent issues and find possible resolutions to help farmers create sustainability in times of uncertainties.

WCSHC served as liaison between farmers and NOPBNRCSE leadership

to ensure a group of diverse famers participated in the town hall meeting and other conference activities. WCSHC member Bobby Hardin said “this is an excellent venue for small farmers to share their issues about what is needed from service providers in rural America to help create stronger communities.” Hardin said he plans to ask multiple questions including why NRCS stopped offering financial assistance through EQIP with cattle corrals and fertilization of grazing pastureland. Hardin also said these practices were instrumental in helping small and social disadvantaged farmers generate income and corrals provided safety when vaccinating animals. Carl James of Uneedus said “this is my first time participating in a conference which affords farmers an opportunity to voice their

concerns about changes needed to deliver services in a timely manner. I will echo my concerns today and I hope to learn more about how NRCS ranks applications.” WCSHC member Mother Ozolla Echelberger at 94 years old said “this event will help bridge gaps between senior and young farmers.” Mother Ozolla recounted the challenges black farmers encountered and the difficulties of managing subpar lands. “We were able to overcome adversities through faith, hard work and a commitment to leave a legacy for the next generations. I commend NOPBNRCSE for allowing WCSHC members and others to share our concerns with individuals who provide services to help us save rural America.”

“Reframing the Struggles of Minority Landownership in Urban and Rural America” 9

Going the Distance~by Jolene Lau, CRAC Chairperson, Honolulu, HI

Four thousand, two hundred sixty-seven total miles by air. That’s 2,397.41 miles from Honolulu, HI to San Francisco, CA, 1,482.27

miles from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX, and 387.14 miles from Dallas, TX to Jackson, MS (equivalent to 10.5 hours of flying time, one way). Some people have told me, “that’s going the distance for a conference at personal time/expense!” For me, it was a wise investment.

I’ve been a member of The Org for a

few years now, starting back when I was the Black Emphasis Program Manager for the Pacific Islands Area. Even though it wasn’t “required” of me to attend, The Org conference is something that I thoroughly enjoy and look forward to. It’s not just about the training, getting NHQ updates, or catching up with good friends. To me, it’s always been about service to The Org by helping the Communications Committee and showing support to those who came before us, leading the way to equality and being “the link to maximizing potential and conserving our nation’s resources.”

When I started with the agency in 1991, I had no idea what my job would flourish

into. There have been countless mentors along the way who offered sound advice for career development. I’ve been fortunate enough to move to different offices, building on promotional opportunities, and taking me places that I never imagined! I truly believe it’s all in part to the networking and service/contributions. It makes a difference when you pay it forward! See you all in ATL next year!

Presidents Award Recipients:

Cara Clark, WebmasterCara received the President’s Award for

exemplary service as The Organization’s Webmaster.  Not only is she a member of the communications committee but she is a very integral link between the Board and its communication to the membership.  Cara has put in countless hours to develop the 2012 Outreach and Ag Education Expo Program and the Expo Highlights publication. 

Dastina Wallace, Communications Committee ChairDastina has been the chair of the

communications committee from 2011-2013.  Under her leadership The Organization has made great strides in technology.  Not only did we implement a new website under her leadership but also a Facebook and Twitter page, online

membership and event payments, eBlasts for instant eNews, and much more.  She was awarded the President’s Award for the outstanding work of the committee and the many hours its members have volunteered throughout the past two years to continue the mission of The Organization.

Vivian Dickson, Planning ChairThis year’s Expo’s planning chair

received the President’s Award in recognition of her hard work in planning this successful event.  If you were at the Expo you saw her efforts and the distinguished agenda that accomplished the Expo’s objectives: bring together agriculture professionals, partners, landowners, and students in order to further the success of minorities in agriculture. Vivian dedicated a huge part of her personal time to ensure the planning for the event was completed

and she was recognized for her passion and commitment to The Organization.

MN/WI Chapter, Outstanding Chapter of the YearThe MN/WI Chapter received the Chapter

of the Year award for their commitment to the mission of The Organization at the local level.  The chapter submitted numerous recommendations to the Executive Board to better serve the membership.  One of them was the NRCS Black Firsts Project to highlight the Black employees who were the first to hold positions around the country with NRCS.  The Chapter also volunteered to work on projects to assist the Executive Board-- such as developing an MOU with USDA/NRCS and reviewing a recommendation for NRCS’s Outreach and Advocacy Division.  The chapter is very active and its members are dedicated to the Organization.

History is important because it tells the story of the past. Of our past rather. We are the outcome of what events have led to our present—both good and bad. We can only understand who we are and how we got to where we are by understanding and revisiting the past. This concept applies in

our personal lives AND in our professional careers.

Many within the USDA SCS/NRCS paved the way for minorities so that we could all have equal opportunities. Look to them as trailblazers, but also as inspiration to blaze your trail and make

history for yourself and others. Some of our very own trailblazers and history makers are highlighted on The Organization’s website. Visit “Our History” located under our members only site to learn about their accomplishments and some of NRCS History. Our History. Your History. Black History.

Do You Know OUR SCS/NRCS Black History?

The LINK Newsletter — The National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE)10

Stacey DomingueMy name is

Stacey Domingue. I am currently a Soil Conservation stationed in Amite, LA.

I graduated from Southern University in 2011 with a B.S.

in Agricultural Science. I began interning through the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) with Kansas NRCS in 2009, and continued for three summers until my graduation. I started as a full

New to NRCS—Meet...

Marian. Jordan My name is

Marian. Jordan and I am currently a soil conservationist for the Westfield field office in Westfield, WI. I provide service to three counties within the Central Sands area of the

state. My career with the USDA NRCS began in 2009 as a student trainee.

I am from north-central Mississippi and received my Bachelors of Science degree in Biology, and Masters of Science degree in Agronomy from Alcorn State University. I

Michelle Gaston

My name is Michelle Gaston and I came to NRCS in April 2011 as part of the Business Management Leaders Program (BMLP). I began as an Administrative

Specialist Trainee. I currently hold the title of Program Specialist. I am assigned to the Indiana State Office Administrative Staff, but I physically work in Salisbury, NC.

time NRCS employee in January 2012 in Paola, KS. In July, I relocated to the Amite Field Office.

The NOPBNRCSE Agriculture Education and Outreach Expo that was held November 30 – December 2 was the first time I had attended a NOPBNRCSE conference. During the weekend in Jackson, I learned about the history of The Organization, politics in the agency, and the importance of various mentors. The collaboration between the farmers and the organization provided the opportunity for both sides to gain insight from one another in a less formal setting, which I found valuable.

I believe employees should join the NOPBNRCSE because it can aid in career, and in some cases, personal growth. The organization, if used to its potential, can provide a medium to meet other or former employees that can provide career related advice. It also can be used to create relationships that surpass the work place and career growth. I feel it is important for not only employees that are still matriculating through the agency to join but also senior employees to be there to educate us of our history and aid us with valuable knowledge that cannot be derived from policy or a handbook. That which cannot be read must be told, and a story is nothing without a storyteller.

I had a wonderful time at the 2012 Outreach and Ag Expo that was held in Jackson, MS. I was able to meet and interact with landowners, members of Jackson, MS tourism division, and other NRCS employees. I attended several informative breakout sessions; all of the instructors were knowledgeable about the content presented. Everyone that I met was so nice, welcoming, and pleasant. Members of the NOPBNRCSE treated me as part of the family. I was welcomed and treated as someone that they had known for a long time, not like someone they had just met. It really put me at ease. I look

forward to attending the conference to be held in 2013.

Employees should join NOPBNRCE because they offer a lot of great opportunities. The Organization provides a lot of great options to learn, grow, and network. They are supportive of employees who are willing to put forth the positive effort on their part. I was provided with a scholarship by the Organization in order to be able to attend the Expo. Without this assistance, I don’t think I would have been able to attend. I am forever grateful for that because it turned out to be a wonderful experience.

am an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a dedicated advocate for victims of domestic violence.

I attended The Organization’s 2012 Outreach and Ag Education Expo as a first-timer. I was impressed by the level of dedication and professionalism of The Organization and its commitment to its members and the community. This meeting was comparable to, and had maybe even surpassed meetings I had attended previously.

The experience proved to be a great one. I thank The Organization for the opportunity to have participated in such an elaborate event as I was able to meet and connect with other Black NRCS

employees. Not only was it important to see employees who looked like me (something of which is not seen in my area), but I also feel that it is important, and rather quite imperative, to meet others and make those connections early in ones career, or even when one is at a crossroad.

Serving the community is important; building a community is imperative. Because of The Organization’s sense of community and its commitment to it members, I have decided to become a member and to contribute to the continued success of The Organization. I encourage other employees to join the NOPBNRCSE, to pay it forward. We must never forget from whence we came.

“Reframing the Struggles of Minority Landownership in Urban and Rural America”11

Nearly 60 Students Attend Expo!

The NOPBNRCSE collaborated with the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) to host a session on careers for three 1890 Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU). Approximately 60 students from Alcorn State University,

Southern University, and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff attended the NOPBNRCSE Outreach & Agriculture Education Expo.

As a partner, The Organization provided several of its members to speak to the students on their particular disciplines. Organization members with experience in the Soil Science, Soil Conservation, Biology,

and Engineering areas spoke to the students about degree requirements, internships, and their role within the NOPBNRCSE.

The Organization annually provides scholarships to 10 students who attend 1890 HBCUs in the agriculture, natural resources, and/or related sciences fields. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NAFEO in the future.

Our 4,000 Mile Journey Home

When it was announced that the EXPO was going to be held in Jackson MS, there was never any doubt that members of the West Region Chapter would attend. The focus of our Chapter’s discussion was on how many would make the trip and how we were going to get there. In many ways, that sums up the relationship that our chapter has had with the ORG from the very beginning….how, not if!

Many of us believed that with the election of Barrack Obama as President of the United States that the many of the diversity challenges of federal employment would “turn-the-corner.” Recent history has proven that this was not to be. The role of employee organizations within the NRCS has been challenged and as a result that relationship is in the process of being re-defined. Core to that re-definition is a re-commitment to the principles and practices that led to the chartering of the employee organizations originally. Inspired by The Organization’s leadership decision to come together on personal time and personal resources, the West Region Chapter could do no less.

Curtis Tarver, Chapter President, convened a conference call to discuss attending the upcoming meeting in Jackson MS. He opened the door and extended the opportunity for anyone

who wanted to attend to come along. He also “extended the opportunity” to other members who could not attend to “help” those who would go to represent the Chapter. Once the resources were in place, it was time to rent the van, pack the pillows and hook up Pandora. While it is easy to forget where you left your car keys…never let it be said that one ever forgets the words to R&B tunes of by-gone decades. The realities of winter weather altered our route from the US 40 through ABQ to US 20 along the Mexican border. The consensus of the van’s passengers was that the whole trip consisted of just driving through Texas. Roughly 30 hours (which at night seemed even longer) and 2100 miles later, we arrived in Jackson, MS. Joining other WR Chapter members already there; we immediately got involved in the afternoon’s activities.

Ken Grimes (Fresno, CA) and Brandon Bates (Bakersfield, CA) enjoyed the interaction with the 1890 students and discussion of maximizing opportunities as they prepare for their future while

Jolene Lau (Honolulu, HI) worked with the Communications’ Committee and even successfully moderated a General Session. Garry Ford (Woodland, CA) a first-time attender, was busy learning the history of the ORG and taking advantage of networking with colleagues from across the country, disciplines and GS levels. Curtis Tarver (Fresno, CA) connected with many old friends and gave good career advice to newer employees several of whom are destined to be both friends and leaders in the ORG and in the agency. Sharon Nance (Fresno, CA) and Keisha Tatem (Phoenix, AZ) enjoyed seeing the dream of the Executive Board become a reality.

Our 4000* mile journey was our way of letting the folks know we support and believe in the goals and aspirations of the NOPBNRCSE. We have done so in the past and look forward to doing so in the future…see you in Atlanta!!

Curtis Tarver, Ken Grimes & Sharon Nance

BACK - Brandon Bates, Curtis Tarver, Garry Ford, Ken Grimes FRONT - Jolene Lau & Sharon Nance

2013 - 2015 Executive Board

PresidentTerry Cosby, Ohio

Vice PresidentKevin Farmer, Rhode Island

Immediate Past PresidentDrenda Williams, Texas

Correspondence SecretaryVacant

Recording SecretaryOmelia Madison, Colorado

TreasurerBennie Clark, Jr., Indiana

Financial SecretaryTo Be Appointed by the President

ParliamentarianKeisha Tatem, Arizona

HistorianSuzette Shambley, Arkansas

Regional Representatives

Midwest Region RepresentativeCara Clark, Illinois

NHQ & East Region RepresentativeTiffany Davis, Maryland

Northern Plains Region RepresentativeJoni Franklin, Kansas

South Central Region RepresentativeAlvin Peer, Arkansas

Southeast Region RepresentativeLeander Brown, North Carolina

West Region RepresentativeDr. Sharon Nance, California

The National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees

Follow NOPBNRCSE on:Visit us at www.TheNOPBNRCSE.org