Happy Holidays from CAUSES!
With warmth and spirit, we give you, CAUSES in Action: December Edition!
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My favorite podcast is “How I Built This” with Guy Raz on National Public Radio (NPR). It is a podcast about innovators and entrepreneurs and how they built their companies. I’ve listened to this weekly podcast since its launch in 2016. Despite the different companies and circumstances, in my mind, there is a common thread applicable to every podcast guest— they have all experienced adversity and crisis in life, and they all lived to "tell the story." In light of this, it seems life is a book, and "adversity and crisis" are pages in the book.
2020 has been an interesting year. For most, it has been a year of adversity and crisis. As 2020 ends, I encourage you to consider the following--2020 does not have to be the end of your life story; it could signal a new beginning if you plan and keep hope alive. Planning is a form of hope. Look ahead with anticipation--Aim high! "Turn the page." Instead of putting a period at the end of 2020, put an ellipsis. You have an unfinished story. We all have a story. Tell us your story when the time is right. Meanwhile, enjoy this month’s newsletter while we tell ours.
Happy Holidays and Happy 2021!
Kind regards,
Dwane Jones, Ph.D., ACC (Associate Certified Coach)
Acting Dean of CAUSES and Director of Land-Grant Programs
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The American Institute of Architects Gifts UDC Foundation with a 2nd Monetary Gift of $12,000. |
We are elated to announce that the American Institute of American Architects (AIA) provided the UDC Foundation with a second monetary gift of $12,000. The gift is earmarked for the university’s Friends of Architecture Fund to further institutional research and provide student opportunities.
The AIA serves as the leading voice for the architectural industry and a valuable resource for its members in service to society. The foundation also helps to lead philanthropic practices to attract, engage, and invest in the next generation of architects, city planners, and/or urbanists who will create inclusively designed spaces, places, and communities.
We appreciate AIA's support of UDC students in their research efforts and scholastic endeavors. For scholarship opportunities, please visit here. |
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UDC in the News: Nursing Program Alumna, Deneen Richmond, Leads Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center as its NEW President! |
We are excited to report Deneen Richmond, an alumna of UDC CAUSES' Nursing Program, has advanced her professional career at the Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center as its newly appointed President. Previously, Deneen served as the Acting President since September 2020, and was honorably endorsed by the Board of Trustees for her community-driven leadership and successful expertise in hospital operations.
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“Deneen’s 20 years of experience in health care carries a track record of success in hospital operations leadership and clinical outcomes management. This, combined with her deep and practical expertise in population health, makes her a community-driven leader who is poised to usher in the next era of strong, quality health programs for Prince Georgians. She has the unequivocal support of the board.” - Rene LaVigne, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
“Deneen is the right person to lead the Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center now and into the future. I am confident in her ability to honor the medical center’s legacy in the community and couple it with changes that will make a powerful difference for those we serve.” - Victoria Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health.
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Brian Barnes Says, "Farewell" After
3 Amazing Years at CAUSES!
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Join us as we send our farewells and warm wishes to Brian Barnes, who served as the Project Assistant for Urban Agriculture at the Firebird Farm Hub in Beltsville, Maryland. Barnes' work and projects consisted of managing vegetable production and assisting with the implementation and maintenance of agricultural experiments.
Brian's multitude of sustainable agriculture experience and practices range from being the Assistant Farm Manager of one of the US Virgin Islands' USDA Certified Organic farms to working in community gardens throughout Brooklyn and Queens, New York, as an Americorps member.
Brian shared his industry knowledge of sustainable agriculture through workshops and certificate programs focused on skill development in urban gardening and agriculture skills development.
We wish Brian the best as he continues his purpose!
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CAUSES Patricia Bon Becomes the NEW Project Associate for the Center of Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education! |
Meet Patricia Bon! Ms. Bon previously served as the Staff Assistant for the Center of Urban Agriculture and Garden Education (CUAGE) at CAUSES, where she wore many hats, assisting the Center with farming operations, virtual programming and, community donations, and administrative support.
Within a year of working in her previous role, Patricia's unmatched work ethic and skill set landed her in the NEW Project Associate role, effective December 1, 2020.
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"I am very excited to accept this role in CAUSES and take on the challenge of restarting the DC Master Gardener Program in 2021! I look forward to connecting with DC Master Gardeners and developing some exciting (COVID-friendly) volunteer opportunities in the coming year." - Patricia B.
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CAUSES' Architecture Program Alum, Marco Feligioni, joins the infamous Michael Marshall Design as their newest Architectural Designer! |
We proudly celebrate the recent accolade of Marco Feligioni, Architecture Program Graduate, as he embarks on his professional endeavor as the NEW Architectural Designer for Micheal Marshall Design.
Marco will assist the architectural team with design development, construction management, and project planning. He also possesses a well-versed and professional background in a variety of software programs such as Revit, AutoCAD, Archicad, and Vectorworks, in addition to the Adobe suite that includes InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Marco looks forward to assisting with community building and designing sustainable spaces that create connectivity, eco-friendliness, and unity amongst communities and neighborhoods.
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"Very grateful and excited for this new adventure!" - Marco F.
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Meet Lilla Schottner: UDC Urban Sustainability Alum and First Prize Winner of the Earth Day 2020 Award. |
Join us in congratulating UDC graduate Lilla Schottner for her recent achievement as the Earth Day 2020 Award Recipient. Lilla's environmental science project won first place in the Advocacy Category! |
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My name is Lilla Schottner, and I am a recent graduate from the University of the District of Columbia in Washington D.C., majoring in Urban Sustainability. I chose this major because I am an active and passionate environmentalist! Among the many interesting subjects, I learned about sustainable cities, environmental health, climate change, and how to build resilient cities.
I live close to Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. I love this place, and I spend most of my free time here with my two beautiful dogs. It saddens me when I see the plastic pollution floating down the river, especially after a major rainstorm.
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Unfortunately, these rainstorms are getting bigger and more frequent as our climate is changing. According to United Nations’ Ocean Conference, more than 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, 51 trillion microplastic while harming 800 marine species, such as whales, sharks, sea turtles, and killing millions of sea birds every year. Plastic also bioaccumulates, ends up in our food chain, harming our children and us, the very future of us.
But let’s mention my poster; I created it because what bothers me the most is the plastic pollution in our area polluting our beautiful Anacostia, Potomac, and the eye-catching Rock Creek Park. What I would love to achieve is to take serious actions to save our neighborhoods from these polluting items and save the amazing and unique Rock Creek & Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay.
These are urgent times in many ways for our environment, the fires in California, Oregon, and now in Colorado, hurricanes devastating the southern States and especially New Orleans, forceful floods, and major droughts. All these events should force us to rethink the way we live! I strongly believe that reducing plastic pollution could be the first step towards more sustainable living.
We could start a conversation at any moment and create a far-reaching movement! The effects of climate change should be one of our top priorities, as it should also be of our government, which is supposed to act in the best possible interests of its people."
"As humans, we must “Think Globally and Act Locally”!
Let's reduce our single-use plastic waste!" - Lillie S.
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UDC’s EFNEP Launches It's Newly- Designed Site and is Now Accepting NEW Volunteers and Participants! |
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a free nutrition education program for limited-resource families in all 50 states and in American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
It is designed to assist limited-resource audiences in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and changed behavior necessary for nutritionally sound diets and contributing to their personal development and improvement of the total family diet and nutritional well-being.
EFNEP educators are members of the community who serve and teach participants how to improve their nutritional health and well-being. Be sure to join the movement today to help combat food insecurity and promote healthy eating and living.
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New Employment Opportunity at Rock Creek Conservancy Awaits! |
Our industry partner, Rock Creek Conservancy, has a great opportunity for you to make your mark on the Rock Creek watershed by helping the organization think systematically and proactively about how to improve the health of the watershed rapidly.
The Watershed Programs Manager is a one-year term position (with the possibility of extension) that will oversee our Downspout Disconnection Program, provide expertise to our community engagement programs, and develop a comprehensive plan for watershed restoration.
This position is currently remote but will require some occasional fieldwork.
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Calling All Sophomores & Seniors:
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Undergraduate Scholarship Seeks Summer Interns.
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NOAA's Ernest Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer.
The internship between the first and second years of the award provides the scholars with hands-on, practical experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities.
Awards also contain funding to attend the NOAA Scholarship Program orientation and the annual Science & Education Symposium, scientific events where students present their research and include housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship. Sophomores are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2021.
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NEWS: Movement Matters Seeks Infrastructure Research Interns for its Upcoming Research Project in D.C. |
Movement Matters (MM) is launching a project to evaluate the feasibility of a sector-wide social justice (cooperative) business venture at the intersection of food justice and education. As part of the initial assessment of the project, MM is engaging in some background research on needed infrastructure such as licensing requirements, economic scale, wages, etc.
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MM is seeking 1-2 student interns to assist with this research. The engagement is for the spring semester of 2021. Students are expected to work independently. MM staff will provide guidance and will check in weekly for progress. Students will conduct market, business law, and operations research. Students should have a commitment to and familiarity with local DC communities and government. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) students are encouraged to apply. The internship offers a $500 stipend.
Though the project's initial research phase is expected to last only for the semester, the research position could turn into a more permanent role.
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NEWS: The Center of Nutrition, Diet, and Health Publishes Newly-Revised Nutrition Essentials for Preschoolers with an Online Flipbook.
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The Nutrition Essentials flipbook was developed to supply teachers with fun and creative ideas for implementing nutrition and food safety education in classrooms. The lessons were closely developed in accordance with key messages from the United States Department of Agriculture 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate.
This curriculum guide is designed to strategically motivate children, teachers, and parents to actively participate and explore the benefits of following food safety practices and healthy diets that emphasize fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and low-fat free milk and milk products.
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The City of Long Beach, California, is Now Recruiting Graduate Students for its 2021-2022 Management Assistant Cohort Program. |
The City of Long Beach, California, is currently seeking talented aspiring public leaders interested in applying their skills to serve a diverse, full-service city of 470,000 residents. The Management Assistant Program provides talented and motivated individuals with experience and skills to become innovative local government leaders. Management Assistants experience a paid one-year apprenticeship working in four three-month rotations in various city units alongside career department heads. For more information, visit their website. |
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RSVP for the Info-Session:
Monday, January 11, 2021
3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
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Alumni of the Management Assistant Program have held many key positions in the City, including City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and Directors of Economic Development, Public Works, Development Services, and Human Resources. Alumni have also taken leadership positions in various other local government agencies and non-profits and philanthropic organizations.
Deadline: Program Applications must be submitted by January 19, 2021, at 11:59 pm.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have completed the requirements for a Master's Degree in an applicable field such as, but not limited to, Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, and Social Work by June 2021 and must have 6 months of relevant experience.
Salary:
Approximately $58,724, a full benefits package, and a CalPERS defined pension with employee participation currently at 6.5 percent of salary.
If you have any questions about the Management Assistant Program, the application process, or the City of Long Beach, please RSVP for the upcoming informational session.
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Upcoming Events & Workshops |
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Next Up: CAUSES Spring Research Seminar Series Kicks Off on 1/15th! |
CAUSES Research Seminar Series returns this spring with its first virtual event on January 15, 2021.
Tune in for our next session, "Moving Beyond GDP: Developing Natural Capital Accounts," led by Dr. Glenn-Marie Lange, Sr. Environmental Economist and Chief Advisor for the Natural Capital Accounting, The World Bank.
Note: This event is open to UDC partners, graduate students, faculty, and community stakeholders.
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Meeting ID: 108-126-359 | Passcode: 636941
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Up and Coming: DC Master Naturalist Spring Informational Virtual Session Kicks off Soon! |
Join us this semester for a live, virtual information session to gain insight about the 2021 DC Master Naturalist Program and its development and resource opportunities. Learn how to apply for acceptance into the next cohort and network with program members. We will release the date and time for this session later this month. Stay Tuned!
Note: This event is open to interested DC residents.
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Meeting Number: 132 865 9804
Password: etXKZh3Rk95
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Trending Virtual Programs |
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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. Each class will include a cooking demonstration with Chef Herb Holden!
Class Begins: 1/11/21
For more information, please directly contact Alison Gerber at alison.gerber@udc.edu or 202-934-4107.
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This is a 15-hour interactive online certificate course. It is designed to help the audience eat healthy on a budget. Learn how to make traditional recipes healthier. Work with the instructor to fix problems that prevent healthy eating. Cooking Demonstrations are included. Line up your ingredients. Cook, along with the instructor, for a late lunch or early dinner!
Class Opens: 1/12/21
Please contact Dr. Amy Schweitzer for the WebEx link and registration information at 202-923-7204 or amy.schweitzer@udc.edu.
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Are you interested in advancing your expertise and skill set in food safety 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 continues on 1/25!
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.
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This one-hour workshop is designed to provide participants with information and easy tips on reading and understanding what is on the nutrition facts label. Also, participants of this workshop will learn what nutrients and ingredients are required on the nutrition facts label by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Workshop participants will receive an electronic certificate of completion 7 to 10 days after completing the workshop.
Classes Reconvene:
Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
For further information, please contact Dr. Johnson-Largent directly at 202- 274-6708.
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Join Tiffany N. Johnson-Largent, Ph.D., RDN, LD for an introductory course on the evidence-based health benefits of eating vegetables.
This 15-hour certificate introductory course is designed to provide participants with evidence-based health benefits of eating vegetables.
Length of Course: Fifteen (15), 1 Hour Sessions.
Classes Resume:
February 3, 2021, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For further information, please contact Dr. Johnson-Largent directly at 202-274-6708.
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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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Socially Active? Connect with Us! |
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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.
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