Well I am very glad that the communications paper is almost done. This has, by far, been one of the worst projects of my college career. Not only was it done in a group (which sucked whether we had a contract or not), but it was also tedious and aggravating. I know I probably shouldn’t be starting out the blog like this, but it has been weighing on my heart so I am going to let it out… That is what blogs are all about right?
Okay, so our topic was great. I think it was better than other groups who might have been a little lofty in what they were trying to accomplish. I liked how ours was attainable and malleable to our wants. It allowed for us to take the project where we wanted and wasn’t too constricting. I wish I could tell you that it all worked out, but as of today, Tuesday, we still haven’t really gotten anywhere. But no worries, we will be turning it in on Friday for extra points.
The fact that we were educating the population was the best and work part of the whole deal. It was easy because we are all Agricultural Education majors and plan on dealing with this later on in our career. The main hurdle was figuring out how OYE worked. Finances and money was, of course, the biggest obstacle we faced. Trying to quote things and figure out how much we needed in general for the project. It was hard to base this all in reality when it was a made up plan from us.
Let’s be honest. Any project that is done in a group of 4 and spaced out across an entire semester will get done the week it is due. This blog was good in theory trying to pace us, but it was inevitable. We were going to hold off on it until this week. That is why I hate group projects. 500 words is a lot when I don’t really care about the topic. I wish that we could blog about what we wanted…. I actually started a blog so I could write what I wanted and I would have never done that unless I had been in AGCM.
Anyways, trying to steer away all the negativity… Back to my topic. Again, I think I have said this, but I really did like our topic. Educating livestock showers, adults in the livestock industry, and the general public about the ethics in the show ring is a noble cause. It also a very important message not only for those familiar with livestock, but those who are not familiar with the purpose of livestock shows. It allows us the chance to showcase the FFA and 4-H events in a bright light, showcasing all the benefits and pros there are. With people who are already in the livestock shows, it is a good reminder of why we do this. It also brings to life the issues of ethics and morals in the show ring. Cheating and unethical behavior should not and will not be tolerated.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Communication Paths
With our state-wide campaign, one might think that we would be looking into large media outlets like the radio, television, or newspapers; however, our objectives require a much more localized approach to getting out our message. The first line of communication is through the website. The website is already set up, and will just add a link which will lead to a page all about Livestock Handling and Showing Ethics. It will be accessible to all demographics including the teachers, extension agents, students, and even community members who are curious. There would not be any cost to this because we already have the domain for the website, and the webmaster is already paid to work with projects such as this.
The second mode of communication will be through brochures and face to face contact. We will be sending out interns and representatives to the State Fairs, classrooms, State Convention, Alumni Camp, and even to communities to spread the word. The campaign posters, flyers, brochures, and pens will be costly; however, our efforts are being directed toward those who are involved in livestock. The best approach to teaching and educating ethics in the show ring is one on one interaction and dialogue.
The third line of communication would be through a video at Oklahoma FFA Convention. We want to have ‘commercials’ running before and during the sessions. FFA members are a main target audience. We believe that educating 4-H and FFA students will help curve any trend of unethical behavior that perhaps has been growing for the past couple years. With the se commercials, we do not want to merely do a PSA, but instead incorporate humor and catchy slogan which will stick in the young adults mind and impact them.
Another couple options might be a PSA through NPR or other community radio shows. We worry though that this is not going to our target audience and may be received negatively by others. Television is along the same lines. Because many people from all different walks of life watch TV, we worry the education might be perceived as ethics being a manifestation of a problem across all livestock shows. That is not the objective of the campaign. Instead we want to remind and reeducate how we define ethics in the show ring before something tragic happens.
Newspaper ads might be an option, but perhaps we can have extension agents and teachers write letters or facilitate that sort of dialogue. Since newspapers are a communication tool that is viewed by the masses, we would like a well respected community member making comments and references to our campaign instead of us splattering ethics at livestock shows all over the front page.
Personally, I think the brochures and promotional items will be the best. They allow representatives to talk to those who are in the show ring and who can make the adjustment. With these communication tools the objective would be shared with the correct audience. This could then lead to reform in how we treat livestock and shows where young students exhibit those animals.
The second mode of communication will be through brochures and face to face contact. We will be sending out interns and representatives to the State Fairs, classrooms, State Convention, Alumni Camp, and even to communities to spread the word. The campaign posters, flyers, brochures, and pens will be costly; however, our efforts are being directed toward those who are involved in livestock. The best approach to teaching and educating ethics in the show ring is one on one interaction and dialogue.
The third line of communication would be through a video at Oklahoma FFA Convention. We want to have ‘commercials’ running before and during the sessions. FFA members are a main target audience. We believe that educating 4-H and FFA students will help curve any trend of unethical behavior that perhaps has been growing for the past couple years. With the se commercials, we do not want to merely do a PSA, but instead incorporate humor and catchy slogan which will stick in the young adults mind and impact them.
Another couple options might be a PSA through NPR or other community radio shows. We worry though that this is not going to our target audience and may be received negatively by others. Television is along the same lines. Because many people from all different walks of life watch TV, we worry the education might be perceived as ethics being a manifestation of a problem across all livestock shows. That is not the objective of the campaign. Instead we want to remind and reeducate how we define ethics in the show ring before something tragic happens.
Newspaper ads might be an option, but perhaps we can have extension agents and teachers write letters or facilitate that sort of dialogue. Since newspapers are a communication tool that is viewed by the masses, we would like a well respected community member making comments and references to our campaign instead of us splattering ethics at livestock shows all over the front page.
Personally, I think the brochures and promotional items will be the best. They allow representatives to talk to those who are in the show ring and who can make the adjustment. With these communication tools the objective would be shared with the correct audience. This could then lead to reform in how we treat livestock and shows where young students exhibit those animals.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Money Money Money
Since we are acting as the Oklahoma Youth Expo, many of our expenses are paid through grants and sponsorship. With our program to combat cheating in the livestock arena, we are hoping to get 2-5 sponsors who will fund this effort. We will take on an intern who will be compensated for their efforts in making sure that many of the details are taken care of. We will need money for the brochures, flyers, posters, and promotional items. The hours spent by the workers will not need more compensation than their already paid wages. The largest amount of the budget will be spent on promotional tools and then traveling expenses to the Oklahoma State Convention and communities in Oklahoma throughout the year including schools, 4-H programs, and various FFA events.
Promotional materials will include a video made by the FFA officers, a full out booth with includes posters and banner. The promotional gifts, which can be t-shirts, jackets, show gear, bumper stickers and pens, will come through donation from our sponsors. The other component of traveling will take up about half of the budget. The main use of transportation will be vehicle and thus the price fluctuation will depend on gasoline prices; however, OYE will be compensating the promoters for the gas they use on business approved trips. The show gear can be donated directly from the manufacturers. We will probably make the t-shirts and jackets, but offset costs by adding logos to them from sponsors. Pens, bumper stickers, and the booth set up/information packets will all be costs we take on as an organization.
The intern that we select will not be full time. They will only be working for us in the summer and winter break full time. During their school year, because we want to have preferably a college senior, they will remain active, but on a smaller scale. Their compensation will be a lump sum set out at the start of their employment. The monetary supplement will be given out in increments.
The man-power will be the most costly part of the campaign. Since this is only for one year, it is not feasible to hire a full time position. With only an intern to chair the efforts, other leaders will have to be sought out to do some promoting on our behalf. If they are given anything for heir efforts, it will be a promotional jacket. The head directors will also be charged with the extra responsibility of helping assist in areas of the campaign that already fall under their responsibility list.
To cut out some costs, we could also use OALE as a resource to spread the campaign. Since they are already going around the state, they could pick up more hours by helping advocate the message.
The building and overhead cost will still be paid for and used as the normal set up. We should not have to be concerned with normal cost that a campaign would be looking at if they were starting from scratch. It is fortunate that we are already established and credible so taking on a year long campaign will be not a painful to the budgets when comparing it to a not so well known organization.
Promotional materials will include a video made by the FFA officers, a full out booth with includes posters and banner. The promotional gifts, which can be t-shirts, jackets, show gear, bumper stickers and pens, will come through donation from our sponsors. The other component of traveling will take up about half of the budget. The main use of transportation will be vehicle and thus the price fluctuation will depend on gasoline prices; however, OYE will be compensating the promoters for the gas they use on business approved trips. The show gear can be donated directly from the manufacturers. We will probably make the t-shirts and jackets, but offset costs by adding logos to them from sponsors. Pens, bumper stickers, and the booth set up/information packets will all be costs we take on as an organization.
The intern that we select will not be full time. They will only be working for us in the summer and winter break full time. During their school year, because we want to have preferably a college senior, they will remain active, but on a smaller scale. Their compensation will be a lump sum set out at the start of their employment. The monetary supplement will be given out in increments.
The man-power will be the most costly part of the campaign. Since this is only for one year, it is not feasible to hire a full time position. With only an intern to chair the efforts, other leaders will have to be sought out to do some promoting on our behalf. If they are given anything for heir efforts, it will be a promotional jacket. The head directors will also be charged with the extra responsibility of helping assist in areas of the campaign that already fall under their responsibility list.
To cut out some costs, we could also use OALE as a resource to spread the campaign. Since they are already going around the state, they could pick up more hours by helping advocate the message.
The building and overhead cost will still be paid for and used as the normal set up. We should not have to be concerned with normal cost that a campaign would be looking at if they were starting from scratch. It is fortunate that we are already established and credible so taking on a year long campaign will be not a painful to the budgets when comparing it to a not so well known organization.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Resources
So this whole project is really stressing me out. I am a deadline kind of gal, so when it comes to big projects like this…. I naturally freak out! Since I haven’t really gotten the chance to explain the topic our group chose (good thing, because we just altered it yesterday!) I will talk briefly about the vision of the project. The other reason that I am going to do it, is so I can make it to 100 words faster!! I am at 81… So our topic for the project is going to center around Ethics at Livestock shows. This is going to run like a campaign, and encourage students, teachers, parents, community members, and all those involved in the livestock program why they show a project. We are concerned that if cheating isn’t eradicated, livestock shows will be banned.
In order to do this properly, we will definitely need some sources within OYE. The most important information we would need from them is financing. How much would they put towards a campaign idea such as this? There are many sponsors, so I would think that maybe if you team up with a couple Agriculture sponsors, they would put money into this campaign. The OYE site has all their sponsors as well as the head people who work to put OYE on. These people would be beneficial when we set up the campaign tour, and perhaps what audience we would be focusing on. Also on the OYE site there is the official rule book. Within the rule book there is the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. This is the complete list of what is expected of exhibitors including the zero tolerance of drugs.
Some sites which deal with ethics in general would probably be helpful. We are wanting a great slogan, so any creative ideas may come from an ethics site. We also need some hard core information on how to combat unethical behavior from a large demographic. We will be targeting students, parents, teachers, and jockey’s but each one of those groups needs a tailored message. There was something created in 1995 called the Livestock Ethics Task Force. I am not for sure if they are still doing there thing, but we can research it.
While I was researching possible sources, I ran across the Florida State fair board website and they actually require all exhibitors to take a husbandry and livestock ethics class before they are allowed to show in some of the main expos. I think this is a neat idea, and that we should look into a possibility of making all potential exhibitors take a mandatory class. Overall the main resources that we will be pulling from is sources which speak to ethical treatment of livestock, and then the OYE website. I would be interested though in trying to get in contact with someone to look at the OYE budget and see if they could fund something like this, or if it would need extra sponsoring. A way we could eliminate some of the costs is to bring in alumni or producers to teach some of the workshops and classes.
In order to do this properly, we will definitely need some sources within OYE. The most important information we would need from them is financing. How much would they put towards a campaign idea such as this? There are many sponsors, so I would think that maybe if you team up with a couple Agriculture sponsors, they would put money into this campaign. The OYE site has all their sponsors as well as the head people who work to put OYE on. These people would be beneficial when we set up the campaign tour, and perhaps what audience we would be focusing on. Also on the OYE site there is the official rule book. Within the rule book there is the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. This is the complete list of what is expected of exhibitors including the zero tolerance of drugs.
Some sites which deal with ethics in general would probably be helpful. We are wanting a great slogan, so any creative ideas may come from an ethics site. We also need some hard core information on how to combat unethical behavior from a large demographic. We will be targeting students, parents, teachers, and jockey’s but each one of those groups needs a tailored message. There was something created in 1995 called the Livestock Ethics Task Force. I am not for sure if they are still doing there thing, but we can research it.
While I was researching possible sources, I ran across the Florida State fair board website and they actually require all exhibitors to take a husbandry and livestock ethics class before they are allowed to show in some of the main expos. I think this is a neat idea, and that we should look into a possibility of making all potential exhibitors take a mandatory class. Overall the main resources that we will be pulling from is sources which speak to ethical treatment of livestock, and then the OYE website. I would be interested though in trying to get in contact with someone to look at the OYE budget and see if they could fund something like this, or if it would need extra sponsoring. A way we could eliminate some of the costs is to bring in alumni or producers to teach some of the workshops and classes.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tasty Topics
There are so many aspects dealing with current agriculture and natural resources. Where do I even start? Seeing as this class is all about communications, I thought about interesting headlines, news clips, and even documentaries I had come across recently. Below are some topics which struck me as relevant and worthy for my Strategic Communications Plan.
Genetically Modified Food. This has some controversy, many different avenues of interest, and affects every person, everyday. Personally I know a little about the legality of genetically modified seeds, especially with Round Up, but I would like to learn more about the topic. This is an issue that will only expand as time foes on, and will be a hot topic in the future. This issue is as large as feeding the world, and as small as where do lines get drawn when discussing patents and genetics.
My next to topics are more about what I am planning on doing in the future. Education is my passion, and is facing some important issues.
Budget cuts within the education system. There are so many examples of this happening right now, so it would be easy to research. From teacher layoffs and cutting extra-curricular activities, to decreasing technology and supplies. I have heard a lot of the topic through my ag ed teachers. They have been relaying many of the hardships the classroom is facing in the economic recession. Just like GMO's, this topic reaches everyone! Our children go through school from pre-k to senior year of high school. Education is one of the most important things that needs to continually evolve and be improved on. Without educated citizens, our country will stop developing and advancing. Education is the foundation for citizenship, and it is not the place where you seek to make budget cuts.
Since we are talking about education and economics, my final topic idea is the salary for educators. I know this topic from my experiences solely, but would love to see what kind of research and articles were out there. Personally, I made a tough decision when picking a major between passion and money. I firmly believe that people should enjoy their job and have a passion about it on some level; however, I also know that money is a main decider when young adults are picking out a major. I know that I will not be paid a large salary, but I love teaching. This is not always the case though, and I think we are losing out on great candidates for teaching our children because their wages are low. This is why it is important. Young people are with their teachers for an average of seven hours a day. They not only learn the core subjects, but life skills which will help them later in life to be successful. I want to feel confident that my child is learning from individuals who not only know the content knowledge, but also have a desire to motivate my child beyond the limits that they have set for themselves.
Obviously, I am more interested in the latter two of the topics, but all three are important and interesting. I look forward to actually getting into a group and starting this project. I love informing others, and raising awareness in subjects that are often overlooked.v
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
