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
