Working on Wellness Environments
Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) is a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension multidisciplinary community development program

Celebrate Your Local Parks and Places!

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By: Valeria Jauregui

How many active parks and places do you think there are in Rio Grande City? Did you know there are at least 17? Did you know the city of Roma has at least three? Parks, schools, plazas and paths can provide most people with a place to be active and spend time with family and friends.

Many people do not know about all the parks in their communities—even in smaller communities. According to Jamie Rae Walker, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension associate professor and urban and municipal park specialist, research says lack of knowledge is one of the barriers people report for why they don’t visit their local parks and active places.

Roma, Rio Grande City, and the city of Eagle Pass are working with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) program to tie into the CDC’s Active People Healthy Nation (APHN) campaign. This campaign aims to get 27 million more Americans physically active by 2027. The goal of these local efforts is to make residents “in the know” about parks and active places so more can visit and use them to be active, socialize, and enjoy time outdoors.

The campaign is in full swing; here’s what community members have said about it:

“[The billboard] is going to make people think, ‘I want to go find [the parks!]”

“It’s a great source of information and inspiration because people will want to go and find [the parks] and use them.”

Residents of Roma, Rio Grande City, and Eagle Pass can visit tx.ag/parks to learn about parks and other active places like plazas, walking trails, bike lanes, and schools with after-school amenities. The website also includes information about StoryWalk™, a program that allows children and families to get active together while they read a book that is posted page-by-page along a designated route.

Watch your community for more resources, like billboards, maps, posters, and cues around to help you learn about local active infrastructure. For more information, visit tx.ag/parks.

Note: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) program is funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) High Obesity Program.

Embracing Youth Perspectives for Community Change

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By Anna Stehling

When planning for community change and improvement, it’s easy to overlook a segment of the population that is often underrepresented among community planners and professionals: youth.

Those under 25 have a unique experience and perspective in their community and often aren’t scared to speak the truth about what they see. If you want to make a change in your community that is impactful, meaningful, relevant, and sustainable, engage the community, including the youth.

FACES OF OUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Changemakers around the world tap into younger generations for their outlook and input. For example, as Kailash Satyarthi campaigned against child labor in India, he made sure to include the children and youth impacted by these situations. For the social reforms he helped bring about, he was co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Malala Yousafzai, in 20141.

His perspective is captured here: “The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present, and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm, and courage of the young people.2”

As you look to make a difference in your community, whether large or small, embracing the power of youth perspective can shape your outcomes in positive ways.

MEANINGFUL PERSPECTIVES

Youth participation and engagement are important to a meaningful planning process for myriad reasons. Not only are young people the future of the community, but they are here right now, and their opinions matter. Regardless of age, all people have experiences and opinions that are valid. Youth community members have a right to be included in decisions that will affect them.

Bringing youth to the table and giving them a voice and an opportunity to contribute to change also can foster a sense of ownership and belonging. Young people that are involved in their community change will likely feel a sense of investment in their community and will develop a sense of ownership and pride there as well.

Young people experience and view their community in a way that is unique, which makes them a significant group to tap into. Community leaders should capitalize on the fact that youth have a one-of-a-kind lens through which they view their surroundings.

OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME

Why don’t we embrace the power of the youth perspective more often? Perhaps it’s that community leaders look to professional peers, who are often older. It also takes a concerted effort to engage young people and figure out where to find them. There also might be preconceived ideas about what they care about and how involved they want to be. Keep an open mind–you will probably be surprised.

CONNECTING WITH YOUTH

It can help if you understand a few things about the younger generations by talking to them. Here are some ideas for getting in touch:

· Reach out to current contacts about the young people in their lives.

· Connect with local high school guidance counselors and ask for their recommendations about how to interest students in your goals.

· Utilize social media to reach younger generations (Instagram is a good start).

· Put up flyers at the places where youth gather, like libraries and community sports venues.

Once you have a handful of young people interested, let them plan a fun event and invite their friends. Pizza, anyone?

PLAN TO SUCCEED

Aiming to increase youth engagement and participation can be woven into your efforts as you work to change your community. Participation might start off small, but incorporating youth in your efforts will likely strengthen it for the future. Think long-term, make use of your connections, and stay optimistic: Your community, young and old, will benefit.

Sources

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kailash_Satyarthi

2 https://www.forbesindia.com/article/thoughts/thoughts-on-being-young/66673/1

Planning to Plan? Here’s Where to Start. 

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By Emily Gunderson  

Planning is an essential part of any successful endeavor, whether it’s launching a new project or implementing changes within a local, county, or state government. By planning effectively, you can assure the best use of available resources and your fit within larger governmental planning processes. However, before you jump into planning, it’s important to consider the factors that influence change and understand how to work within the already-established framework. 

Knowing that change often occurs through smaller-scale efforts that accumulate to larger movements is essential. You may not see immediate change, but by implementing small changes, you can contribute to a broader change over time. Consider the factors that influence change, like plans, budgets, topography, climate, fiscal resources, expertise, politics, capacity, policies, and public support. You should also consider the capacity of city staff, civic volunteers, and community partners. Understanding these can help you plan more effectively and ensure that your plans are feasible and sustainable. 

Team Adelante Task Force

For example: over four years ago, WOW-E started supporting the efforts of a health coalition and local citizens who wanted a safer place to walk. Through the technical assistance of WOW-E, that city now has a downtown walkability plan and is in the process of developing a comprehensive plan and parks master plan.  

GETTING STARTED 

When working within the established framework, take time to learn how to work with the existing plans, established priorities, identified issues, and city/county budget. Additionally, understanding the rules and regulations, such as the 72-hour notice, permits, etc., will allow you to avoid any roadblocks that may hinder your plans’ implementation. Don’t forget, planning, policy, and implementation take time, advocacy, and support. It’s essential to be patient and persevere in your efforts to achieve your goals. 

Rio WOW Coalition started the effort towards a comprehensive plan

WOW-E plays a vital role in supporting local communities and governments. They bring a do-with, not do-for mentality. WOW-E links leaders and practitioners to resources within Extension and Texas A&M University, encouraging equitable engagement, education, and empowerment of key partners and organizations.  

For governmental folks looking to build active environments through community planning,  AgriLife Extension can also help build and connect strong community systems to listen to priorities. They can also link people and groups together when they have shared goals, connecting expertise to needs if possible. Another part of their role is empowering and educating constituents to be a part of the process through newsletters, social media, guest speakers, and inviting decision-makers. 

Rio WOW Coalition doing a walkability assessment

CELEBRATE IT ALL 

Celebrating small and big wins helps keep the momentum going over the long haul. That means recognizing change and encouraging stakeholders. Invite people to attend ribbon cuttings or to spread the word about updated and new facilities through an attractive social media post. You could also invite people to help care for new facilities by adopting a park or participating in clean-up days, for example. These are excellent ways to contribute to the community and people feel more invested in the results.  

Remember, planning, policy, and implementation take time, advocacy, and support. Be patient and persevere in your efforts to achieve your goals as you plan for success. 

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program

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The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

The SS4A program supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and our goal of zero roadway deaths. 

FY23 NOFO Is Open, Now through July 10, 2023

The fiscal year (FY) 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants is now open through July 10, 2023. 

The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. (EDT) Monday, July 10, 2023. Late applications will not be accepted. For details, more information, and applicant guidance:

Award announcements are expected to be made by late 2023.

In FY22, USDOT awarded $800 million in over 500 communities through the first round of SS4A funding. View all of the SS4A 2022 Awards.

Subscribe to email updates to be notified when additional information is available.

To read visit https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A

USDA Rural Development Funding Opportunities

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Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure 

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development grants for eligible communities to prepare for or recover from an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants *NEW*
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development grants to very-low and low-income homeowners to repair homes damaged in a Calendar Year 2022 Presidentially Declared Disaster Area. To determine your eligibility, review the list of Presidentially Declared Disasters by State and County. How do I get started? Contact a USDA home loan specialist in your area. Application Deadline: Open

Housing Preservation Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides funding to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of applicable housing. *New* Funding may also be available to help repair homes damaged during a calendar year 2022 Presidentially declared disaster area. Federal Register. Application Deadline: 6/5/2023

Community Connect Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides funding to construct broadband networks in rural areas that do not currently have broadband service. Application Deadline: 6/20/2023

Funding Opportunities for Community and Economic Development

SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development funding for financially distressed rural communities of less than 2,500 people to assist with feasibility studies, design assistance and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. Application Deadline: Open

Water and Waste Disposal Pre-development Planning Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers grants to help low-income, rural communities with the initial planning and development of applications for their Water and Waste Disposal loan/grant and loan guarantee programs. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Rural Energy Savings Program 
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides loans to entities that agree to make affordable loans to help consumers implement cost-effective, energy efficiency measures to lower energy bills for rural families and businesses and reduce barriers to investment in energy efficiency projects or activities. Application Deadline: Open

Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides technical assistance for the development of cooperatives or the formation of new cooperatives including leadership training, the development of feasibility studies, business plans and/or strategic plans. Application Deadline: 5/16/2023

Energizing Rural Communities Prize
U.S. Department of Energy
DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations offers funding for entrepreneurs, university faculty, student groups, community organizations, tribal and local governments, financial institutions, industry professionals, and others with ideas to help organize or finance a clean energy demonstration project in a rural or remote area. Application Deadline: 5/24/2023

Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations Grant Program
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
DOL Employment and Training Administration and Women’s Bureau grant program supports community-based organizations in their efforts to recruit, train, and retain more women in Registered Apprenticeship Programs and industries where they are underrepresented such as construction, manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Application Deadline: 5/29/2023

Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA program supporting the design of a new pass-through program to provide grant funds via subawards to community-based nonprofit organizations and other eligible subrecipient groups representing underserved and disadvantaged communities. Application Deadline: 5/31/2023

Broadband Technical Assistance Program *NEW*
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers this program to support technical assistance projects such as conducting feasibility studies, completing network designs and developing broadband financial assistance applications. Funding is also available to help organizations access federal resources, and to conduct data collection and reporting. Read the full news release. Application Deadline: 6/20/2023