2012 National Women in Agriculture Educators Conference
March 28, 2012
The Peabody Hotel, Memphis, TN
Presented by: Stacey Huffman , Jodi Richmond and Jennifer Williams
West Virginia University Extension Service

Impressions Are Everything

Reality is Important

Some Food for Thought…

Agricultural Advocacy
“Agvocacy”
Understanding and Implementing
Your Personal
AGvocacy Agenda

Why
AGvocate
• Share Your
Passion
• Protect The
Image
• Dispel Myths
• Reinforce
Positives
• Influence the
Conversation

Target Audiences
• Consumers
• School Groups
• Political and Community Leaders
• Media Groups

How Do I Agvocate?
• Volunteer
– Local Schools
– Youth Organizations
• Guest Speaker
– Club Meetings
• Legislative Visits
– Local
– State
– National
• Utilize Media Outlets
– Newspaper
– Television
– Radio
– Social Media
• Agritourism
– Farm Visits
– Newsletter
– Advertisement

Guiding Principles
• The Know’s
– Know who you are and what you believe in
– Know who you are talking to
– Know what is important to those you are talking to

Guiding Principles
• The Be’s
– Be Knowledgable
– Be flexible
– Be relentless
– Be honest
– Be willing to bring in others

Guiding Principles
Ingredients for Success!
• P ersistence
• I ntegrity
• G uts

Creating Your Message
Elevator Speech
Elements
• Short (30 Seconds to 2 Minutes)
• Informative/Descriptive
• Attention Grabbing

References
Farmers Fight! TAMU Ag Advocacy 2012 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Farmers-Fight-TAMU-Ag-Advocacy-2012/185557591535655
Monsanto: Some Food for Thought http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A4oAyKOGHg
Agriculture Impressions http://www.facebook.com/agricultureimpressions
Marshall Stewart Legislative Advocacy http://www.slideshare.net/debgebeke/legislative-advocacy-marshall-stewart

Questions or Comments?
Thanks For Attending!
Stacey Huffman, WVU Extension Agent, Mineral County
Phone:(304) 788-3621
Email: stacey.huffman@mail.wvu.edu
Jodi Richmond, WVU Extension Agent, Mercer County
Phone:(304) 425-3079
Email: jodi.richmond@mail.wvu.edu
Jennifer Williams, Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Phone:(304) 293-2560
Email: JOWilliams@mail.wvu.edu