Building Your Legacy: AGvocate 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 Monsanto: Some Food for Thought Agriculture Impressions Marshall Stewart Legislative Advocacy

Questions or Comments? Thanks For Attending! Stacey Huffman, WVU Extension Agent, Mineral County Phone:(304) Jodi Richmond, WVU Extension Agent, Mercer County Phone:(304) Jennifer Williams, Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Phone:(304)