2009 Farm-Based Education Conference
Call for Workshop and Presentation Proposals
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The Farm-Based Education Conference
Tarrytown, NY
November 12-14, 2009
RFP Contact: judyf@stonebarnscenter.org
Hosted by:
The Farm Based Education Association
and
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
Proposal Period:
March 16 – April 24
No proposals will be accepted after April 24
Conference Description
The 2009 Farm-Based Education Conference will provide a unique arena for farm-based education
practitioners seeking tools and professional camaraderie to support their programmatic and
organizational goals. Relying on the expertise of seasoned professionals in this field, the conference
workshops, field trips, and keynote addresses will focus on the most-promising and inspiring practices in
the development, management, promotion, implementation, enhancement, and expansion of farm-based
educational programming. The conference program is designed to provide participants with updates on
issues at the forefront of farm-based education and to provide them with the opportunity to share ideas,
materials, and strategies. Farmers, teachers, informal educators, community organizers, philanthropists,
health care professionals, historians, land conservationists, journalists, and food/farm advocates are all
welcomed to participate and/or present.
Presentation Formats
Workshop Sessions (workshops can include a single presenter or panel discussion) 1.5-2 hours in length.
Possible Topics
Urban Agriculture
Special Needs and Special Interests
Ages and Stages
Expressive Arts
Farm-Based Education Globally
Farms as Learning Environments
How to Present
Partnerships, Collaborations and Affiliations
Non-Profit Administration
Mission and Practice
The Visitor Experience
Staffing
Summer Camp
Starting Community Farms
Networking and Resources
What is Farm Based Education?
Farming, Food and Health
Suggest other topics by e-mailing: judyf@stonebarnscenter.org
Session format
Interactive sessions that provide opportunities for significant audience participation are encouraged. We
are also seeking workshops and panels that build specific skills such as grant writing, policy advocacy,
facilitation, working with farmers, working with children etc. We encourage session organizers to include a
diverse group of leaders, such as youth, farmers, and community members. Introductory and advanced
level workshops are also welcome.
Audience
Expect a very diverse audience in terms of occupation. They include educators, students, farmers, land
managers, historians, administrators, community organizers, press and philanthropists. Please try to use
plain language and limit the use of acronyms and jargon to make your session accessible to all
participants.
Session details
Workshop sessions will be 1.5 – 2 hours in length. Expect approximately 20-50 attendees per workshop.
Submission of Proposals and Deadlines
Please submit your proposal to judyf@stonebarnscenter.org by April 24, 2009.
Audio-Visual
We will contact you regarding your AV needs if your session is chosen.
Registration Fees
All presenters must register for the conference. Presenters will receive a modest honorarium for their
workshop presentation.
Travel Costs
Presenters should plan on covering their own travel costs to participate in the conference.
You'll Hear Back From Us Soon!
Submission of a proposal is not a guarantee of its acceptance. A planning committee will review all
proposals. Notifications of your proposal's status will be provided by May 15. Contact us if you don't hear
back by then.
PROPOSAL FORMAT
Workshops and Panels:
• Please provide the name, address, zip code, e-mail address and phone number for the primary
presenter/organizer, and a short bio, no more than 50 words.
• Please provide the names and affiliations of other presenters.
• Please provide a title for your session (no more than 10 words)
• Please provide a summary of your proposed session in no more than 50 words for use in the
conference brochure. Provide information regarding format of presentation – lecture, small group,
panel, activity-based, and how speakers will engage participants attending the workshop.
• Please provide a description of your session in no more than 150 words.
• List two to three objectives describing how participants will benefit from this session and what
tool(s) or message(s) participants will "take home." Learning outcomes should be action
statements describing what participants will be able to do as a result of the experience, usually
defined in terms of knowledge, skills, or attitudes. Statements should complete the following
phrase with observable and measurable verbs: “After this presentation, the attendee will be able
to...”
• Describe desired audio-visual needs.
Skill Level of Presentation Content:
Conference attendees are typically looking for focused sessions that deliver new information or
knowledge. Please state which level your session addresses.
• Basic: Assumes little or no prior knowledge of area(s) covered. The focus of the activity is to
increase knowledge and application by the participant.
• Intermediate: Assumes a general knowledge of the area(s) covered. The focus is to enhance
knowledge and application of the participant.
• Advanced: Assumes thorough knowledge of the area(s) covered. The focus synthesizes recent
advances, research, new initiatives, and future directions.