Urban Connections Program Today

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Urban Connections Program Today

• Brought to you by the Eastern Region

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Program Overview
What Urban Connections is a highly visible and
successful program started by the Eastern Region
in 1999 as a way to connect with urban
stakeholders. Why Extensive research
demonstrated that a large gap existed between the
Forest Service and urban constituents. Who
Urban Connections focuses on non local
stakeholders, to include underserved urban
constituents Where The program has been launched
in Boston, Minneapolis and Detroit, with
exploratory work occurring in other Eastern
Region cities such as Chicago and New York..
Bridging the gap between rural communities and
city dwellers
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A simple message !

• Increase awareness and share information
  regarding National Forest activities and
  opportunities with the urban residents that use
  or could use the forest.
• Increase the awareness and understanding the
  Forest Service has for its urban constituents,
  and involve them in new ways with the Forest.
• Expand employment opportunities for our urban
  neighbors.
• Coordinate efforts with all Forest Service
  branches

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The Missing Stakeholders
National
Non-Local Urban
On the Ground Local Communities
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Gateway to the Forest Service for the Urban
Audience in the East

• Networking in cities to link shared interests
• Relevancy through dialogue
• Creating healthier environments through
  partnerships
• Building capacity for diverse hiring

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Urban Connections..Connecting Citizens to the
Land
Milwaukee
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Organizational Structure of the USDA Forest
Service Eastern Region Urban Connections Program
Public and Government Relations Director
Urban Connections Program Manager
Detroit Program Manager
Boston Program Manager
Minneapolis Program Manager
Milwaukee outreach team
Chicago outreach team
RETIREE MENTOR
RETIREE MENTOR
RETIREE MENTOR
STEP Intern
STEP Intern
STEP Intern
STEP Intern (High School)
STEP Intern (High School)
STEP Intern (High School)
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Planting Small seeds grows big opportunities
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Measuring Success

• 1. Increased visibility and awareness of the
  Forest Service, Eastern region
• 2. Partnerships with Communities w/ Increased
  ability to leverage funds in communities
• 3. Constituent Information and Involvement
• Increased knowledge among urban residents about
  the responsible use of natural resources
• 4. Stewardship of Forests
• 5. Forest Services Organizational Effectiveness

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Partnerships / Collaborations

• National Football League - - - Carbon Neutral
• Strive Media Diversity through Media
• Greenfield Village- - Conservation Education
• Microsoft - - -FS in every classroom
• Wildlife Forever Renewable Resources
• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AND YOU !

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WEBSITEhttp//www.fs.fed.us/r9/urban_connections/

• ARLENE WHITE
• TWIN CITIES URBAN CONNECTIONS COORDINATOR
• 1992 FOLWELL AVE., ST. PAUL, MN 55108
• 651-649-5250
• abwhite_at_fs.fed.us