Taking it to the Streets

A message from Marilyn Swierk, CFCS, President of AAFCS

I am appealing to our FCS related organizations to take part in a national initiative which I have termed "TAKING IT TO THE STREETS."  I strongly feel that together, we can respond to issues of national concern and help those who are affected by it.  At the same time, this will give much needed visibility to the field of family and consumer sciences. 

Please join forces with AAFCS in a addressing a very important current issue-H 1 N1, also known as the swine flu.

Why am I using this as a title for us to address issues of major concern as a profession?  Our strength is that we are fully equipped to create learning opportunities for individuals and groups regardless of circumstances and demographics.  Our already established networks and community partnerships can provide a vital connection to the general public via (the streets) schools, markets, community meetings, libraries, etc.

In the AAFCS July edition of The FACS, I mentioned that The Soap and Detergent Association feels that AAFCS and other related organizations can play a major role in the upcoming cold and flu season especially with the impending danger of an H 1 N 1 virus (Swine Flu) pandemic and they will partner with us in this effort

How serious is this problem?
Just weeks before the annual AAFCS Conference, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a global pandemic of Influenza A (H1N1) was underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert to Phase 6.  At the time, there were ongoing community level outbreaks of the virus in multiple parts of the world.  Since then, in the United States, significant illness has continued into the summer. 

In early July, the White House stated that this is an issue of major concern (nationally and internationally) and that public awareness of this issue is vital.  A message from Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, who are leading the efforts to prepare our Nation for the coming flu season, stated that "the most critical steps to mitigating the effects of 2009-H1N1 won't take place in Washington - they will take place in your homes, schools and community businesses."  Is this not "TAKING IT TO THE STREETS?"

What can we do?
I strongly believe there are strong implications for us from this statement at both the national and international level!  Professionals can distribute appropriate information through materials, lessons, workshops, etc.  We can also proactively engage other stakeholders on the community level and provide leadership for community education programs.  Who?-EVERYone can play a role…small or large! So start thinking about what you can do in your professional practice setting: Lesson plans, CD's, DVD's, contests, videos-contest on youtube,  distributing educational materials, presentations, workshops, speak at teacher and parent meetings, service learning (e.g., students teach  younger children the Elmo song on Flu.gov. 

How will this work?
Go to the websites mentioned right away for information and start developing and using your ideas as soon as possible.  I will be sending information and updates to affiliate presidents, committee and community chairs, and leaders of related organizations and through the FACS each month.  It's important that they get the information out to their affiliate, committee, and community and organization members to encourage them to become involved right away!"

Financial Implications?  There are many no cost resources available!

Resources: Check the free resources at the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA): www.cleaning101.com. Don't forget to sign up for the free webinar held on Thursday, September 24, 2009, 6 PM EDT. 
E Mail: info@cleaning101.com or visit the website www.cleaning101.com/handhygeine. 
Please take leadership in your community by developing awareness of SDA's 'Clean Hands Week' September 20-26, 2009.

www.flu.gov is also a great resource.  Check it out for information on 2009 Flu Prevention Video PSA Contest, research activities and lots of up to date information. Education Department released guidance for K-12 education at http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/schoolguidance.html, which describes policies and procedures regarding any H1N1 outbreak. Guidance for higher education and early childhood will come out later in the month. The department is posting other information as well and plans monthly meetings and regular conference calls with stakeholders.  This website also has workplace and community information.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, also has lots of information including Elmo of Sesame Street and a song to encourage children to wash their hands thoroughly.  They have also posted reporting forms for school closures and dismissals at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/dismissal_form/index.html, and encourage any school staff member to report a school closure and not worry about duplication. There's also a CDC toolkit for teachers and parents (http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/toolkit.html).
American Federation of Teachers' own health and safety staff will release pandemic-flu resource materials for affiliates later in August.

Some Ideas from AAFCS Members:

Carole Makela of Colorado feels that a campaign to post the SDA poster during Clean Hands week on restrooms doors  around the country would have great impact.  She says"  Think of the impact if each of us posted 10 posters in at least 5 different buildings (being sure to include women's, family, and men's restroom doors).  This would be a great project for student groups."
Michelle Garwood of Nebraska would like to lead an educational effort in Nebraska on the H1N1 virus.  She says "I actually see it as an opportunity to RECRUIT new members to NAFCS.  I am going to draft a letter asking non-member FCS professionals for their help educating the public about the disease.  I see this as the perfect opportunity to appeal to inactive people who are not joining because they haven't seen us doing concrete things."  She also feels that if people, especially the younger ones, see they can make a difference on a very tangible topic, I think they may be more eager to join!  She wants to develop some Nebraska specific tools and stress the importance of a united network in this effort to help people see the value of joining AAFCS.

Bev Card and Roxie Godfrey of Virginia would like to develop an ongoing power point of the various family and consumer sciences activities related to H 1 N 1 that occur across the country for members to see during the AAFCS Curriculum Showcase and Research to Practice Rounds at our annual conference in Cleveland.
Marlene Lobberecht of Texas has created a flyer related to H 1 N 1 for distribution to businesses and Larissa Staley of Indiana, Chair of the Student Unit, plans to obtain materials from the local health department to create relevant lesson plan.
Intended Outcomes:  AAFCS along with your organization, will provide leadership and support to empower Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals to better serve the general public and the populations with whom they work in addressing this pandemic.  Please keep track of what you are doing and keep me posted at:  msinnovate@aol.com
Thank you!