Penn State's "Stories from the Field" conversation series is returning with two fall sessions. Speakers will share stories and lessons learned from programs devoted to farmers' mental health and workers affected by substance use disorders.
Each session will dive into the featured speaker's expertise while also discussing more broadly the challenges and opportunities of applied research and community engagement. There also will be time for group discussion during each talk.
The series, which will take place via Zoom, is free and open to anyone interested in attending, including undergraduate and graduate students. Registration is required.
The first conversation, taking place Oct. 19 from noon to 1 p.m., will feature Katie Chriest, Sustainable Food Systems Program coordinator at Penn State Behrend.
In her talk, titled "Growing Roots of Understanding: How students learn to listen and lead through community-engaged storytelling," Chriest will share stories and lessons learned from a student-led, community-centered storytelling project that raised awareness about farmer mental health and stress.
The session will focus on how the project evolved from a kernel of an idea to a replicable model of engagement, including a community forum, conference presentations, and meaningful ongoing relationships.
The second and final talk will feature Doug Swanson, associate extension professional in labor and workforce development at University of Missouri Extension, on Nov. 9 from noon to 1 p.m.
The session, titled "Finding the Unexpected: The Recovery Friendly Workplace Missouri Story," will focus on the Recovery Friendly Workplace Missouri initiative, which aims to empower workplaces to support people affected by substance use disorders and those in recovery.
Swanson will discuss how the program emerged as a response to community stories. He also will describe what research and community engagement around a controversial and emotional public problem looks like on the ground.
The series is hosted by Penn State's Center for Economic and Community Development, an applied research center dedicated to strengthening local and regional development in Pennsylvania and beyond. The center is housed in the College of Agricultural Sciences' Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education.
