Customizing Environmental Education, Training, and Employment Opportunities to Rapidly Changing American Demographics: Hispanic Communities

Panelists and Contributors

USDA Forest Service
Kimberly Winter, Ph.D., NatureWatch Program Leader
Pedro Nieto, M.Ed., National Equal Employment Manager Tamberly Conway, Ph.D., Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

Environment for the Americas

Natasha Kerr, M.A., Diversity Outreach Coordinator

USDA Forest Service & Environment for the Americas

Sergio DeHoyos, M.Eng., FS-EFTA Celebrate Shorebirds Intern and FS Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Intern

USDA Forest Service & Environment for the Americas

Panel Overview

Status Report - USDA and Forest Service Efforts Toward Diversity and Inclusion
Successful Outreach Education and Internship Programs Recommendations

Why keep pushing for diversity in natural resources activities and hiring if they havent come to us already?
Diversity in the melting pot of the U.S.A. is who we are as Americans: we embrace the cultures, skills, and creativity of people from every walk of life and every country on Earth. Diversity provides resiliency against the dynamic forces of change; drawing from the unique strengths of individuals to support a system thats even better than its parts. Federal employers serve the American public, and their workforces should reflect trends in the growing demographic diversity of that public.

Why keep pushing for diversity in natural resources activities and hiring if they havent come to us already?

Answer: We are not (yet) reaching people where they are

culturally, linguistically, or geographically.
(Hint: If we were, there would be no they)

Hispanic Diversity and Inclusion at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service

USDA Forest Service Environment for the Americas

Intern, FS-EFTA Celebrate Shorebirds and FS-Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

Sergio DeHoyos-Irizarry, M.Eng.

USDA Forest Service

National Equal Employment Manager Civil Rights Staff, Special Emphasis Programs

Pedro Nieto, M.Ed.

2010 Latino Population Distribution by U.S. County

(U.S. Census Bureau, 2011)

Workforce Statistics (U.S. Federal Government)

Hispanic Workers by State

STEM Representation by Race

Hispanic Workforce Composition U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service

Hispanic Workforce Composition U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service

MO/YR Sep-13 Mar-14

All 28817 28337

Permanent Workforce Hispanic Men Hispanic Women All Hispanics # FS % CLF # FS % CLF # FS % CLF 1467 4.87% 5.17% 786 2.61% 4.79% 2253 7.48% 9.96% 1460 5.15% 5.17% 780 2.75% 4.79% 2240 7.90% 9.96%

The data reflects that overall, Hispanic employees have representation rates below the 2010 National Civilian Labor Force (CLF)

Hispanic Workforce Composition U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service

Permanent Workforce Critical Occupational Hispanic Men Hispanic Women Series Series Total # # FS % CLF # FS % CLF 1185 45 3.80% 3.70% 46 3.88% 6.20% 677 41 6.06% 3.70% 10 1.48% 6.20% 2160 84 3.89% 2.70% 39 1.81% 2.60% 1439 43 2.99% 2.00% 7 0.49% 0.40% 8216 717 8.73% 4.60% 87 1.06% 4.00% 128 4 3.13% 3.70% 4 3.13% 1.00% 594 31 5.22% 2.70% 17 2.86% 2.60% 589 42 7.13% 4.50% 15 2.55% 1.00% 423 7 1.65% 3.70% 20 4.73% 6.20% 643 27 4.20% 5.80% 18 4.30% 2.30%

All Hispanics # 91 51 123 50 804 8 48 57 27 45 FS % 7.68% 7.53% 3.00% 2.00% 9.79% 6.25% 8.08% 3.50% 6.38% 7.00% Series CLF 9.80% 9.80% 5.20% 2.40% 8.60% 4.70% 5.20% 5.50% 9.80% 8.10%

FS CRITICAL OCCUPATIONAL SERIES 0301 Misc. Admin & Program 0340 Program Management 0401 Biologist 0460 Forester 0462 Forestry Technicians 0470 Soil Scientist 0486 Wildlife Biologist 0810 Civil Engineer 1101 Gen Business & Industry 2210 Information Technology

Red and italics indicate that the grade representation rate is below the overall onboard representation rate.
Source: National Finance Center Reporting Center Report Minority Grade Profile as of March 2, 2014

Educational Paths and Employment

USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights Special Programs

The objective of Forest Service Special Emphasis Programs (SEP) is to administer individual programs which are a part of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program. The Special Emphasis Program Managers (SEPM) serves as subject-matter experts regarding the hiring, career advancement and retention of the employees.

They help identify and take affirmative steps to ensure that all Forest Service employees have an equal opportunity to compete fairly in all aspects of Agency employment, e.g., recruitment, training, upward mobility, career counseling, developmental details, promotions, and any other condition of employment.

USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights Capacity Building Programs: Hispanic Serving Institutions
Forest Service Agreements with USDA & Hispanic Serving Institutes 52 different institutions from 8 states and Puerto Rico submitted 76 proposals for consideration for funding for this year, the 15th year of the program. Institutions submitting proposals were from: Arizona (5), California (23), Florida (3), Illinois (5), New Mexico (5), New York (1), Texas (26), Washington (1), and Puerto Rico (7). These proposals requested the following per year of USDA funding: Fiscal Year 2011: $26,153,028.00

Fiscal Year 2012: $40,936,149.00

USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights Capacity Building Program: California Consortium

Forest Service California Consortium Objective: to strengthen community outreach, recruitment, and capacity building programs. Targeted outreach to Hispanic and Asian communities. Initiatives emphasize employment opportunities, but also integrate community collaboration, encouraging underserved communities to promote healthy ecosystems through forest management planning. Projects implemented include forest ecosystem enhancement, conservation, maintenance, and restoration.

USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights Capacity Building Programs: Hispanic Serving Institutions
Budget (Fiscal Year 2012) The Forest Service contributed $460,502.00 for Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI)
Accountability Total Enrollment: 41 positions (23 Females, 18 Males) Mission Critical Job Series: 98% Student Job Satisfaction Rate: 94%

Supervisor Feedback: Student Superior Performance Rate: 95%

HSI Cost FY 2012: Fall 2011: $13498.00 (15 weeks), Spring 2012: $13498.00 (15 weeks) Summer 2012: $10599.00 (10 weeks), Fall 2012: $13606.00 (15 weeks)

USDA-Forest Service Civil Rights Capacity Building Programs: Hispanic Serving Institutions
Budget Fiscal Year-2013 The Forest Service contributed $389,788.00 for Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI) Accountability

Total Enrollment: 32 positions (16 Females, 16 Males)

Mission Critical Job Series: 98% Student Job Satisfaction Rate: 98% Supervisor Feedback: Student Superior Performance Rate: 95%
HSI Cost FY 13: Fall 2012: $13,606.00 (15 weeks) Spring 2013: $13,606.00 (15 weeks) Summer 2013: $10,678.00 (10 weeks)

Conservation Education and Community Outreach: USFS & Partner Programs Integrating Tools, Methods, and Techniques to Reach Latino Audiences
USDA Forest Service
Partnerships, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist FS Conservation Education Programs
Tamberly Conway, Ph.D.

Latino Legacy

U.S. Forest Service-funded study assessed a conservation education and community outreach pilot program (Latino Legacy)
Time Spent Living in the U.S.
South America (6%) 0-9 yrs. (27%)

Country of Origin
Central America (13%)

30-79 yrs. (14%) 20-29 yrs. (17%)

Mexico (51%) U.S. (30%) 10-19 yrs. (42%)

Survey Language
English 33% Spanish (67%)

Language Usage
Bilingual children (n=210) (89%)

Spanish and English (16%) English (16%)

Language Spoken at Home

Spanish (68%)

Spoken Language
Bilingual (54%) Spanish (40%)

Language Read
Spanish (40%)

English (6%)

Preferred Language to Receive Conservation Education Programs

Bilingual (15%) English (29%) Spanish (56%)

Bilingual (50%)

English (10%)

Language Usage Related to Demographic Variables

Findings from analysis of 321 Latino respondents in Texas indicated that, on average, Latinos preferred information and programmatic delivery in Spanish.

30% born in the U.S. and 80% with a college degree selected the survey

in Spanish at home

45% born in the U.S., 50% living in the U.S. for 20-29 yrs. speak Spanish
25% with a college degree and 70% with less than a high school degree could read only Spanish 50% in all education levels preferred Spanish language programs Findings support literature and beliefs that Spanish is an important aspect

of maintaining cultural ties

 Use of Spanish language in the U.S. is prevalent and will continue into future Need for printed materials and conservation education/interpretive programs and community outreach in Spanish Levels of interest in conservation topics important to the USFS Likelihood to attend programs related to USFS topics is high Use of hands-on experiences and utilization of wildlife are very effective attractions/educational tools that may be used to reach the Latino community

Project Learning Tree/Forest Service GreenSchools!

A Model for Green Communities

 Engages students, teachers, administrators and community (approximately 90% Latino) in conservation education and action
Enlists schools in a feeder pattern from early childhood through high school levels (GreenSchools! Greenbelt)

Focuses on creating avenues to higher education and career pathways in natural resource conservation and management

Capacity building through partnership and collaboration among traditional and non-traditional partners has inspired a green movement within the community that continues to blossom and grow with conservation education and stewardship actions.
Fruit Tree Planting Foundation

El Buho Woodsy (Woodsy Owl)

FSNatureLIVE Distance Learning Adventures

www.FSNatureLIVE.org bi-and sometimes tri-national MonarchLIVE! (US, Mexico and Canada) PollinatorLIVE! (Polinizadores enVIVO! in Spanish)

Provide volunteer, internship and employment opportunities Employ knowledgeable and prepared Latinos in order to maintain a relevant cultural perspective Increase the number of Latinos and Spanish-speaking individuals within agencies and organizations to better mirror the faces of the public we serve

Power of PartnershipsSowing the seeds

harvesting the bounty!

Conservation Education and Community Outreach Tools, Methods, and Techniques to Reach Latino Audiences
USDA Forest Service
Partnerships, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist FS Conservation Education Programs
Tamberly Conway, Ph.D.

Hispanic Youth Field Training & Community Outreach Environment for the Americas

Celebrate Shorebirds Internship Program

Environment for the Americas

Diversity Outreach Coordinator

Natasha Kerr, M.A.

Sergio DeHoyos-Irizarry, M.Eng.

Celebrate Shorebirds Intern

Environment for the Americas Home of International Migratory Bird Day

Over 350 species of migratory birds travel throughout Western Hemisphere
Migratory link between communities and wildlife

Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program

Americas Great Outdoors funding of 8 Latino youth interns in: Alaska, Oregon, California, Washington, D.C., and Colorado
Objectives:

Environment for the Americas

Train Latino youth in wildlife research & environmental education

Connect youth to conservation careers Engaging diverse communities in bird conservation Conduct migratory shorebird monitoring for international research

Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program

Connecting Youth to Conservation Agencies

Beginners please apply! Sense of community among cohort of interns

Ongoing mentorship
Networking opportunities Substantive research and other skill-building opportunities Paid internship, some include lodging Latinos belong in this field!

Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program

Copper River Delta, Alaska U.S. Forest Service Intern Placement

WetlandsLIVE online distance learning program Intensive shorebird monitoring at a critical migration stop-over site Latino media outreach Shorebird Festival Environmental Education

2013 Project Accomplishments

Environment for the Americas

Completion of 1,700 hours gathering data on migratory and nesting shorebirds of Pacific Coast

Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program

Community Engagement

Involvement of 8,000 youth and adults, primarily Latino, in education programs about birds and their conservation

Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program

Where Are They Now?

Celebrate Shorebirds Latino Internship Program

Benefits of Partnership

Leveraging resources Connecting new audiences to public lands Diversifying conservation workforce

EFTA Celebrating Shorebirds Interns Host Agency Staff (Forest Service):

Gain perspective on how interns (and possibly the interns communities/culture) view natural resources Expose hidden communication and institutional barriers that may be blocking real inclusion of the public in FS outreach Learn technical Spanish words specific to FS jobs and audiences Earn credibility through communications and actions that reflect the needs and cultural perspectives of FS constituents Demonstrate leadership through mentoring Enjoy the technical assistance and work output of interns Walk the talk as an agency of diversity and inclusion

EFTA Celebrating Shorebirds

Follow our 2014 Interns!

Environmentfortheamericas.wordpress.com Connecting Cultures Toolkit: birdday.org

Hispanic Youth Field Training & Community Outreach Environment for the Americas

Celebrate Shorebirds Internship Program

Celebrate Shorebirds 2014 Sponsors

Environment for the Americas

Diversity Outreach Coordinator

Natasha Kerr, M.A. nkerr@birdday.org 303-499-1950

Recommendations for Customizing Approaches to Growing Demographics Training

Expand scope of marketing natural resources job postings Prepare potential applicants (training, mentoring)

Reach people where they are (not just where agencies or distant public lands are located, not just in one language)
Foster public-private partnerships (esp. academic institutions with high densities of under-represented demographics) Focus on representing the unique demographics of your region, with an eye for changes in American society

Recommendations for Customizing Approaches to Growing Demographics Institutional Strategies

Provide cultural sensitivity training for employees Collaborate with local organizations representing predominant minorities Identify internal (within agency) mentors Showcase programs that have successfully integrated different cultural perspectives and skills

Recommendations for Customizing Approaches to Growing Demographics Institutional Strategies

Ask representatives from underserved communities for feedback and guidance, especially in planning discussions Monitor and evaluate progress towards diversity goals (be honest and continue to adapt your approaches) Ensure that marketing materials are inclusive and detailed

Recommendations for Customizing Approaches to Growing Demographics Building Rapport

Face-to-face interactions in the language of preference demonstrate inclusivity Social media/web outreach in language of preference Establish and nurture relationships with community leaders and liaisons Engage youth and families Hire local youth and community members Host multilingual events and programs Be persistent and creative

Customizing Environmental Education, Training, and Employment Opportunities to Rapidly Changing American Demographics: Hispanic Communities
Panelists and Contributors
USDA Forest Service
Kimberly Winter, Ph.D., NatureWatch Program Leader
Pedro Nieto, M.Ed., National Equal Employment Manager Tamberly Conway, Ph.D., Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

Environment for the Americas

Natasha Kerr, M.A., Diversity Outreach Coordinator

USDA Forest Service & Environment for the Americas

Sergio DeHoyos, M.Eng., FS-EFTA Celebrate Shorebirds Intern and FS Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Intern