Objective: To create a special section that documents the agricultural community in Northern California, highlighting the history, contributions, and stories of the people and families who have shaped this vital industry. This project will engage community members, promote participatory journalism, and provide students with hands-on experience in research, interviewing, writing, and fact-checking.
Background:Agriculture is the backbone of Northern California’s economy and identity. Our region’s diverse agricultural history reflects the contributions of Hmong, Mexican, East Indian, Indigenous, and other communities who have played pivotal roles in shaping this industry. This section will serve as a platform to preserve these stories, foster connections between our college and the community, and celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of our service counties.
Approach: Given the small size of our student team (five students), the project will rely on community contributions. Families and individuals from the agricultural community will be invited to share their stories, photos, and memories. Students will act as editors, fact-checkers, and writers, refining these stories for publication. The section will also include original student content, such as interviews and research-based features.
How It Works:
Community Call for Stories:
The journalism team will create public invitations for community members to submit their stories via an online portal or in-person drop-offs.
Guidelines will ensure submissions are relevant, authentic, and respectful.
Student Roles:
Fact-Checking: Students will verify the accuracy of submitted stories, using public records, interviews, and other research methods.
Interviews: Students will conduct in-depth interviews with contributors and other community members to expand on submitted stories.
Research Projects: Students will explore specific themes, such as the impact of a particular immigrant group, the evolution of a specific crop, or the intersection of agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Instructor Involvement:
Faculty across disciplines can integrate the magazine project into their curriculum by assigning related activities. Email Kelly to discuss ideas ([email protected]) or browse assignment ideas:
Resources Needed:
Bi/mono-lingual speakers: Because we are gathering stories from a variety of communities, we need speakers and notetakers that speak Spanish, Hmong, Mien, Urdu, Arabic and Farsi.
Connections and Referrals: Do you know people in the farming community? We would love to be introduced.
Final Product:
Content will be published as a special section in this digital newspaper. Depending on level of support, community members and contributors may be invited to a launch event to celebrate a separate print publication.
Why This Project Matters:
Community Engagement: Builds connections between the college and the broader community by preserving and celebrating shared history.
Student Skill Development: Provides practical experience in journalism, research, and storytelling.
Preservation of Heritage: Ensures that the contributions of diverse communities are documented and valued for future generations.
