Volunteer for CALM

Jan 24, 2022

Volunteer for Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month in March 2022

Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM)
Mois de la littératie agricole Canadienne (MLAC)

CALM is a hands-on program that brings agriculture into classrooms and encourages students to learn about and celebrate Canadian agriculture. Many students don’t fully understand what agriculture is. By telling students why you love Canadian agriculture and giving them a glimpse of what you do, you will open their eyes to new knowledge, help them build a stronger appreciation for the food they eat, and for the role agriculture plays in their lives.

All teachers will be provided with a hands-on agriculture activity and an agriculture themed book in addition to a personalized virtual visit from you – our volunteers!

Every year, we need a team of over 150 volunteers to meet the demand for CALM. We anticipate that with a fully virtual offering, this demand from teachers will grow even more - so we are calling on you! If you feel comfortable with giving a virtual presentation, we will take as many as you are willing to offer. French AND English-speaking volunteers needed!

Who: Grade 1 to 6 students
Date: March 2022
Time: 30-60 min
How: Pick a virtual platform (Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime…) and date/time with the teacher
Registration: Jan. 7 - Feb. 4, 2022

Virtual Presentation Details/Things to think about:

The CALM 2022 classroom activity will focus on seeds with a new MB Seed Kit (15 crops from MB) and a planting kit for younger students. So, whether your job in agriculture involves crops, livestock, nutrition, processing, or finance, there will be a way for you to tie your story to this activity being provided to classrooms.
We will provide a PowerPoint with general ag information and photos that you can use and/or modify for what you need. You can also start from scratch and make your own!
Think about what you want to share about what you do in agriculture. How can you tell your story in a fun and engaging way to students? Think pictures, props, interesting stories…you could even show them around your workplace on video!

We will provide training to help you put together an engaging virtual presentation that can be delivered right from your home office or workplace. As a CALM volunteer, you will still share YOUR story.

New for 2022

When you register to volunteer for CALM, you will first need to create your new volunteer profile. Then you will log in to your new profile to register as a CALM volunteer.

Sign Up Today!

Source : aitc.mb.ca

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.