WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
A decade of negro extension work, 1914-1924 cover

A decade of negro extension work, 1914-1924

Chapter 10: COOPERATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES
Open in WeRead

About This Book

The report reviews a decade of agricultural extension efforts among Black farm and home communities in the Southern United States, assessing land ownership, living conditions, and economic trends. It traces the early development of demonstration work and institutional partnerships with land-grant and private schools, and describes organizational evolution including cooperative associations, movable schools, and club programs for boys and girls. It outlines methods and personnel growth, home and farm demonstration techniques, and collaborations with other agencies. Illustrated case studies summarize demonstrable improvements in housing, crop and livestock practices, and household management. The work concludes with statistics and an outlook for continued expansion of extension services.

COOPERATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES

From several years’ experience it has been found that negro agents cooperate closely with their schools and churches. Negro preachers have great power and influence among their people, not only in matters of religion, but also in farming and home making. Wherever an agent obtains the indorsement of a negro pastor, and also gets this pastor to do some good farming and make his home more attractive, he gets assistance that is impossible to obtain from any other source. A negro industrial school in a county is usually a center of influence in extension work as well as in public service generally. Such a school reenforces the instruction given by the agents and is a gathering place for demonstrators and club members. The demonstration activities improve and enhance the school work to a considerable degree.

In addition to the cooperation given by churches and schools, many organizations have assisted negro extension agents in carrying out local extension programs. Much assistance in this respect has been accorded by vocational educational workers, negro chambers of commerce, lodges, health societies, negro farmers’ unions, federations of women’s clubs, and others.