State Programs
State Summary 2010 — Indiana
State Contact
Ms. Isabella Chism
Indiana Farm Bureau Inc.
225 S. East St.
Indianapolis, IN 46206
P: 317.692.7870
F: 317.692.7854
E: ichism@infarmbureau.org
Website
Classroom Resources
This year was spent on extending our outreach. In the past we have always used our trained volunteers to go into classrooms and outreach to the teachers they work with. This year with the help of grants we created soybean eductor kits. Teachers could go online and request a kit. In return we have recorded their contact info so we can share news and new lessons directly with the teachers. New updates are being posted on our website www.infarmbureau.org.
Major Program Accomplishments or Outputs
Indiana was awarded a monsanto grant in 2010 that we are using to get more tools and resources in the hands of teachers in Indiana. Our monthly newsletter continues to grow and we see more counties using the information and new ideas to help grow AITC in our state.
County Farm Bureau's are seeing the value of the programs and are budgeting more to help volunteers with programs and to donate funds to local schools to assist with programs and field trips.
More volunteers are signing up to learn about AITC and to get involved in their counties. We are seeing more younger people with kids in elementary schools getting involved.
We are planning on engaging more our our volunteers this year in programs to give them new ideas for programming in their counties.
We are also working on a state wide ag day event to promote ag literacy.
Major Program Impacts or Outcomes
Incorporated better communication with volunteers with a monthly newsletter to showcase new ideas.
Reached over 100,000 students with programs this year. A record number.
Had the opportunity to share our states programs at the 2010 National Ag In The Classroom Conference.
Biosketch
Isabella Chism is the State Contact for Indiana. As 2nd Vice President of Indiana Farm Bureau, she is the Chair of the Women's Leadership Committee that helps develop many of the AITC programs for the state. She has held this position for four years.