The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is surveying Arkansas communities about their major challenges facing their communities and how they are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All Arkansas communities are invited to participate at: https://bit.ly/COVIDCommunitySvy.
The COVID-19 Community Survey explores topics such as local government, leadership, crisis management, economic impact, small businesses, workforce, virtual communication and health-related infrastructure.
The survey also asks what resources, information or services are needed from the Cooperative Extension Service to help communities as they continue to respond to the evolving crisis and plan for the future, according to a news release.
Emily Smith, program associate at the Cooperative Extension Service, helped develop the survey and encourages community members to participate.
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“The rapidly changing nature of COVID-19 may make it difficult for communities to regularly assess their evolving needs. This survey offers a space for them to express their concern, communicate what they need, and share their stories,” Smith said.
The survey also seeks to capture stories of resiliency — activities such as organizing mutual networks, hand-sewing masks and planning caravan birthday parties — that cultivate support and demonstrate unity.
“Communities have demonstrated impressive problem-solving skills over the past few months to ensure their residents are supported and connected,” Smith said. “We want to amplify these stories via social media, blog posts and case studies to honor these accomplishments and learn from one another.”
The final question of the survey asks community members to identify resources that can help them plan for future success and resiliency.
Learn more about the survey results and work the Cooperative Extension Service is doing on this topic by following the agency’s community, professional and economic development Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UACommunityDevelopment/.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact a local Cooperative Extension Service agent, visit www.uaex.edu or Twitter at @UAEX_edu.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without discrimination.
The survey is available through April 24 at: https://bit.ly/COVIDCommunitySvy. Details: Emily Smith at elsmith@uaex.edu or 501-671-6325.