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Special Events

Soil and Water Conservation Week

History of Soil and Water Stewardship Week

Soil and Water Stewardship Week has its roots in Medieval Europe, where a celebration of prayer and penance know as “Rogation Days” occurred. In seeking God's intervention, this event was designed to help people avoid suffering induced by crop failures, drought or bad weather. Soil and Water Stewardship Week has been observed since the 1950's and in 1995 the NACD began to select an annual theme and develop educational materials for churches of all denominations. Each year lay leaders and ministers from a number of religious denominations review the materials before they are distributed.

Tools for Teaching

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Facilitation Skills

Teaching and Presentation Skills

Tips for Programs

Sample Activities

Many environmental activities/lessons can be used in conjunction with Soil and Water Stewardship Week. The annual Soil and Water Stewardship Week literature contains a number of ideas for a full-scale observance.

Planning

The following is a partial checklist from NACD for conducting a successful Stewardship Week:

  • Select a chairperson and small working committee to organize and oversee stewardship activities. Consider involving representatives from churches, schools, government and civic organizations.
  • Prepare an action plan generated by the committee.
  • Contact local ministerial alliances early. Conduct a workshop with ministers in order to preview the resource materials.
  • Contact educators and introduce them to the resource materials.
  • Order necessary materials from NACD.
  • Promote the week with the aid of news media.

Resources

Log on to the NACD site and check the Public Outreach section at: http://www.nacdnet.org/

Call: 1-800-825-5547, extension 32 for more details.