Human Issues in Horticulture Working Group Minutes, 1996

Summary of activities:
Conducted a business meeting at the 1996 ASHS meeting in Lexington, Kentucky.  Those present were Jennifer Bradley, Chris Catanzaro, Gerald "Jerry" Dobbs, Kate Dobbs, Tammy Kohlleppel, Diane Relf, Kathleen Ruppert, Tina Waliczek, and Jayne Zajicek. 

The group recommended a workshop titled "Horticulture and its role and impact on youth" be offered during the 1997 meetings.  Potential topic areas discussed included:  computer technology (how to use computers to conduct research), special populations (children with exceptional abilities or problems and youth at risk), school system curriculum (what do the children know or are they learning), how to conduct research with youth, research methodology and funding sources focusing on conducting research (not implementation).  In 1997 there will be a session and a workshop.

The committee agreed to develop a definition for human issues in horticulture in conjunction with other researchers around the country and to have a home page (see http://www.hort.vt.edu/human/hihart.htm).  The development of a list serve was also discussed.

The committee agreed to work toward submitting reports for the ASHS newsletter about individuals working in this area and to determine the requirements for granting of an award or recognition to individuals or collaborative groups working in the area of human issues in horticulture.  There was also discussion about having a colloquium within the next few years.

Jayne Zajicek is the Chair of this group for 1997 and 1998.  Kathleen Ruppert is Chair-elect.

Items for Board action or approval (if necessary):
The requirements for the awarding of recognition by members or collaborative groups within a working group.  The requirements and procedures for presenting a colloquium.