Model USDA Scenario D
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Scenario D: Investing in rural America
To get ready for your experience as a student in Model USDA, please familiarize yourself with the resources found on this page.
Start with this document, as it includes important background information and deadlines to complete prior to Model USDA!
Explore this document to see the stakeholder you’ve been assigned and learn more about their perspectives.
Learn more about USDA Rural Development with the resources linked below.
During Model USDA, your workgroup will use this template to finalize a recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find out my stakeholder role?
Access the Roles document to see which stakeholder role you’ve been assigned by searching for your name. Then, scroll down to find their background.
What am I supposed to do as a stakeholder?
Your job is to stay in character throughout the simulation and represent your assigned role’s perspective on this scenario topic – starting with your Opening Forum speech on Day 1 through the final negotiations on Day 3. That means being familiar with your stakeholder’s organization and role, as well as their priorities and concerns with the issue at hand.
Do I have to read about every role?
No! You only need to read your own. Feel free to skim others, but there is no need to review any but your own.
What if I have a different opinion than my assigned stakeholder?
It can be difficult to advocate for something you don’t personally agree with. But, Model USDA will work best when EVERY participant represents their assigned role to the best of their abilities. Take heart that you are likely not the only person in the room who has a different personal perspective on the scenario topic. What’s more, everyone else in the room knows you’re representing your stakeholder, not your personal views.
What’s the purpose of these backgrounds?
Each background:
– Profiles a person who currently or recently held this role. You may see yourself in this position someday!
– Describes issue areas/concerns your stakeholder may have
– Suggests tools and tactics to use to advance your perspective
– Lists who you should meet with in breakout rooms during negotiations
Am I expected to do any research beyond what’s included here?
We recommend spending another 1 to 2 hours conducting your own research. This will make you better prepared to complete all required pre-simulation assignments and fully participate in the simulation itself.
What are these “tools and tactics” I keep reading about in the Scenario Brief and Roles?
These refer to actions that may be taken during the simulation to influence others to embrace your assigned stakeholder’s perspective. We’ve suggested some tools and tactics that may be of interest to you, but please expand upon this list with your own research, creativity, and strategic thinking!
We would like to extend our thanks to Emily Cai and Casey White, MS in sustainable food systems graduate students, for their invaluable contributions in developing Scenario D.