PAF Safety Coordinator Spotlight: Sara Clemens

At the heart of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) are the dedicated volunteers who make a profound difference in their communities. Among these passionate individuals, Sara Clemens stands out through her commitment and resilience. Her journey with PAF is a powerful testament to how personal tragedy can fuel a mission to create safer, more informed communities.

Sara Clemens’ relationship with PAF began in an unexpected yet impactful way. As a middle school student, she attended a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day event in her hometown of Bottineau, North Dakota. Though she didn’t know much about PAF Safety Days then, her curiosity and passion for the cause were sparked.

When her oldest son was just four years old, his best friend, who shared a love for farming, tragically lost his life in a tractor accident. This heart-wrenching incident left a deep scar on Sara’s son and the entire community. Determined to prevent such tragedies from occurring again, Sara took the initiative to launch a PAF Safety Day program in her county. Her efforts were met with overwhelming support from local schools, ensuring the program could be offered annually in memory of the young life lost too soon.

For Sara’s small farming community, PAF Safety Day is more than just an event; it’s a crucial initiative to prevent accidents and promote safety. The desire to avert future tragedies has galvanized local support for the Safety Day program. Today, this event involves 14 different organizations and attracts over 200 youth from four school districts each September. This collaborative effort underscores the community’s dedication to ensuring the safety of its youngest members.

Sara’s decision to partner with PAF stems from the organization’s exceptional curriculum and extensive support. The curriculum provides engaging, youth-friendly activities that make safety education both enjoyable and effective. It also serves as a valuable tool for mentoring topic presenters. Furthermore, PAF’s insurance coverage ensures peace of mind by protecting against any incidents that might occur during Safety Day events. Sara also appreciates how seamlessly PAF’s mission aligns with that of North Dakota State Univesity (NDSU) Extension, underscoring the importance of delivering transformational education to local communities.

One of Sara’s most memorable moments came after her own child attended a local Safety Day. Her son learned about hearing safety from the County Health Nurse and, in a candid conversation, remarked that his father likely had hearing issues because he didn’t use proper hearing protection while hunting. This realization prompted Sara’s husband to get hearing protection, illustrating the profound and practical impact of PAF Safety Day lessons on families.

Sara Clemens’ story is a powerful reminder of the impact dedicated volunteers can have on their communities. Her unwavering commitment to safety education through PAF is both inspiring and invaluable. Join us in celebrating Sara and all the incredible volunteers who make Safety Day possible.