Here is a new set of resources from ChangeLab Solutions that you may find useful. "In rural communities across the United States, increasing meaningful participation in the policymaking process for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) while decreasing place, race, and class divides is essential to achieving prosperity. Adding to our suite of resources for increasing racial justice and equitable economic development in rural America, we have released two new publications for...

Learn more about the FORWARD curriculum and how you can access it for your own use!

Dynamic Discussions Extension Transformation: preparing for the next 100 years April 27th, 2023 2 PM - 3 PM ET Register HERE We would like to invite you to join us next week for a Dynamic Discussion session focused on the demographic trends in the United States and the impact it has on Extension's approach to programming and staffing. Changes in population size and make-up, along with economic and political uncertainties, have presented a unique opportunity for Extension to transform its...

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of $15 million in grant funding to support programs that help youth – particularly those in rural areas, people of color and people with disabilities – to overcome obstacles to educational and workforce success with training and career guidance. See the news release here: US Department of Labor announces $15M funding availability to help youth, young adults prepare for college, career success | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov) and...

August 2022 Dynamic Discussions workshop focused on “Extension’s Role in Workforce Development” led by Robert Russell. Dr. Russell shared information about both the opportunities and challenges for Extension in workforce development as well as the role of the Workforce Program Action Team and its efforts to help lead programs forward. Here is a list of tools/resources that were discussed. Tools/Resources: A link to the recording is available here ; A link to the slide deck is available here...

In case you missed it, the Extension Workforce Development Network hosted a webinar in September 2022 to provide updates on the Workforce and Economic Development Program Action Team (PAT) and on the current project and discussion on developing a shared definition for workforce development offered through Extension. View the recorded session https://use.vg/h154Rd

Using Digital Dashboards to Improve Program Implementation and Evaluation: University of Missouri Team Identifies Challenges and Solutions in Coordinating Programming and Implementation of Mental Health Services November 28th, 2022 2 PM - 3 PM ET REGISTER HERE We invite you to join us for November's Program Center Stage webinar to learn about the Missouri Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network's (FRSAN) strategy for managing and evaluating complex mental and behavioral health programs for...

View the recording of our online kickoff event that served as part of the launch of the new Extension Workforce Development Network and provided an opportunity for introductions and building on our group identity. There was an update on the Workforce and Economic Development Program Action Team (PAT) and on the current project and discussion on developing a shared definition for workforce development offered through Extension. View the recording here: https://use.vg/h154Rd

The ECOP Workforce and Economic Development Program Action Team, led by Dr. Ivory Lyles, Oregon State University, continues to invite Directors, Specialists and Partners to be part of the Workforce and Economic Development Program Action Team. The PAT is continuing to develop their strategic planning and structure process and invites leaders to continue to participate in this development. Once the structure is agreed upon, priorities will be identified, and Implementation Teams will coalesce...

You are invited to contribute your projects, programs, or curricula to the New Workforce Development National Assessment. The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy Workforce Development Action Team, in partnership with the Extension Foundation, is developing an interactive data set Workforce Development program offerings offered by Cooperative Extension across all regions. The National Registry is located at extension.org/registry/

The Economic Policy Institute released a new essay series and chartbook that offers perspectives on advancing anti-racist economic research and policy. Items of interest include: series of essays interactive chartbook with population demographics, labor market outcomes, civic participation, and income, poverty, wealth, and health indicators State of Working America Data Library Much of this information was adapted from the workshop series, “ Turning Good Intentions into Constructive...

The following was shared with Extension Directors to help identify Extension workforce development contacts at each institution: The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Workforce Development Program Action Team (PAT), in partnership with the Extension Foundation, is in the process of developing an Extension network for workforce development. Key to this effort is identifying a point of contact at each land-grant university to learn about Extension's workforce development...