Tagged With "decision making"
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Tips and Tools for Content Creators
Extension educators are content creators. Whether they prepare PowerPoint slides for a webinar, write a blog or social media post, prepare for an interview, or assemble a newsletter, they are constantly striving to create content that is current, relevant, and actionable. At a recent online conference, the Plutus™ Impact Summit, the following eight tips for personal finance content creation were shared: Address “Pain Points” and Goals – Help people by addressing topics that are causing them...
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Top 10 Heavy Hitters
The entire culture of our organizations can be summed up in this statement; what is rewarded is repeated . For your consideration (during MLB playoff time!)...here's a list of some heavy hitters to encourage & support with your leadership behavior! 1. Earn people's trust ; provide evidence every day of how you are trustworthy 2. Understand everyone has a life; work & life aren't separate, work is a part of a meaningful life 3. Listen , then act; diverse viewpoints are healthier, more...
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ATTITUDE
Found this in some of my Dad's stuff he wanted me to have... The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts, it is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every...
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Values & Chronic Pain
Studies by the CDC and others have found upwards of 50 Million Americans live with some type of chronic pain. Advances in treatments are happening. While these vary greatly in availability and cost, here's one helpful connection we can all do for free! Our core values help define the direction we want our lives to move towards. They drive our decisions and actions. We are never "finished" moving toward our values. Being a loving partner or a helpful colleague are both values because you have...
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Identifying and Documenting Evidence-based Programming Across Cooperative Extension
The Extension Foundation (EXF) helps Cooperative Extension (CE) professionals make a more innovative, visible and measurable impact on local issues. We challenge the teams we support to use intentional program design that fosters innovation, collaboration, strategic partnerships, user engagement and continual evaluation for iteration and validation of programming efforts. Our Impact Collaborative methodology is a driver for establishing and validating programming approaches. EXF has been...
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Healthy Relationships Matter for Military Families
Healthy relationship skills can make a big difference for the strength and resilience of military families. Military Family Service Providers and Extension Educators are a unique position to be able to provide research-based skills for couples and co-parents that will help them strengthen their relationships. Learn about an upcoming 5-part webinar series that will provide you with information, tools, and resources to help military families nurture and maintain a healthy relationship.
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Gone not Forgotten
We all have things in common, especially loss. Those who have gone before us have shown us the way. No one is truly gone who is not forgotten. Personally, Colin Powell helped me make sense of our nation's place in the world. Here's an excerpt from his book "It Worked for Me" In a lifetime of studying leadership, this is still one of my absolute favorite pieces on the topic: The Essence of Leadership Cooperative Extension professionals are drawn to the work to serve. They selflessly serve...
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30 Days Left to Submit Presentation Proposals for the 2022 National Urban Extension Conference!
Proposals for individual presentations, panels, lightning talks and posters are due by November 20, 2021 at 5pm Pacific Time.
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ICYMI: Shop Simple with MyPlate and More MyPlate Updates!
Last week, we were joined by the MyPlate team from the USDA Center of Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) for a preview of two MyPlate tools that will help Americans make healthy food choices. Big thanks to @Barbara Jirka from USDA-CNPP for helping to organize this! New to the USDA - Shop Simple with MyPlate , allows individuals to find cost-saving opportunities in their local area and discover new ways to prepare budget-friendly foods. The panelists presented the background on the...
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Job: Communications Specialist, Oregon State University Extension
Oregon State University Extension Service is seeking a communicator who can write and edit in English and Spanish. The person in this position helps shape science-based information into materials that are accessible and engaging for a variety of audiences. The position is based in Corvallis, Oregon, but remote or hybrid work may be possible.
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Job: 4-H Youth Development Food and Agricultural Literacy
UConn (University of Connecticut) Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator, primarily based at the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, CT. Extension Educators are community-based faculty who make a difference in communities by connecting community needs with university resources. Position level/rank will be commensurate with experience working with Extension. The anticipated start date is January 2022.
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Thoughts from a former NFL coach
During my short college coaching time, had the pleasure of attending a clinic where some successful coaches shared their X’s & O’s & overall philosophies. Knowing why, how & what gets these guys out of bed in the morning is powerful knowledge. One of the speakers was Marty Schottenheimer; his passion for coaching resonated with all of us. An awesome opportunity to hear from a great NFL coach & man. Here are some of his thoughts... He is perhaps most famous for his pre-game...
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Practice Your ABCD's
Sir Richard Branson has started around 256 different companies. After that many, who's counting anymore!? How can someone be curious enough about that many things to start something in each of them? "Creativity is characterized by the ability to perceive the world in new ways, find hidden patterns, make connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena and generate solutions." -Steve Jobs Branson does this by practicing his ABCD's: Always Be Connecting the Dots. "Be on the lookout for what...
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Risky?
Starting any new venture can be scary. Deciding to tap into our creative entrepreneurial spirit can take a lot of courage, patience & a bit of ignoring our insecurities. "Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is!" -Mark Twain Recently heard Tim Ferriss Podcast interview with Sir Richard Branson. One of the stories Branson told was of how he got into the airline business. He was trying to get home after a 3-week business trip when his flight was cancelled. He really wanted to...
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Resources for National Rural Health Day
Today is National Rural Health Day! On this day, we recognize the impact that Cooperative Extension is making in rural communities across the country. At the Foundation, we have the opportunity to serve professionals in the system that are on the ground making a difference, whether that is the 96 Extension projects we serve through the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE), programs that participate in the Impact Collaborative and the 1890 Extension...
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Digital Gratitude
We've talked about this "gratitude" thing before in this post... Get More Gratitude . This year, instead of awkward silence, when it comes around to you to say what you're thankful for you'll be ready! If you're like us and are feeling bad about not being able to be together with everyone you'd like, here are some ways to let you friends & family know you're thinking about them. Embrace some technology to share your gratitude for the special people in your life. Share a memory from your...
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It's Worth Repeating!
For me, leadership comes down to 2 things. It's not about you & it's all about you. It's about how you serve others and how your behaviors provide evidence of your authentic intentions. Inspiration and help for the latter came to me from a friend during a tough time. It has proven to be one of the best gifts I've ever received. Today, this book is one I've gifted to others the most. It's "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz . There are situations every day where at least one of them...
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Helping Youth to Go Green
Many of us have heard the phrases “go green,” “eco-friendly,” and “sustainable lifestyle” tossed around. But what do these phrases mean and how do they affect us, the planet, and other living organisms? When we are living sustainably we are living in harmony with our natural environment and all living creatures. This is a big goal!! A good place to start with sustainable living is to look at a single day. How do you get around? How many items do you use? What food do you eat? Ohio State...
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Job: 4-H Youth Development Food and Agricultural Literacy
UConn (University of Connecticut) Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator, primarily based at the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, CT. Extension Educators are community-based faculty who make a difference in communities by connecting community needs with university resources. Position level/rank will be commensurate with experience working with Extension. Applications should be submitted by January 31st...
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Check Out the New Consumer-Friendly Handouts Based on the Dietary Guidelines!
The HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has added 5 new consumer-friendly handouts based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 to the Toolkit for Professionals at: https://health.gov/news/202112/check-out-new-consumer-friendly-handouts-based-dietary-guidelines
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Resolutions!
At this time our thoughts are often thrust into pondering meaningful ways to focus the upcoming year. We are bombarded with things others feel we should “value” but these decisions should be personal. A couple of years ago I shared my New Year’s resolutions with my wife & she in turn shared hers. At the top of her list was having more patience but the one that sticks in my mind is this… “I will love myself…..after I lose 5 pounds!” 🤣 Too funny, but telling at the same time. We often...
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Downsizing Holiday Debt
Families often have leftover holiday debt hanging over their heads like a big dark cloud. What can you do to help these clients? Below are 5 time-tested debt repayment steps to consider using.
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Moving Your New Year’s Resolution to a SMARTer Goal
by Sara Croymans, MEd, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension and PI for MFLN Family Transitions It is so hard to believe that we are already well into the second week of January. With the new year comes discussions about setting resolutions to move us closer to an identified goal. According to the latest Economist /YouGov Poll , the most popular resolutions are to become healthier, personal improvement or happiness, and of course, losing weight. Individuals may experience...
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ICYMI: Using the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to Promote Healthy Aging
This week, Julia Quam from the HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion joined us for a wonderful webinar on Using the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to Promote Healthy Aging. For the first time, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 provides nutrition guidance by life stage, including specific guidance for older adults. Older adults have unique nutrition needs, experience changes in body composition, and face increased risks of malnutrition and chronic disease,...
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New Leadership Skillsets
The last two years have been filled with despair, uncertainty, frustration and feelings of exhaustion. We are now entering the third year of a global pandemic. Since the world shut down, everything is in a different context now. Leadership feels different. The way we used to lead isn't how we do things anymore. We've had to develop new skills, utilize new tools for communication to create an environment where trust can thrive. In adapting to this dynamic new environment, we carry our...
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2022 Tax Updates
As the 2022 tax season approaches, there are several important updates of which service providers should be aware. A few important changes are outlined here. Advance Child Tax Credit Payments. Families who received advance child tax credit payments will need to compare the monthly payments they received with the amount they are eligible to claim on their 2021 tax return to determine if they may be able to claim additional credit or if they will need to repay some credit. Eligible families...
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Teamwork Part 1: Making Recognition a Resource
If anyone knows about leadership & teamwork it was Pat Summit, Hall of Fame basketball coach from the University of Tennessee. In her book "Reach for the Summit" she says: “The amount of success you are capable of enjoying and the pleasure you are capable of feeling is equal to the number of people you are willing to share it with.” Sharing doesn’t come naturally though. We’ve all seen this when we watch kids playing; the crying starts when they have to share their favorite toy. Diagnose...
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Teamwork Part 2: Reliability
Your team may have a powerful engine (like a Ferrari) but if all the parts aren’t working together (like that flat tire in the picture) the team struggles go anywhere. The teamwork concept we're talking about is reliability ! Each member of the team embraces Do What You Say You Will Do (DWYSYWD)! Our behaviors provide the evidence of our authentic intentions and these display our trustworthiness to others. Diagnose Dependability What is the most important contribution you can make to the...
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Teamwork Part 3: We're always seeking clarity!
There’s a software development company in Ann Arbor, Michigan called Menlo Innovations . One of the ways they provide structure & clarity in their company is with their project managers and developers. To encourage developers to provide real-time information, good or bad, they instituted a very simple predictable process. When the developer needs to communicate anything to the project managers, the project managers have been asked to simply smile & say “thank you”. This encourages...
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Looking Back: Arkansas Family’s Farm Legacy and a New Era of Opportunities for Landowners Of Color
We are highlighting a story from a Farm Journal Story Lead contest that focused on stories of 1890 Land-Grant Universities who are making a measurable impact in the lives of farmers or ranchers. The contest-winning story was "Landowner Furthers Family Farm Legacy Through Partnership with UAPB Forestry Program," by Will Hehemann of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The story spotlights Shane Boler, a landowner, and participant in the University's Keeping it in the Family (KIITF)...
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Teamwork Part 4: What does your work mean to you?
There’s a manufacturing company in Saint Louis called Barry-Wehmiller . T hey developed a purpose statement for what they call their Guiding Principles of Leadership . It says: ”We measure success by the way we touch the lives of people.” In 2008 during the housing crisis this was challenged. They lost a ton of business virtually overnight and were faced with a huge decision. Within 24 hours their CEO, Bob Chapman, announced that instead of laying off thousands of employees they decided it...
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Job Opening: Assistant Director of Programs: Food, Families, and Health , Penn State Extension
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Assistant Director of Programs: Food, Families, and Health Penn State Extension is seeking a high-performing individual interested in leading our nationally recognized food, families, and health programs to include health and wellness, family well-being, and vector-borne disease program teams. This is a staff position wherein the successful candidate will be expected to embrace innovation and new approaches that enhance access to and value of our...
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Teamwork Part 5: Make a difference together!
Have a confession to make. This 5-part series on teamwork has been based on the research of Google's " Project Aristotle " with some of my own tidbits thrown in for fun! The story of the stonemasons is perfect for setting up the final aspect of highly effective teams. A man was walking by a huge construction project. He came upon a worker and asked what he was doing. He replied, “I’m making a living” . Curious, the man kept walking. Soon he came upon another worker and asked him what he was...
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Moving Toward Inclusive Practice
How do we start engaging people in marginalized communities and why is th i s important? What does it mean to “come in differently?” Are helping professionals able to tell a well-meaning question from one with judgment behind it? Dr. Anne Phibbs poses these questions and more in OneOp’s podcast series entitled, Moving Toward Inclusive Practice with Dr. Anne Phibbs . By tuning in, each episode may help you on your journey toward a more inclusive, culturally-informed way of working. Hosted by...
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Tourism Specialist Position open
Title: Tourism Specialist Classification: Assistant Extension Professor (9623), Academic Professional and Admin Program Area: Center for Community Vitality, Tourism Center Office Location: St Paul Campus Reports to: Tourism Center Director Salary range : $72,000 - $80,000 Initial Deadline: March 28, 2022 ABOUT THIS POSITION In this position, you will work to develop, implement, and share research on tourism and outdoor recreation that informs program development, advises tourism-related...
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Nutrition During Pregnancy to Support a Healthy Mom and Baby
Posted on February 16, 2022 by HHS/ODPHP By Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, MBA, RD, LDN, FAND, nutrition advisor, and Julia Quam, MSPH, RDN, ORISE health policy fellow, of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Good nutrition before, during, and after pregnancy is essential for a healthy mom and baby. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 dedicates a chapter to women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Health professionals can use this guidance to better understand unique...
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Job Opening: Soil Health Extension Educator
INTRODUCTION The University of Connecticut (UConn) Department of Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time (11 month) non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator. The successful applicant will assess, develop and deliver impactful extension programs on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and conservation practices. These programs will build an Extension program focused on creating more climate and economically resilient agricultural systems through improved knowledge of...
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Getting to the Heart of the Matter: COVID-19 Vaccination Education Survey
Cooperative Extension professionals across the system and at all levels are invited to share their opinions and experiences regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and vaccination education. This project is sponsored by the Extension Foundation and the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE). Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow Center for Media & Health Promotion Research , WSU Extension , and the WSU College of Education are conducting a needs...
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A Philosophy for Working on Wicked Problems
A wicked problem is a term used in policy analysis to describe an environmental situation where no matter what policy actions are taken there are still going to be unacceptable losses. Examples of wicked problems can be found in climate change, endangered species, invasive species and environmental justice issues. In order to deal with the psychological stress of threat and uncertainty associated with wicked problems many people are tempted to take a strong position, such as moral outrage.
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Excellence and You!
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Will Durant Behavior change is hard. Starting something new means stopping something that's not adding value to your life. What if you thought about leadership development as a habit? Then you wouldn't have to worry about the "right" time to start. Choose wisely and align your saying with your doing. Influence is always happening. Bad driver. Happy bank teller. Slightly pleasant flight attendant. These reflect a...
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Extension Foundation Announces Year 4 New Technologies for Ag Extension Funding Opportunity and Application Workshops
New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) is a grant from USDA-NIFA in partnership with Oklahoma State University and it will begin its fourth year starting on September 1st, 2022. The Foundation is inviting your project and program teams aligned with USDA and ECOP strategic goals/priority program areas to apply and receive some funding and support from the Extension Foundation for one full year. Programs with a special focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and climate are encouraged but...
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How to Help Your Client Balance Saving Money Versus Paying Off Debt
Finding the balance between paying off debt and saving more money can be overwhelming. While it may be tempting to focus on one or the other, it may be possible to both save money and pay off debt at the same time with the right plan. Paying Off Debt The first step to paying off debt is knowing what is owed. Clients should make a list of their debts including the lender’s name, the total amount owed, the monthly payment, and the interest rate. Before attempting to save any income, they...
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Let's Talk Money
University of Illinois Extension is providing a series of six free online workshops to help families learn about personal finances as well as strategies for talking about money. The workshops are held each Thursday evening beginning May 5. The one-hour sessions start at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required at go.illinois.edu/TalkMoney to receive Zoom connecting information. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, contact Camaya Wallace Bechard , Extension consumer economics...
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What are your rocks, and How will you prioritize them today?
by Jenny Rea, Ph.D. Have you ever heard of the rocks, gravel, and sand metaphor? I learned about this parable from Dr. Tai Mendenhall ( check out his full bio here ) in a recently published webinar entitled, “ The Realities of Resilience in the Face of Burnout .” I, then, had the opportunity to converse with Tai on a more personal level through a podcast interview for our Family Transitions team at OneOp. Tai reflected upon this metaphor once again - connecting it to burnout among helping...
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The "Doctor" is in!
Sport provides such fertile ground for life lessons. There is immediate feedback constantly. You made the shot or missed it. You completed the pass or it was incomplete. You won or lost. The scoreboard is just the start to all the statistics. AND... Since we can't participate and evaluate at the same time, there's always a coach. One of my favorite coaches is Glenn "Doc" Rivers in the NBA. In a Netflix series called " The Playbook " he and 4 other amazing coaches give us their take on " A...
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How are you Showing Appreciation for Volunteers?
Did you know April is National Volunteer Month? National Volunteer Month celebrates the power of volunteers, and it is a great time for you to show appreciation for the volunteers in your Extension programs! Volunteers are a valuable asset to Extension. Programs depend on reliable volunteers to increase the reach and capacity of Cooperative Extension in a county or state. Ensuring volunteers feel valued, keeping them motivated, and recognizing their efforts are key to developing and...
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What I learned from a 5-day challenge...
These days it seems everyone is doing some kind of "challenge". Truthfully, these make me pretty skeptical and after they try to sell something to you for the first 20-minutes I'm out. This time I stuck with it! Just finished reading " Soundtracks " by Jon Acuff and was curious to learn more about his work. BAM! His Overcoming Overthinking Challenge appeared on his feed and I signed up. Here are the nuggets from each session... Opening The 2 most powerful word in the English language are "me...
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New EXCITE Podcast: The Role of 1890 & 1994 Engagement Coordinators
We’re excited to share a new podcast episode about the important work of the Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE) program. EXCITE is creating a framework that will model new ways for the Cooperative Extension system to engage and reach Extension programs across all three regions. The EXCITE team has developed practices to ensure that under-represented regions are included in the design of the new system-wide effort and that their institutions will be...
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Application for New Technologies for Ag Extension is Now Open, Deadline June 20th, 2022.
New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) is a grant from USDA-NIFA in partnership with Oklahoma State University and it will begin its fourth year starting on September 1st, 2022. The Foundation is inviting your project and program teams aligned with USDA and ECOP strategic goals/priority program areas to apply and receive some funding and support from the Extension Foundation for one full year. Programs with a special focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and climate are encouraged but...
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May National Health Observances: Physical Fitness, Older Americans, Women’s Health, and More!
Posted on April 29, 2022 by HHS/ODPHP Each month, we feature select National Health Observances (NHOs) that align with our priorities for improving health nationwide. To help you spread the word, we’ve gathered resources that you can use to promote these NHOs with your networks and communities. This month, we’re raising awareness about physical fitness and sports, healthy aging, women’s health, mental health, stroke, healthy vision, and hepatitis. Use the resources below to join the...