Tagged With "conservation planning process"
Blog Post
Navigating the Grocery Store Aisle and Creating a Food Marketing Game: An Extension Project Update
Navigating the grocery store aisle is challenging for many consumers—especially those who want to buy the most nutritious food. Food manufacturers and distributors cover their boxes, cans, and bottles of processed foods with labels like “organic,” “all natural,” and “no sugar added” to suggest that their food has certain health benefits. But these labels are intended to improve product sales, not necessarily help consumers make healthy food choices. And when food marketing labels seem to...
Blog Post
What drives you?
Why do we do the things we do? If we're honest with ourselves, we know our actions are driven by two things: motivation & ability. Ability to do anything is influenced by external help and/or environmental structure. Motivation is connected to our internal belief system, our values. Intrinsic The things we value most in life are our internal motivators. They are our core values. The things we sacrifice for, stand up for and are prepared to die for if it came to that. They're super...
Blog Post
Breakfast of Champions!
Was this your breakfast of champions? Perhaps it was oatmeal or granola... As you probably figured out, cereal isn't the point here. In the category of personal growth, we know the breakfast of champions is feedback ! In order to reach our full potential we need to grow. As we grow, we're likely to find ourselves in positions of increased responsibility. That includes leading others. We grow from primarily individual contributor into someone who gets work accomplished with others. This means...
Blog Post
Procrastinate now...don't put it off!
Almost every organization would like to remove delays to unlocking their team's capacity to generate & implement great ideas. If you can identify & develop new opportunities quicker, your business model has a better chance to survive. No answers here just some thoughts on how these might be related. I'll procrastinate tomorrow... Graphic from www.jamesclear.com We've all received & given feedback on this topic. For the proactive person, someone who lags a bit can be maddening.
Blog Post
New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) Year 3 Application Workshop
June 24th, 2021 3 PM - 5 PM Eastern NTAE acceleration projects are selected to align with the USDA Strategic Plan and are early stage (have goals, expected impacts, some project start up activities) and have high potential for impact. Selected projects will receive support from a catalyst team to advise and mentor projects and support from Key Informants who will work with the team to increase skills and capacities in leadership, partnership, marketing and communications, publishing and...
Blog Post
Using Good Judgement
An iceberg is a great analogy for many individual, team & organization efforts. Perhaps the most familiar model is from Ed Schein in which he uses the visible & invisible to illustrate how a company makes decisions. How it takes action. Above the water (visible) of the iceberg indicates strategic intent. Below the water (invisible) of the iceberg indicates core principles & values. Below the water! Hard Work Failure Doubts Set-Backs Persistence Long Days Sacrifice Courage Action...
Comment
Re: CRISES OF LEGITIMACY OF SCIENCE-WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Excellent blog post (although I am not sure that using French helps with the perceived arrogance of science and the academy😊). Anyway, here’s an editorial that was in the local Madison newspaper a couple of weeks ago that speaks to the challenge of communicating science (around COVID 19) that lays out some self-ownership that the science community needs in connecting with the public. Paul Fanlund | The Capital Times Even before vaccines became widely available, one could have predicted that...
Blog Post
New Extension Foundation Report Available: Technologies Impacting the Cooperative Extension System
The Extension Foundation , in partnership with a research team from Ohio State University, has released a new report on emerging technologies. The “Extension Foundation Report on Emerging Technologies Impacting the Cooperative Extension System” was supported by funding from the New Technologies for Agricultural Extension (NTAE) project. The report was developed by the research team in part through interviews with a panel of thirteen experts representing all five Extension regions, as well as...
Blog Post
A Conversation with Dr. Scott Reed, Extension Foundation Catalyst
Scott Reed is an emeritus of Oregon State University (OSU), where he served in various College of Forestry roles. He was a professor, executive associate dean, Extension program leader, and Dean and Director of OSU’s Extension Service. Scott served as the OSU’s Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement. He pioneered the innovative Open Campus, linking educational resources to advance college and career readiness, degree completion, and community development. Scott holds BS and MS...
Blog Post
Seeking Extension Educators/Agents who work or have worked with farm families touched by Alzheimer's/dementia
Over 6 million individuals currently live with dementia – a brain disorder characterized by progressive decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other cognitive domains. Recent work has shown that relative to other occupations, older adults with longest-held jobs in agriculture experience greater odds of developing dementia. Given the hazardous nature of agriculture, the impact of dementia and cognitive impairment on older agricultural workers and their families is an area of public...
Blog Post
UC ANR is hiring a Statewide Director, Communities, Nutrition and Health
Dear Colleagues, Please follow the link to learn more about the position and apply/share the information: https://ucanr.edu/About/Jobs/?jobnum=1824 The closing date is September 3, 2021. Thank you, Tatiana tavoce@ucanr.edu
Blog Post
Eliminate to Concentrate
The secret to concentration is elimination. You can't move forward on the monkey bars without letting go of one hand. It’s in the letting go of something we aren’t uniquely gifted to do that we create opportunity. Opportunity for others to grow in their strength area. Opportunity to focus. Opportunity to step into efficiency. This is the only way we can get to effectiveness. In the letting go we are more prepared to receive. To receive an opportunity from a teammate. In his book ”Good to...
Blog Post
Extension in the 21st Century: A Conversation with Chuck Hibberd
Dr. Chuck Hibberd. Image Credit: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Charles "Chuck" Hibberd is an emeritus professor of the University of Nebraska, where he held several academic positions, including Dean of Cooperative Extension. His email tagline reads "Chuck Hibberd, retired Extensi on Director (but not done yet)." He directed the University's Panhandle Research and Extension Center for 13 years. Chuck also served as Extension director, associate dean of agriculture, and assistant vice...
Blog Post
2 Approaches
Transactional and Transformational leadership are different. Different in their approaches. Almost opposites in application. Transactional leaders focus on the task. Focus on the process of getting work done Transformational leaders focus on people. Focus on engaging & inspiring There is a need for both. A need to fix processes to remove barriers to getting work accomplished. A need to coach people to become the person they want to be. Fix processes so the "event" serves the people...
Blog Post
National Urban Extension Leaders Communications & Capacity Building Fellow
Under the direction of the NUEL Executive Committee and in collaboration with the NUEL Communication Action Team, the Fellow will provide coordination and facilitation of the NUEL Steering Committee to assuming the following responsibilities and achieve the following project deliverables: A communication plan for NUEL that identifies audiences that NUEL should be communicating with, what types of information or messaging NUEL should be targeting towards each audience, and what communications...
Blog Post
Give Your Clients a Financial Checkup
A financial check-up is as important as an annual physical with a doctor. Like a medical exam, a review of someone’s personal finances can identify steps to improve “financial fitness” and screen for potential problems.
Blog Post
New Job Opening: Manager, Climate-Smart Ag Interactive Programming - Farm Journal's Trust In Food
I'm sharing the following opening in case anyone in the Extension community might have recommendations for a great person to fit the needs of this role -- recognizing you all work with so many fantastic collaborators across the U.S. Please feel free to email any questions or recommendations to me at NBirt@FarmJournal.com. Thank you! -Nate Birt, Vice President, Trust In Food , a Farm Journal initiative Trust In Food, a fast-growth startup division of 145-year-old Farm Journal, seeks a...
Blog Post
Announcement of Extension Foundation Pesticide Safety Education Funds Management Program (PSEFMP) Funding Opportunity
The Extension Foundation (EF) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEP) for 2022. This opportunity is made available through a cooperative agreement (X8-83698001) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and administer a national sub-award program in support of pesticide applicator education, and training for certified applicators of restricted use pesticides.
Blog Post
Storytelling
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." -Maya Angelou Did You Know: The U.S. is the only country that has dual identity in its mythological heroes. Superman & Clark Kent; Batman & Bruce Wayne; Wonder Woman & Diana Prince; Spiderman & Peter Parker... These powerful stories (and yours) turn "tacit" information into "explicit" information making it accessible for others. Stories pass down knowledge, inspire us to act & connect with the essence of...
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
RFA: Vaccine Hesitancy of the Cooperative Extension System
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS Vaccine Hesitancy of the Cooperative Extension System Funded by a Cooperative Agreement with USDA-NIFA and CDC in partnership with the Extension Foundation and the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Extension Collaborative for Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) October 1, 2021 Released October 31, 2021 November 12th, 2021 Application Deadline ELIGIBILITY: All Land-grant universities (1862, 1890, 1994) are eligible to apply. AWARD AMOUNT:...
Blog Post
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.
Blog Post
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.
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
JOB: Community Nutrition & Health Advisor
Community Nutrition & Health Advisor Applied Research and Extension Tulare, Kings, Fresno and Madera Counties Position Overview Location Headquarters : UCCE Tulare County Purpose: The Community Nutrition and Health Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied problem-solving research program for the Tulare and Kings counties. The advisor will develop a program based on priority community needs within the broad areas of healthy lifestyles, health equity, Food,...
Blog Post
JOB: Community Nutrition & Health Advisor
Community Nutrition & Health Advisor Applied Research and Extension Central Sierra, Placer-Nevada Counties Position Overview Location Headquarters : UCCE Amador County, Jackson, CA Purpose: The Community Nutrition and Health Advisor who will implement an innovative extension education and applied problem-solving research program for the Central Sierra (including El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne counties) and Placer-Nevada counties, a primarily rural area. The advisor will...
Blog Post
ICYMI: Mi Plato Para Ti: Developing an Evidence-Based, Culturally Relevant Hispanic American Toolkit Based on the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
We had a wonderful group of panelists from Nutrition On Demand, the McCormick Science Institute, and Hispanic Food Communications, Inc last week to discuss a culturally relevant Hispanic American Toolkit based upon the 2020-2025 dietary guidelines for Americans. Here is the description of the event: As the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were developed and subsequently launched earlier this year, there was a growing call for food patterns and educational materials that go beyond...
Blog Post
Project Accelerator Leads to New Grant and Ongoing Partnership
A new USDA-NIFA funded project will develop cohorts of 4-H youth and create biotechnology video games. The games will convey fun and science-based information about biotechnology such as genetic engineering. They will also build public confidence in the safe use of biotechnology in agriculture and the food system. The project will also provide education to youth on career opportunities. The University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension , together with faculty members of other departments in...
Blog Post
Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE) Announces Funding Recipient for Vaccine Hesitancy of the Cooperative Extension System
The Extension Foundation, in cooperation with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, through an Interagency Agreement with the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are funding the Cooperative Extension System to address health disparities among rural and other underserved communities. This initiative is called the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE). The EXCITE program...
Blog Post
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.
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
Head of McCormick Science Institute's Shout Out to Nutrition Education!
On Tuesday, January 18, 2022 the Executive Director of the McCormick Science Institute, Dr. Hamed Faridi, appeared on Progress, Potential, and Possibilities’ YouTube channel podcast . Dr. Faridi heavily showcased USDA, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans , and the Thrifty Food Plan given that this is the basis for MSI’s research program, as well as its translational work. Specifically: Throughout the interview, he highlighted the importance of USDA and its programs, citing the Dietary...
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
Time for a Relationship Checkup!
by Karen Shirer, Ph.D. Each year we plan to visit our health care provider and dentist for annual checkups in order to catch problems before they become major health issues. As an Extension educator, you often encourage your participants to get preventative health checkups and screenings for health concerns. But how often do we or our participants do a check-up of our intimate relationship health? The Relationship Checkup: Support for Military Couples , a recent webinar by the Military...
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
Virtual chat recap: Watershed education, outreach, and engagement
In this virtual chat, we discussed opportunities and challenges related to watershed education and outreach, exploring how Extension can support our audiences with resources and programming to build local capacity. As part of a New Technologies for Agricultural Extension Accelerator Program project , University of Minnesota Extension Educators are building a website, called the Watershed Engagement Programming (WEP) Hub, to support local government (e.g. Soil & Water Conservation...
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
Oregon State University - Two Senior Leadership Positions Available
Oregon State University's Division of Extension and Engagement is hiring two senior leadership positions: Executive Director for Engagement and Executive Director of Extension Operations.
Blog Post
EXCITE Job Opening: 1994 Land-grant University (LGU) Coordinator
Job Title : 1994 Land-grant University (LGU) Coordinator Location: This is a virtual position. Travel to 1994 institutions may be necessary to accomplish project objectives. Extension provides reimbursement for travel cost and expenses in connection with performance of services. Project Goal : Create a method of effective collaboration among participating 1994 Land-grant institution Extension offices that focuses on rural, hard-to-reach, Indigenous communities. Develop and implement a pilot...
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
New Connect Extension Podcast Episode: Getting to the Heart of the Matter with Washington State University
The Washington State University EXCITE program team comes on the podcast to discuss their new project Getting to the Heart of the Matter which aims to address vaccine hesitancy among Extension professionals. The goal of the project is to implement strategies that will reduce vaccination hesitancy and increase willingness to become immunization educators. Project leaders from WSU include Erica Austin, Paul Bolls, Zena Edwards, Courtney Payne, and Bruce Austin. This episode is a conversation...
Blog Post
New Job Opening: Regional Educator in Community Economics, Minnesota
Are you passionate about community development and have experience in economic development, data analysis, and using research in educational program design and delivery? University of Minnesota Community economics educators partner with community members to lead economic transformation. Our goal is to help communities create a positive economic climate. This position will involve teaching, conducting community-based research, and community coaching. For more information about the position...
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
The Marathon Effect
When any change initiative is announced, the person making the announcement is way ahead of the people hearing about it. They already know about it. They've had time to process what’s about to happen, how it will affect them and how they'd like to present it to others. This means they're days, weeks, even months ahead of others in considerations surrounding the change. Ugh! Not another post about how hard "change" is...that's exhausting! You're right. It's often exhausting. Kind of like...
Blog Post
Leadership Priorities
"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." -Jim Rohn Strong Not Rude “Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.” -Vince Lombardi Our strength is shown in relationships with others. Leadership is about effective relationships. It's about honoring people over process to unlock everyone's strengths! Kind Not...
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
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.
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
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...
Blog Post
Job Opening: Assistant Professor of Extension of Financial Planning and Consumer Wellbeing
The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applicants for the tenure-track Assistant Professor of Extension for Financial Planning and Consumer Wellbeing (nine month, academic appointment) . The Department of Financial Planning, Housing, and Consumer is one of the four academic units in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. It offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees with an enrollment of approximately 320 undergraduate and 90 graduate students. Undergraduate programs include Financial...