Tagged With "Just Start"
Blog Post
Virtual Chat: My Hometown is Cool… and So Is Yours! Empowering youth through place-based community development
My Hometown is Cool… and So Is Yours Virtual Chat, May 9th, 2023, 2-3 pm ET ENTER CHAT HERE Extension Professionals are invited to participate in a virtual chat focused on empowering youth through place-based community development with the year 4 NTAE project team from West Virginia. In this chat, explore effective ways to engage youth in Extension-led community development efforts, as they are crucial to long-term rural economic growth. The My Hometown is Cool initiative adopts a...
Blog Post
New Event! AI Basics for Extension: Intro to Using AI
AI Basics for Extension: Intro to Using AI June 1st, 2023 2:00 - 3:30 PM ET Register Here If you are new you new to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and wondering how it can enhance your work? Intrigued by the buzz of AI but don't know where to start? This special session for Extension Professionals will explore the basics of Artificial Intelligence and its potential use in Extension work. This engaging and informative session is a great opportunity to learn about the potential of AI, whether...
Blog Post
Memorial Day
The "unofficial" start of summer begins on the last weekend in May. It begins with reflection. It begins with gratitude. Gratitude for those who lost their lives serving our nation. It's a different pause for reflection. Each November 11 we set aside for Veteran's Day. This day is for ALL who have served in our military. In peace or at war. Living or deceased. Memorial Day is about those who have given everything. In this letter, President Lincoln captures the sacrifice & loss of loved...
Blog Post
Dam Safety Awareness Day: How Does a Changing Climate Impact Dams? USDA Scientists are Looking for Answers
How Does a Changing Climate Impact Dams? The Agriculture Research Service is Looking for the Answers Media contact : Maribel.Alonso@usda.gov How do the extreme weather changes resulting from climate change impact the condition of our nation’s aging dams? Do sudden shifts from extreme precipitation events to flash droughts put this infrastructure at risk? These are the types of questions researchers like Dr. Sherry Hunt, a research leader and acting location coordinator at the USDA...
Blog Post
Celebrating Active Aging
By ADM Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health In May we celebrate two National Health Observances, Older Americans Month and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month , both of which offer opportunities to explore the benefits of regular physical activity and their importance to healthy aging. Older adults – individuals aged 65 years and older – can reap big rewards from sitting less and moving more. As we age, the activities we do in everyday life can become more challenging. Being...
Blog Post
Future You
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, which is why we call it the present." -Bill Keane Ok, a little bit of a cheesy way to start. Seriously though, tomorrow isn't promised to any of us. Our challenge is to make the most out of every day because each one is an opportunity to move closer to the person we want to be. The journey is the destination. Here's a big thing that gets in the way... Damaging Self Talk When we describe ourselves (to ourselves and others) in...
Blog Post
Engage your Extension Audience in New Ways
It's important for Extension Programs to stay current on the latest strategies for engaging with their audiences and be able to adapt and create new strategies in order to reach their communities more widely or effectively. The Extension Foundation offers a variety of resources to help you discover new ways to reach, understand and engage with your audience. Through Connect Extension, you can find videos and publications that can teach you new strategies to improve engagement and promotion...
Blog Post
Three Ways Service Providers Can Expand Food Security in Their Communities
In 2021, 33.8 million people living in the United States were food insecure (Weeks et al, 2023). Food security is defined by the USDA as, “Access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members” (OPA). Frequent relocations, barriers to spousal employment, and the Basic Allowance for Housing being factored into SNAP eligibility compounds the issue of food security for military families. As a result, one in four service members currently experience food...
Blog Post
What keeps senior leaders up at night?
Our family had the pleasure of being stationed in Tokyo, Japan while my wife and I were in the U.S. Air Force. While Japan and the other countries we visited were amazing, it was a particularly complicated time in the Pacific region. Most notably, North Korea's leader was threatening war. Additionally, many career fields in the Air Force lacked the people to sustain the operational pace required to maintain peace and stability in the region. Because of these situations, several military...
Blog Post
We are hiring: University of Minnesota Extension Specialist Faculty Position
The Department of Family Social Science in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing seeks a tenure track Assistant Professor whose work centers community-based applied research approaches to studying family health, resilience and thriving in the context of social and economic inequalities. The person in this role will contribute through 1) establishing a national and international reputation in...
Blog Post
Ten Tips for Military Families to Survive a “Financial Tornado”
U.S. consumers haven’t just experienced a “perfect storm” of financial challenges…they have experienced a “perfect tornado!” Challenging financial events include sustained high inflation (and increased costs for food, utilities, rent, gas, insurance, housing, etc.), recession fears, increased interest rates, bank failures and government bank take-overs, volatile stock prices, lower savings rates, and increasing household debt. Extension professionals routinely answer questions from clients...
Blog Post
Coaching 101
If you're after self-improvement at all you've probably sought out a coach. These days it's cool to have a coach. Whatever your goal, great progress can be made with a coach. What about when someone asks you for help? Or you're in a role that requires you to guide others? What will your approach be? What will your style be? For me, it's helpful to start from the beginning, perhaps it will help you too as you consider how to bring the best version of yourself to the role of coach. I'm just...
Blog Post
Promoting Physical, Mental, and Emotional Wellness for Military Families
Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT The end of another summer is upon us. Families have geared up for back-to-school season and that means reestablishing routines that will last through the upcoming school year. With families getting back into the swing of things, it’s important to remember to prioritize self-care and wellness practices so as not to get overwhelmed with a jam-packed schedule. Incorporating health and wellness practices can help reduce the stress that military families...
Blog Post
Leadership is...
So often when we think about "leadership" it becomes such a big concept we can't imagine how it might apply to us. It is easier to think that it applies only to people with bigger positions, titles, and more responsibility than we have. As a coach of mine once said: "That's stinkin' thinkin'." When we think leadership is just for those "other people" we've unconsciously decided it's not for us. That we don't have to do it. We've told ourselves what we do every day doesn't really matter. In...
Blog Post
How to be a leadership "boss"
My first real job where there was a paycheck was at 13 years old at a local pizza joint. It was "the" pizza joint in town run by a graduate of the college where my parents both taught. This meant it was okay to work there as they trusted him. Most of the kids in Branson, MO worked over the summer because it was (and still is) a huge tourist destination. Despite being busy with camps and sports we found a few hours to earn a little money each summer. If you could do it someplace that taught...
Blog Post
Holiday Shopping with a Financial Mind$et
As we approach the Christmas season, be mindful of excessive holiday spending. While Christmas is the season of giving, excessive spending can lead to much regret, depression, and even added financial struggles in the new year. According to Berden and Haws (2012), spending can quickly get out of hand when it is driven by emotions rather than a plan. Have you ever gone to the store to grab a few items, but as you stroll next to the; buy one get one free, the rollbacks, the manager's special,...
Blog Post
Family Life Educator Position - Illinois
WE TRANSFORM LIVES. Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence. Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and...
Blog Post
Illinois Extension Youth Development Educator position opening - closes November 9
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development – Unit 2 The University of Illinois Extension is seeking an individual to provide educational leadership for program delivery in Unit 2 (Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle Counties). Master’s degree related to subject matter emphasis required. To view complete job description and apply, visit https://go.illinois.edu/1020816 . Closing date is November 9, 2023 . The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal...
Blog Post
Illinois Extension is Seeking a Watershed Outreach Associate
The University of Illinois Extension is seeking an individual to deliver research-based educational programs, developed in cooperation with University personnel and campus-based faculty with an emphasis on watershed management in or near one of the phosphorus-priority watersheds
Blog Post
A Special Treat for Professionals: Free CPE Units Available Now for Reading the Dietary Guidelines for Americans ________________________________________
You can now earn 2.0 free continuing professional education (CPE) credits for reading the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 ! Credits are provided by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing body for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, Registered. The self-study module will equip professionals with knowledge of the scientific underpinnings that makes the Dietary Guidelines relevant across all life stages.
Blog Post
Scam Prevention Information for Military Families
In 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 93,000 reports of fraud by Military Consumers. Military families are frequent targets for scams. Explore the reasons for this, discover how you can help clients spot, avoid and report fraud.
Blog Post
Organic Agriculture Extension Field Specialist
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is searching for an Organic Agriculture Extension Field Specialist I. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible position available in one of our regional extension centers located in either Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, or Winner. The position is supervised by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and is affiliated with either the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant...
Blog Post
Virginia Cooperative Extension/Virginia Tech is Seeking a Master’s level Associate Extension Specialist for Family and Community Economics
Virginia Cooperative Extension/Virginia Tech is seeking a Master’s level Associate Extension Specialist for Family and Community Economics. The position is located on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. The position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Additional details follow. Please share the position announcement widely: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/527278/associate-extension-specialist-family-community-economics.
Blog Post
Plate full?
There has never been another person like you on the planet...ever. And, there won't ever be another person like you again...ever. Inherently then, everything you do is unique. So why do we fill our lives like a Thanksgiving plate? Yes, we have many responsibilities that all need looking after. What we're talking about is YOUR unique contribution to this world. If your "plate" is an inch deep and a mile wide (like your Thanksgiving plate) it's hard to know where your focus should go. You're...
Comment
Re: Emotional Spending 101
I find that people often state their values, but then recognize a great misalignment between their habits/ actions/ behaviors and the values they thought they prioritized. The Value Clarification worksheet you shared gives a great start to recognition of potential disconnect, and can help formulate discussions or internal reflections leading to a meaningful reassessment (of behaviors and/or values) to influence goal setting and progress. Thanks for sharing!
Blog Post
Mental Resilience
Thought you might enjoy a Yogi Berra quote to start... "Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical." Too funny and makes a great point. Life is a constant mental challenge. And we know, heaven or hell, it's between our ears. As you ponder what it will take for you to become more mentally resilient, here are some things to consider. "I don't count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because they're the only ones that count." -Muhammad Ali When the going gets...
Blog Post
"Cheesy" Advice
On some recent trips, my wife was administering health screenings at two of the factories in the largest cheese-manufacturing company in the world, Leprino Foods has 5,500 employees in 19 locations around the globe. You've probably eaten their product without even knowing. Hang on to your organizational health hats! One of the leaders in this area, Patrick Lencioni, would be proud! Back to my wife's experience... Her time at their factories was very similar despite the locations being far...
Blog Post
Backyard Poultry Certification Course
Interest in keeping backyard poultry for personal and family food security has steadily increased over the past decade. Many cities and municipalities require a certificate for residents to keep backyard poultry. Increased numbers of youth are raising chickens and turkeys for 4-H livestock projects. Maybe you just want to learn more about the keeping of a backyard flocks. Whatever your reason, OSU Extension has you covered with this Backyard Poultry Certification Course that discusses...
Blog Post
Some reminders...
At an appointment the other day Sesame Street was on the TV in the waiting room. Naturally, everyone from kids to adults was watching it. One of the adults looks over at me and says; "I stopped watching this show years ago, I already know most of that stuff." 🤣 Even if you know all that stuff already, it's still nice to have a reminder every once in a while! Here goes... There's never been another person like you on the planet, and there won't ever be another person like you. Your core...
Blog Post
Extension Foundation Selects Ashley Griffin as New Chief Operating Officer
The Extension Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Search Committee, led by Dr. Scott Reed, advertised an application for a new Chief Operating Officer beginning in November, 2023. As a result of this search, the Extension Foundation has selected Ashley Griffin as its new Chief Operating Officer effective January 1st, 2024. Griffin has served as the Interim Chief Operating Officer for the past 12 months. Griffin’s career with Cooperative Extension began in 1996 at the University of Kentucky...
Blog Post
New Year Resolutions?
Every year is an adventure we take one step at a time over 365 days. The adventure is up to us, we get to choose. Each January, these choices lead us to resolutions. The thought of these resolutions leads me to recommit to my version of Merlin Olsen's mission statement. Without boring you with mine, here's what he says… “The focus of my life begins at home with family, loved ones & friends. I want to use my resources to create a secure environment that fosters love, learning, laughter...
Blog Post
Extension Foundation Hiring Grants Specialist (CLOSED)
THIS POSITION IS NOW CLOSED - PLEASE REFER TO NEW GRANTS SPECIALIST OPPORTUNITY HERE FORM FOR SUBMISSION: https://registry.extension.org/233424869896172 Grants Specialist - full-time position Application Deadline: January 2, 2023 Target start date: January 2023 Salary: commensurate with experience Extension Foundation (EXF) is a well-established non-profit organization providing diverse services to over 100 public universities across the United States. EXF is a membership-based 501(c)(3)...
Blog Post
Are you ready?
Are you ready for a new experience at work in 2024? (If you continue reading the answer is "yes"!) Are you ready to dive into "why" you do some of the things you do? Are you ready to make a list of things to stop doing and start doing? The folks at " The Ready " have some great suggestions to help bring more clarity to your intentions! While we probably can't change some of the things where we work we can make it feel better to work together. Here are some ideas to get you thinking...
Blog Post
MSU seeking Urban & Regional Planning Academic Extension/Outreach Specialist
The Michigan State University School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC) invites applications for a full‐time, 12‐month Continuing Academic Specialist with a 85% extension/outreach and 15% teaching assignment. The desired position start date is May 1, 2024. This position will focus on adaptive strategies to enhance the sustainability and resilience of communities with an emphasis on climate change and development regulation. Activities will include creating educational programs and...
Blog Post
Language "Votes"
Words matter...a lot! What we choose to put out in the world in the many ways we express ourselves is a "vote" for the person we want to be. What these words mean to you become your anchor to your core values. Here are some thoughts for your consideration... Balance and Integration When you think about it, trying to achieve a work/life balance is not possible. There isn't work and life, work is part of life. A big part but not the only thing. What we should strive for is the integration of...
Blog Post
How Innovative Leadership Keeps Cooperative Extension Strong: An Interview with Karl Bradley
Introduction In a rapidly changing world, innovative leadership is critical for Cooperative Extension's success. Leadership development equips Extension professionals with the skills to navigate complex issues, build collaborative teams, consistently adapt, and create programs to meet emerging needs. This ensures Cooperative Extension remains a relevant and impactful force. The Extension Foundation actively supports this goal through the expertise of Karl Bradley, its Leadership and Team...
Blog Post
Unearthing Financial Trauma
Transitioning into 2024 marked a new year. Many of us saw the new year as an opportunity to start fresh, but financial hardships and losses can have a lasting impact on our mental health. This type of impact leads to unforeseen trauma. Often, we make resolutions to hit the ground running in the new year, but old habits die hard, mainly when these habits are deeply rooted in our psyche. Let us be realistic: We all plan to go to the gym on January first; we even go shopping over the holiday...
Blog Post
Top 5!
Peter Drucker says regardless of our inherent personality traits, gifts, or talents; we can all become effective leaders. After all, it's this journey that's essential for the success of our communities, organizations, and teams Here's a "handful" of reminders! 1. Leadership is Relational Early in my coaching career, an experienced colleague on our staff told me not to get too close to the players. What became apparent quickly was that this wasn't my style. If you aren't willing to give all...
Blog Post
An offering for Women's History month...
Why do we wait until March every year to do this? Shouldn't it be an everyday thing? Let's start making recognition one of our most abundant resources. Here's a past pioneer who was a great example of courage & determination. She was one of the coolest for sure! *Picture from www.wired.com Jacqueline Cochran (May 11, 1906 – August 9, 1980) was a pioneer in aviation and one of the most talented pilots of her era. She was an important contributor to the formation of the wartime United...
Blog Post
Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) Conference Registration is Open
The Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) conference registration is now open. The conference is being held June 23-25 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This year's theme, "Big Ideas Start Here," encapsulates the essence of what ACE stands for – innovation, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We are eager to come together to explore the transformative power of big ideas. The conference planning committee has put together a program that features a lineup of keynote...
Blog Post
Free CPE Opportunities are Now Available for Reading the Dietary Guidelines for Americans!
Hello Extension professionals, You can now earn up to 7 free continuing professional education (CPE) credits for reading the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 ! Credits are provided by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing body for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, Registered. Self-study modules are provided for each chapter of the Dietary Guidelines. Pick and choose the modules that best suit your needs – or read each chapter to earn a...
Blog Post
Insights from Nate Birt on our new Fundraising, Grants, and Partnerships Professional Development Series!
Meet Nate Birt , the founder of Silver Maple Strategies , a distinguished communications and fundraising consultancy dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders in driving impactful climate-change solutions. Nate's expertise has been recognized through his latest book, " 7 Secrets of Highly Effective Social Impact Communicators ," which rose to become a No. 1 new release in business ethics on Amazon. Formerly the vice president of Farm Journal 's pioneering climate-change division, Trust In...
Blog Post
Understanding and Addressing Problematic Sexual Behaviors among Children
Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT Cases involving problematic sexual behaviors (PSBs) among children can be challenging for clinicians and non-clinicians to navigate. Clinicians are often working with the family or families involved, including parents and caregivers, but may also need to work with non-clinicians within the school systems the children are in. Addressing problematic sexual behaviors among children also has an added layer when cases take place or involve Department of Defense...
Blog Post
Nothing changes if nothing changes
Stats tell us up to 80% of people who attend a conference, training, or other professional development won't change anything in their lives after the experience. The notes, books, articles, and videos you diligently collected during the experience have been all but abandoned. The ironic part is that most people respond positively when asked if they are lifelong learners. They often take pride in describing themselves this way. If this is so, why do we find it so difficult to act on those...