Tagged With "Ready set go"
Blog Post
The Military Family as a Cultural Identity - Supporting Families in Transition
Soldier with children | IStock
Blog Post
Practicing Gratitude and Building Better Thoughts
For service providers and clients alike, life is a winding road of good things here and bad things there. Actively working toward wiring your brain to acknowledge the good and appreciating those good things can help individuals shape personal strengths and build protections. Creating protective factors which can help cultivate positive mental health and generate an asset-based outlook that reaches all aspects of life. November is National Gratitude Month Gratitude is the practice of being...
Blog Post
FNIC’s Research Publications (Nutrition): Explore New and Emerging Research
As all nutrition professionals, educators, and researchers know, nutrition science is constantly evolving, and staying up to date on new and emerging research is important. The Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) at USDA’s National Agricultural Library is making it easier to receive credible federally and privately-funded research updates from Agricultural Research Service (ARS) priority nutrition journals with a new, free Research Publications (Nutrition) feed. Why is FNIC’s...
Comment
Re: National Extension Climate Initiative needs Beta Testers for Climate Curriculum
We had more than 30 NECI Beta Testers go through the Climate Bootcamp to evaluate the EcoActUs platform for potential use by Extension Professionals. A second Beta Test is planned for January 2023. Watch here for specifics when they become available.
Blog Post
Your "User Manual"
How well do you know your colleagues? Do you really know them? Our initial response is probably a quick "yes". It's when we slow down we discover quite a few assumptions. Help get to know them better by sharing your self-awareness "manual" in answering just six questions! What’s your style? Strengths, weaknesses OR include descriptors like energetic, compassionate, participative Gets people in touch with how their emotions/actions might affect others What do you not have patience for? Common...
Blog Post
Building Public Health Partnerships and Telling Extension's Story
Recently, @Adam T Hughes from Cornell University asked me to join him and their Public Health Program Work Team (PWT) in a quarterly meeting to discuss how Mississippi State University Extension is connecting with public health partners here. That gave me reason to take a step back and consider what approaches have led to our success in health-related work. These are some of the things I shared with them that undergird my thinking and efforts in this area. 1. Extension has a history of work...
Blog Post
Some things I think I think...
The great sports broadcaster Dan Patrick used to host a podcast with the title "Things I think I think". During a presentation to our team, we were reminded of his show and it sparked my own thinking about what I think I think. Here are a few to ponder... Curiosity over Certainty When we remain curious we're open. We have a growth mindset. We see challenges as opportunities. While we can have aspects of our lives we're certain about, like our core values, in daily interactions it often leads...
Blog Post
Smart Holiday Spending and Debt Repayment
In December, many Extension educators field questions about holiday shopping and subsequent debt repayment. Check out these tips to share with clients.
Blog Post
Job Opening: Association Lead Executive Director (Kingston, NY)
Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County is hiring a Lead Executive Director . The position is located in Kingston, NY. Read the full position description and apply online by Jan. 5th: https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CCECareerPage/details/Lead-Executive-Director---Kingston--NY_WDR-00034546 The Lead Executive Director for the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Ulster County represents and is accountable to the Association Board of Directors and the Director of the...
Blog Post
Resilient Agriculture: Weather Ready publication available on flipping book
Resilient Agriculture: Weather Ready Farms has been reissued as a flipping book by the Extension Foundation. The publication was created by a team of Extension professionals to help the agricultural industry become more resilient to weather extremes, climate variability, and climate change. Based on the Weather Ready Farms model developed by Nebraska Extension, the publication focuses primarily on field crop farms and producers in the Great Plains and Midwest regions of the United States.
Blog Post
Alignment with a Stop Light?
You've worked hard to come up with a great plan that will make things easier, remove frustrations, and even save time for everyone. You're proud of it. It's thorough. It's researched. You've consulted people with more experience in this area. You've taken criticism. You've been vulnerable. Now it's time for the big meeting to unveil it. You're excited. Even a bit nervous. It's your turn on the agenda and... Your excitement is met with a mild, lukewarm reception from the team. What happened?
Blog Post
Success at the 2023 Impact Collaborative Summit!
The Impact Collaborative conducted a fantastic three-day Summit centered around Climate Resilience on January 17, 18, and 19th! Twenty-eight new Project and Program teams across Cooperative Extension representing thirty-four institutions attended the Project Acceleration Summit via Zoom This was one of our largest Summits to date, with 130 people in attendance. D uring the three days, teams attended special keynote speaker sessions and were connected with skills, tools, resources, Coaches,...
Blog Post
Uplifting the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Youth
An estimated 5% of the 1.76 million youth in military families identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer. Surveyed LGBTQ youth with a parent currently serving in the military that experienced high levels of family support reported lower mental health challenges and suicide risk ( Trevor Project, 2022 ). When youth feel safe at home, their mental wellness is significantly improved. Fostering healthy family relationships translates into protective factors for younger and older...
Blog Post
Three Strategies to Better Meet Military Families’ Needs
By Anna Peterson Summary Military-connected populations, including military families, face unique needs and barriers in finding services and care for family members. Extension educators/agents who serve military-connected populations can deploy three strategies to better meet their needs: 1) use the Social Determinants of Health model; 2) build collaborations with others; and 3) use a care coordination tool. Introduction The needs of the military-connected population (e.g., service members,...
Blog Post
University of Arizona job opening - Extension Specialist (Associate/Full) and Director of SNAP-Ed & EFNEP
The School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness and Cooperative Extension at the University of Arizona welcome applicants for a twelve-month, continuing-track Associate Specialist or Specialist position responsible for leadership, strategic planning, and program direction of statewide nutrition and physical activity programs. Minimum qualifications include: a doctorate degree in Nutritional Sciences, or a related discipline; a record of scholarly accomplishments; and a record of managing...
Blog Post
Food Insecurity Featured in Free Webinars From OneOp
Connect with OneOp as they focus efforts on providing programming to equip professionals with tools and information about the prevalence of food insecurity, and connect them with resources to help families who are at risk.
Blog Post
Leadership ABC's
A = Attitude One of 2 things within your control; attitude and effort! Attitude is everything, pick a good one. B = Brave When you believe strongly in something or perhaps it scares you a bit, let your courage shine through. Be brave enough to go first and model the way. C = Character This is your behavior when nobody is watching. You won't always have the training and education for the situations you find yourself in. Your strong character will get you through. D = Dependable You do what...
Blog Post
ICYMI: 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Holds First Meeting
February 24, 2023 By: Edward McCarthy , Public Affairs Specialist within OASH Office of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Image: 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee with HHS Assistant Secretary Rachel Levine, USDA Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean and Committee staff leads Summary: This blog provides an overview of the events of the first meeting of the Dietary Guidelines Committee on February 9th and 10th, 2023. Rockville, Md. – ICYMI: On February 9 and 10, the newly announced...
Blog Post
Job Posting: 23-23 Extension County Specialist, 4-H Health and Wellbeing, Adams County
Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension invites applications and nominations for an Extension County Specialist, 4-H Health and Wellbeing, Adams County. This is a full-time, twelve (12) month, non-tenure track faculty position on the Extension instructor track (instructor, senior, master) or the Extension professor track (assistant, associate, professor) dependent upon the candidate’s academic credentials and professional experience. The focus of this position is on the...
Blog Post
Position Announcement
Good afternoon, Hope all is well. Please view and share the following position announcement. Thank you for your support! Coordinator (FCS) 127086 - Norma S. Norma Janet Sanchez Program Administrative Specialist College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Office of Human Resources Management & Compliance Programs Main: (301) 405-2935 / Fax: (301) 314-0118 Website: https://agnr.umd.edu/ careers
Blog Post
FREE Roaming Equids and Ecosystem Sustainability Network hosts a free webinar
Dear Extension Foundation Partners, I am writing to share with you a phenomenal opportunity that facilitated psychological safety and crucial conversations about the sustainable management of free-roaming equids at the 2023 Free-roaming Equid Summit held last fall in St. George, Utah. The Summit brought together stakeholders from across the spectrum of human emotions, values, and perceptions about wild horses and burros and their management. Summit participants engaged BLM and USFS line...
Blog Post
Off to College: Preparing Military Teens for Post-Secondary Education
Military teens grow up with their own unique set of challenges. From parental deployments to relocation, teens in military families have learned to be flexible and resilient. That flexibility and resilience can be a great benefit when teens are planning their next steps after high school graduation. For many, that next step means heading off to college and laying the groundwork for the beginnings of a career. As military service providers, we can support military families as they navigate...
Blog Post
GET MORE GRATITUDE!
What is gratitude ? It's a sense of wonder, thankfulness & appreciation for life . Gratitude helps increase optimism for life. It promotes positive thinking. It helps us cope with daily stress & traumatic events. Appreciating things in our life and focusing on the positive can help us move forward with purpose. Gratitude can also strengthen our relationships. People who feel gratitude towards others feel closer to them and report overall better relationships, even if they don't...
Blog Post
Beliefs on the Leadership Journey
Getting clear with ourselves about our beliefs helps connect us to our core values. They will shift over our lives so it's a constant journey of discovery. Here are some things to ponder as you check in on your journey. Your Leadership Philosophy Defining what the huge topic of leadership is to you is of utmost importance. It helps us get clear on our approach, communicate it to others, and measure how we're doing every day. Here's mine right now... It's realizing it's not about me &...
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
USDA Studies Determine that the Way We Treat Our Land Impacts Water Availability
Studies by USDA Agricultural Research Service Determine that the Way We Treat Our Land Impacts Water Availability Media Contact : Maribel.Alonso@usda.gov What impact, if any, do farming and ranching practices have on how much water is available downstream? That was the question scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Agroclimate and Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit in El Reno, Oklahoma, set out to answer in a series of studies conducted in Central and Western Oklahoma.
Blog Post
Extension Foundation Position Announcement: Chief Executive Officer
Extension Foundation Chief Executive Officer Position Description Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Time: Full-time Overall Role: Executive leader and manager of the Extension Foundation and Executive Officer of the Extension Foundation Board of Directors Salary: Commensurate with education and experience The Extension Foundation (EXF) is a member-based, nonprofit 501(c)3, created to support Cooperative Extension and its strategic partners. The primary purpose of the EXF is to generate...
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
Coaching or Mentoring?
Not that many years ago it wasn't very cool to have a coach for personal development. It was seen as somewhat of a weakness if you sought out a coach for help. Today, it's different. You want to learn and grow because you're after increased effectiveness. It's cool to have a coach. On the other hand, mentors have been a big part of personal and professional networks throughout our lives. These relationships continue to be a vital part of our development and the quality of our lives. Mentors...
Blog Post
A ChatGPT Primer for Financial Educators
Since launching in November 2022, ChatGPT has become the fastest technology tool to reach 100 million users…ever. Some are calling it “the next transformational platform.” Extension Educators may field questions about ChatGPT or consider its use in their work. Below are five key things to know about this ground-breaking artificial intelligence (AI) tool: ChatGPT Description - ChatGPT is “a very smart text-based robot” that can answer questions and have conversations with users. GPT stands...
Blog Post
Smart Uses for 2022 Tax Year Refunds
Below are five smart uses for tax refunds for Extension professionals: Debt Repayment- There is probably no better “investment” than repaying consumer debt (e.g., outstanding credit card bills). Paying off an 18% credit card is equivalent to earning a 20.5% return for taxpayers in the 12% tax bracket
Blog Post
JOB POST- University of Nevada Reno Horticulture Assistant / Associate Professor, Extension - Las Vegas, NV
The University of Nevada, Reno is looking for an innovative Extension Specialist as an Assistant or Associate Professor in the field of Horticulture in Clark County, Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. The Extension Specialist, Horticulture, will guide collaborative work with communities to respond to opportunities and challenges facing Clark County and Nevada. The individual in this position will educate, connect, and create information and content through...
Blog Post
Facing Organization Changes with Monkeys, Marathons & Popcorn!
Recently we held a workshop on change where the participants mentioned something they were hearing in their organizations. "That's how we do things around here." This phrase is often used to explain a cultural behavior or process. It seems to provide plausible deniability and deflect blame for the current situation. Healthy organizations know they must deal with the challenges of change versus the status quo. No change and you become obsolete. Change for change's sake means chaos rules and...
Blog Post
What is ExtensionBot?
This work is supported by funding from a cooperative agreement with USDA-NIFA and in partnership with Oklahoma State University, New Technologies for Ag Extension, grant no 2020-41595-30123. ExtensionBot is a chatbot that is built and deployed by the Extension Foundation. We are working closely with Eduworks Corporation on the development and deployment of the technology. ExtensionBot is backed by an LLM (Large Language Model) that is trained exclusively on data provided by Cooperative...
Blog Post
Normalizing the Conversation: Mental Health
By: Sara Croymans adapted by Anna Peterson Part 1 of this blog post introduced the topic of military mental health and suicide and provided a variety of resources. To learn more, go back and read the blog post here . Many Service members and veterans with mental health needs are not seeking treatment for mental health care. One study found that more than 60% of veterans of the Iraq war that screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety, or depression did...
Blog Post
Register for the National Extension Tourism conference before 8/25
Registration for the 2023 National Extension Tourism Conference closes in one week! Check out the agenda and fantastic lineup of mobile workshops, and register today!
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
Balancing Your Mental Health to Better Serve Others
As September approaches we want to recognize Suicide Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, promoting understanding of mental health challenges, and fostering conversations that can save lives. Mark your calendar for 11:00 AM ET on September 27, 2023 and plan to attend OneOp’s professional development opportunity focused on balancing our mental health to better service others. To learn more, go to: Balancing Your Mental Health . Providers, whether...
Blog Post
Position Announcement: Associate Director, Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development
The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD) is seeking applicants for an Associate Director position. The Associate Director will lead the Center’s outreach-oriented activities in consultation with the Director. Read the full job description and apply online!
Blog Post
The #1 clue of dysfunction
In some leadership sessions recently we asked the participants what they were experiencing that might be holding back their teams. Without much hesitation, they said there was something keeping them stuck. Keeping them from collaborating the way they hoped. It's probably not what you expect. They said it was not asking for help . Seriously? Yes! This one thing reveals a number of things that work against effective collaboration. Here are two... Fear exists Poor psychological safety Fear is...
Blog Post
Dangers of Leaving Money in Payment Apps
Imagine you go to dinner with a group of friends and the waiter isn’t able to split the bill. You pay for the meal and your friends quickly transfer their portion via a payment app to you and call it even. You leave the money in the app for the next time you need it. You can probably think of other ways that you and your clients routinely use payment apps in every day exchanges of goods and services. These types of peer-to-peer transactions are
Comment
Re: Dangers of Leaving Money in Payment Apps
This is my sign to go withdraw all my money from those accounts! Thanks for the post.
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
Enhancing Mental Well-being for Effective Service: A Preview of Our Upcoming Webinar
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, it prompted mental health professionals to rise to the occasion. Not only did the pandemic necessitate significant adjustments in the way mental health services were delivered, but it also added complexity to the already challenging task of balancing personal and professional lives for these dedicated professionals. To achieve peak personal and professional performance, mental health practitioners and family support providers must...
Blog Post
Job Opening: Assistant Professor Position Extension Specialist – Physical Activity and Mental Health at Utah State University
Position Summary The Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at Utah State University (USU) seeks an Assistant Professor to serve as an Extension Specialist. The position will be housed on the USU Logan Campus and includes statewide responsibilities. This 12-month, tenure-track, full-time benefited position begins July 1, 2024. We seek applicants with research and teaching expertise in physical activity and mental health . Scientists with an academic background in kinesiology, public...
Blog Post
GUEST POST: How to Fix the Workplace Through a Culture of Voluntary Influence
By Don Shapiro President, First Concepts Consultants, Inc. University Extension faces the same challenges today as any organization where a group of people are working together to accomplish something significant. You’re challenged with issues such as retention, burnout, managing change, leadership, and collaboration. Each one of these has a huge impact on how well you carry out your mission and serve your communities and constituents. Leadership stands out on this list because it’s not just...
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
Treat each other with L.O.V.E.
A team we worked with was doing well except for a couple of team members who didn't get along very well. At the end of their time with us, we asked how their relationship was going. Particularly we asked if they could trust the other person. One of them replied "yes". Initially, we were excited about their progress! They continued to say they could trust them to be a jerk. What?! After some follow-up questions, we learned the behaviors they exhibited to this team member supported predictive...
Blog Post
"Hot" for Change!
Imagine you're making popcorn on the stove. You heat the oil and put in the kernels. Too little heat and the kernels don't pop. Too much heat and the popcorn isn't edible because it's burned. Just the right amount of heat makes a yummy treat! Heat is the catalyst for change. It's the same for our teams and organizations. You're in the regular weekly update meeting and the boss checks in on how everyone is doing with the newly installed system-wide software. One team member speaks up and says...