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Tagged With "Practicing Connection in a Complex World"

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New Job Opening: Manager, Climate-Smart Ag Interactive Programming - Farm Journal's Trust In Food

Nate Birt ·
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...
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Important Resources for Family Resiliency: The Red Cross Service to Armed Forces Workshops

Rachel Brauner ·
Written by: Lucas Blankenship, Master of Public Administration Student West Virginia University and MFLN Military Caregiving Concentration. As a member of a military family myself, I remember all too well the stress and strain that deployment and reintegration can have on military members, their families, and those close to them. Often, we think of how we can help those in the military community. How can we serve those who serve? One way is accessing services, resources, and programs offered...
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Storytelling

Karl Bradley ·
"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...
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Tips and Tools for Content Creators

Selena T Garrison ·
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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Gone not Forgotten

Karl Bradley ·
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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Thinking Throwback

Karl Bradley ·
THINKING If you think you are beaten, you are If you think you dare not, you don't, If you like to win, but you think you can't It is almost certain you won't. If you think you'll lose, you're lost For out of the world we find, Success begins with a fellow's will It's all in the state of mind. If you think you are outclassed, you are You've got to think high to rise, You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster...
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ICYMI: Shop Simple with MyPlate and More MyPlate Updates!

Aaron Weibe ·
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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LEADERSHIP-IT'S ALL ABOUT EVERYONE

Scott Reed ·
Scott Reed, Vice Provost Emeritus, Outreach and Engagement, Oregon State University Lou Swanson, Emeritus Vice President of Engagement, Colorado State University Image by Vadym Pustukh via Unsplash Essayist William Gibson recently reminded us, “ The future is here. It’s just not widely distributed yet .” The same sentiment is reflected by the Institute for the Future in discussions of leadership in a world characterized by explosive connectivity and disruption and describes literacies for...
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Supporting Military Couples

Anita Harris Hering ·
Webinar series November 2021- May 2022 Military couples and families experience unique challenges with frequent relocation, deployment, and reintegration. Strong military couple relationships require an investment of time and effort and are vital in maintaining mission and family readiness. This webinar series shares research on the impact of military life on families, as well as tools and resources for service professionals to assist military couples and families in strengthening...
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JOB: Community Nutrition & Health Advisor

Chris McKerracher ·
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,...
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JOB: Community Nutrition & Health Advisor

Chris McKerracher ·
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...
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Practice Your ABCD's

Karl Bradley ·
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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Finding Thanks and Practicing Gratitude with Military Youth and Families

Jason M Jowers ·
Halloween candy is dwindling down if it wasn’t all gobbled up over the trick-or-treat weekend. The spooky season’s pumpkins have now transitioned into full-on fall decor. Families and friends will soon be connecting and coming together to celebrate and find thankfulness in another year with the quickly approaching holidays. The holidays also allow many of us to spend time consciously and prioritize the things that matter most. While celebrating with loved ones is first and foremost...
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Risky?

Karl Bradley ·
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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DISRUPTING ENGAGEMENT OR ENGAGEMENT, THE DISRUPTER?

Scott Reed ·
Dave King, Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University When the analog-to-digital information evolution began in the mid 1990s, Extension and engagement—as functions of higher education—appeared to be likely targets for disruption. Yet, today, fundamental aspects of Extension and engagement appear to be untouched by disruptive competition. Or do they? “The past is prologue,” wrote William Shakespeare. So a quick review of Extension and the digital evolution, and what we can learn from...
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Re: UBUNTU lives!

Marcia Parcell ·
Thanks for sharing! How do we spread this mindset in our community, organization, world? We have work to do!
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Resolutions!

Karl Bradley ·
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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UArizona Associate/Full Extension Specialist - Nutrition

Vanessa da Silva ·
Job Title: Cooperative Extension Specialist (Associate/Full) Location: The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona Job Overview: The School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness and Cooperative Extension at the University of Arizona welcomes applicants for a continuing-track (tenure-track equivalent) Associate Specialist or Specialist (90% Extension/10% Service FTE) to begin in Fall 2022 or sooner. The incumbent will be responsible for leadership, strategic planning, and oversight of statewide...
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The Changing World of Medicaid: What to Watch for in 2022

Rachel Brauner ·
Medicaid, the single largest source of health coverage in the United States, is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Join the Military Families Learning network at 11:00 a.m. ET on February 23, 2022, as Christopher Plein, Ph.D., Eberly Family Professor for Outstanding Public Service at West Virginia University, discusses Medicaid, new program developments and possibilities for the...
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New Leadership Skillsets

Karl Bradley ·
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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Teamwork Part 3: We're always seeking clarity!

Karl Bradley ·
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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Impact Collaborative Launches Three New Professional Development Series for 2022

Aaron Weibe ·
For 2022, the Extension Foundation's Impact Collaborative Program has launched three new professional development series for Extension Foundation members : Extension Skills Each second Thursday of the month, the Impact Collaborative's Extension Skills series will provide an opportunity for Cooperative Extension professionals to build capacity with tools, processes and tech skills training. For March 2022, join Victor Villegas and Molly Immendorf as they share their favorite tools and tips...
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Teamwork Part 4: What does your work mean to you?

Karl Bradley ·
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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Military Families Learning Network is Now OneOp!

Hannah Hyde ·
OneOp continues a tradition of free quality information and education for professionals helping military families. OneOp continues to be a single-point-of-entry professional development resource for service providers. For more than 10 years we have collaborated with DoD and the US Department of Agriculture to provide free and open-access learning opportunities within a full spectrum of family service subject areas. This long-standing DoD partnership allows us to meet the professional...
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Teamwork Part 5: Make a difference together!

Karl Bradley ·
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

Anita Harris Hering ·
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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New Connect Extension Podcast Episode: Getting to the Heart of the Matter with Washington State University

MelaniePugsley ·
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...
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Tourism Specialist Position open

Jennifer Wagner-Harkonen ·
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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A Philosophy for Working on Wicked Problems

Melissa Kreye ·
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!

Karl Bradley ·
“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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Social Justice and Practicing Connection in a Complex World

Jessica B. ·
The Practicing Connection in a Complex World podcast has come a long way since we first started! We're currently in Season 3, where we've been focusing on social justice in preparation for the upcoming 2022 Academy Series . These episodes are created with Extension professionals, helping professionals, and community leaders in mind. Our latest two episodes feature incredible people doing really cool work in the social justice space. Social Justice and Family Well Being (Season 3, Ep. 1) For...
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Job Opening: Assistant Professor of Extension of Financial Planning and Consumer Wellbeing

Rachel Hubbard ·
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...
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What's your style?

Karl Bradley ·
Nope, not your choice in clothing or furniture, sorry to disappoint... We're talking about the ways in which you live and operate in the world. Understanding our unique approaches can lead to more meaningful conversations, less confusion and less frustration with others. 6 Questions To Describe YOUR Style What do you value most? "A value is a decision-making principle: an articulation of what you want your decisions to accomplish." -Drew Dudley Who we are is how we lead; they are the roots...
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Re: 10 Leadership Theories

Karl Bradley ·
@John Tindall Thanks for your comment! Totally agree, we need to come up with a cool name for where leadership is today. The label we use will help others connect to the current evolution and keep moving us forward. What ideas do you have? Love to connect with you on this sometime! Keep leading! -Karl
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Keeping the (Social) Work Growing this Month and Onward

Jason M Jowers ·
The services provided by social workers are crucial to creating and cultivating individual and family wellness. During this time of insurmountable stressors at home and abroad, social workers are pillars in providing vital mental health and behavioral health services. Services that can aid family members in navigating daily anxiety, worry, and trauma. National Social Work Month March was Social Work Month, and the 2022 theme is The Time is Right for Social Work. Over the past three years,...
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Intro to TRICARE Health Plans & Special Programs

Rachel Brauner ·
Interested in learning more about TRICARE health care programs for service members, retirees, and their families around the world? OneOp will be partnering with the Defense Health Agency to provide a free professional development webinar on May 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM ET focusing on basic information and resources for military service providers and community support professionals. We recommend that military families with an individual with disabilities attend this webinar to better understand...
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May Is Older Americans Month: Elder Abuse Is a Social Determinant of Health

Holly H. McPeak ·
In this post, the author discusses addressing Elder Abuse to improve health outcomes for older adults and promotes aging in place. The Elder Justice Initiative at the U.S. Department of Justice provides training and resources to help promote the health and well-being of older adults.
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Leadership from "Band of Brothers" Commander

Karl Bradley ·
Major Richard "Dick" Winters , a native of Ephrata in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was the Commander of "Easy Company", 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division, in World War II. They have affectionately become known as the " Band of Brothers ". On D-Day (June 6, 1944) he parachuted behind enemy lines into Normandy, France. 156,000 other American, British and Canadian forces were involved in "Operation Overlord" that become the turning point in...
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Ecosystem Services in Working Lands Practice and Policy of the U.S. Northeast: Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities for Producers and Extension Webinar

MelaniePugsley ·
Register for webinar HERE May 24th, 2022 2 PM - 3 PM ET The Extension Foundation and Extension Northeast Ecosystem Services Assessment Fellows invite you to a webinar to discuss their Extension Foundation publication on the recently-completed ecosystem service landscape assessment, which analyzed provisioning programs and policies across the U.S. Northeast. This report documents the results from a regional assessment of over 1,300 ecosystem service provisioning programs and policies across...
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Feeling feelings...

Karl Bradley ·
When was the last time you felt sorry for someone? Did you have a hard time connecting to the reason they were suffering? Did you find yourself not caring about what they care about? This focus is sympathy, not empathy. Chances are we don't need to learn this, we just need a reminder! Sympathy When we act out of sympathy it means we understand what the person is feeling. Chances are we're not really connecting with the other person though. If we don't move toward empathy our understanding is...
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An Important Tool for Strengthening Couples’ Relationships in the Wake of COVID-19

Anita Harris Hering ·
by Karen Shirer, Ph.D. In Brief Relationship education (RE) for individuals, couples and families can provide critical support in recovering relationship health after disruptive events like the COVID-19 pandemic. A new podcast series on RE focuses on three important RE programs and resources — the NERMEM , Healthy Relationship and Marriage Training and Elevate for Couples . Dr. Ted Futris shares examples for applying the model’s components to your work with individuals and families in...
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Extension Skills: Podcasting Basics with Aaron Weibe Follow-up

MelaniePugsley ·
The Impact Collaborative's new professional development series, Extension Skills , invites members to attend every month to learn new tech skills, processes, and other training from experts in Cooperative Extension. This month's Extension Skills session was “Podcasting Basics: What You Need to Get Started” led by Aaron Weibe . Aaron covered the basics of getting a podcast started including the software and hardware needed, audio editing, and how to upload and broadcast your podcast to...
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June National Health Observances: Alzheimer’s Disease, Safety, HIV, and More

Holly H. McPeak ·
Each month we feature select National Health Observances (NHOs) that highlight important health issues affecting people across the nation. In June we’re raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and brain health, safety, HIV testing and sickle cell disease.
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The 2 things everyone wants

Karl Bradley ·
Travel teaches us a ton. It's not about comparison. It's about perspective. "Comparison is the thief of joy." -Teddy Roosevelt In this article, psychologist Dr. Amy Silver helps us... " Say no to comparisonitis! " My wife and I traveled before and throughout our military careers. We still love to travel. One thing we did was chart our locations on a world map. This was a great way to share our travels with our children and what we learned along the way. In total we had the opportunity to...
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Tips to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio

Selena T Garrison ·
A key theme in investing that never goes out of style is building a diversified portfolio to reduce investment risk. Below are eight key investing concepts for Extension educators to suggest to their clients: Quantify Your Goals - Encourage clients to write down their goals with the projected cost and a time deadline. Doing this will help them select appropriate investments and provide the motivation required today to set money aside for the future. Discuss Risk - Explain that investment...
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UNH Extension seeks State Specialist, Soil Health

Victoria Rappeport ·
The Extension state specialist in soil health provides statewide leadership in soil health and fertility in agricultural systems. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position based at the University of New Hampshire’s Durham, N.H. campus. It is a non-tenure track 100% Extension appointment. Beginning in the second year of employment, state specialists must generate 25% of annual salary from external grants and contracts. The specialist will oversee the UNH Soil Testing Service,...
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Job: Associate Dean for Extension at UConn

Stacey Stearns ·
The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for the position of Associate Dean for Extension and Associate Director for the Cooperative Extension System (CES), with appointment as Associate or Full Professor with tenure in a CAHNR department related to the candidate’s academic discipline. We are seeking an inspirational, dynamic, visionary, and collegial individual to provide exemplary College-level leadership...
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Three Keys to Sustainable Change: The Path toward Social Justice and Supporting the Well-being of Diverse Families

Molly Herndon ·
The path of change towards social justice and supporting the well-being of diverse families may, at times, be difficult for professionals who serve families.
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Summer Self-Care Webinar Series

Dee Walls ·
The Community Seminar Series: Summer Self-Care What topics are covered in the series? Summer is busy, and it's easy to forget to take care of ourselves while we try to juggle what everyone else needs. Researchers from University of Illinois can help guide your summer health choices. Find a session that's perfect for you, or participate in all of them. Summer Self-Care is a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension and the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute as part of...
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Shifting Your Mindset from a Deficit Ideology

Molly Herndon ·
In the second MFRA course, “Family Service Providers: Recognizing and Responding to Inequities”, Dr. Alison De Marco introduces the deficit ideology framework and provides ways to move beyond this mindset.
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About the Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation was formed in 2006 by Extension Directors and Administrators. Today, the Foundation partners with Cooperative Extension through liaison roles and a formal plan of work with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) to increase system capacity while providing programmatic services, and helping Extension programs scale and investigate new methods and models for implementing programs. The Foundation provides professional development to Cooperative Extension professionals and offers exclusive services to its members. In 2020 and 2021, the Extension Foundation has awarded 85% of its direct funding back to the Cooperative Extension System, 100% of funds are used to support Cooperative Extension initiatives. 

This technology is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension (funding opportunity no. USDA-NIFA-OP-010186), grant no. 2023-41595-41325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Extension Foundation. For more information, please visit extension.org. You can view the terms of useat extension.org/terms.

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