Tagged With "CE credit"
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New Farm Stress Training Course Available
Extension practitioners wishing to learn more about how they can support farmers and ranchers experiencing high levels of stress brought on by the economic turmoil associated with COVID-19 are encouraged to participate in a new online training course supported by a coalition of agriculture-serving agencies and organizations. The training is a modified version of a curriculum originally developed by Michigan State University Extension that was adapted for use by the coalition. Members of the...
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ICYMI: Healthy Eating, Social Media, & Lower Income Communities – A Research Review
Yesterday, we hosted a webinar led by Jessica Larson - Public Affairs Specialist, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, U.S. Department of Agriculture. She provided a research review that offered insights on how various SNAP-eligible audiences use social media channels, particularly when it comes to health and healthy eating. Participants had a chance to find out which platforms are preferred by different lower income populations to more effectively communicate healthy eating messages...
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July 2020 Story Lead Contest Winner Published in Farm Journal
Congrats again to @Jason de Koff , Tennessee State University, for submitting the winning story lead for the July 2020 Farm Journal Monthly Story Lead contest here in Connect Extension. Thank you to everyone for your submissions each month! The story, Q&A: Maximize Drone ROI On Your Farm has been published by Farm Journal. You can read the full story here . Photo Credit: Corey Blick
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Farm Journal Request for High-Res Images for Soil Health Improvement Workbook
Farm Journal is building a soil health improvement workbook in partnership with NRCS & a variety of leaders in agribusiness, farmer associations, food companies & NGOs and are looking for high-resolution images (with credit to the providing organization(s)/institutions) of: Soil infiltration test (each step of the process illustrated) Water mitigation table (each step) At-home rainfall simulator (each step) Any other at-home soil tests farmers can perform to assess specific facets of...
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Practicing Reflection
If your year started like mine, it left you reeling from a packed schedule and more on your plate than you thought you had. I came into 2021 with a peaceful mindset, having just taken the bulk of two weeks off, but somehow still felt a little blindsided when my first day back at work came around. I decided I needed to do something before I allowed my year to continue down this path. So this past weekend, I spent some time reflecting and planning and now I feel even more ready for whatever...
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Atomic Habits: An Extension Conversation About Moving Forward in the New Year
James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results , was the subject of a recent Connect Extension Virtual Chat. The hour-long interaction stimulated participants to extend Clear’s lessons into vignettes describing their personal and professional experiences with habits. The recorded chat can be found here . Atomic habits are intended to be small and easy to do-thus reinforcing their value by becoming a part of one’s identity. Multiple atomic habits can begin to influence...
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THE QUEST FOR TALENT EQUITY: ENGAGEMENT IN THE REGIONAL TALENT PIPELINE ECOSYSTEM
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash.com Eric Dunker, Associate for Business Strategies, Associate Vice President and Dean: Business, Technology, and Workforce Partnerships, Arapahoe Community College As our society becomes more diverse, businesses and communities have moral and economic reasons to create systems with talent equity outcomes across the educational and labor market continuum. Higher education is rightly focused on educational equity, but this pandemic has demonstrated large...
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11 Free Courses Available for Disaster and Hazard Readiness
FREE online courses offer free continuing education credit, are self-paced and offer practical solutions to local problems regarding disaster and hazard readiness
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"Extension’s Role in Disaster Response and Mental Health" Virtual Chat
On Wednesday, May 19 th , over a dozen Cooperative Extension professionals across the nation gathered in a Connect Extension chat to discuss disaster response and mental wellness in our work. The main themes interrogated throughout the hour were: mental wellness, disasters*, disaster recovery, and community interaction within those sectors. In this discussion, we wanted to learn how branches of Extension approach mental wellness in their communities and if they find themselves in disaster...
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It's situational and it's not...
My brother & I talk a lot and it has brought us closer, especially during our "philosophical" discussions. We like to dive deep into our passion areas, share what we've learned from books, articles, Ted Talks, work situations, parenting, etc. We just go with whatever is on our minds in a healthy banter. One thing keeps coming up regardless of topic is leadership & its close relationship with character . We agree on one point...leadership is situational but character isn't. Character...
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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...
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Unpeeled: The Case Files of Maya McCluen Game is Available for Extension Programs
Navigating the grocery store aisle is challenging for many consumers—especially those who want to buy the most nutritious food and stay within their budget. The University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension New Technologies in Agricultural Extension (NTAE) team developed an interactive learning activity (or game), Unpeeled: The Case Studies of Maya McCluen . Our team sought to clarify food marketing labels and empower consumers to make science-based decisions while shopping. We hosted a...
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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.
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Supporting Military Couples
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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Risky?
Starting any new venture can be scary. Deciding to tap into our creative entrepreneurial spirit can take a lot of courage, patience & a bit of ignoring our insecurities. "Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is!" -Mark Twain Recently heard Tim Ferriss Podcast interview with Sir Richard Branson. One of the stories Branson told was of how he got into the airline business. He was trying to get home after a 3-week business trip when his flight was cancelled. He really wanted to...
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Upcoming Self-Care Workshop for Military & Veteran TBI Caregivers
The Military Families Learning Network (MFLN) is partnering with the Defense Health Agency’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE) at 11:00 AM ET on November 30, 2021 for an interactive self-care workshop for military and veteran traumatic brain injury (TBI) caregivers. RSVP to join at Military and Veteran TBI Caregivers . Presenters will provide education and insight into TBI caregiver resources, common concerns, self-care strategies, research, and best practices to improve...
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A One Hour End-of-Year Financial Checkup
Like a medical exam, a review of clients’ finances can identify strategies to improve their “financial fitness” and screen for potential problems, such as a high debt-to-income ratio. This article features 10 diagnostic tools to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a client’s financial situation that can be reviewed in a one-hour appointment.
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Downsizing Holiday Debt
Families often have leftover holiday debt hanging over their heads like a big dark cloud. What can you do to help these clients? Below are 5 time-tested debt repayment steps to consider using.
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The Changing World of Medicaid: What to Watch for in 2022
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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EXCITE Gets Recognition from the CDC
The Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement, (EXCITE) program received a letter of gratitude from CDC director Samuel F. Posner, and a spotlight on the CDC's Health Equity in Action page for their work. In the letter, Samuel Posner recognizes the value of a partnership with Cooperative Extension, stating "..we’re looking forward to learning from CES and understanding community concerns to develop and deliver effective tailored messaging to increase vaccination in...
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2022 Tax Updates
As the 2022 tax season approaches, there are several important updates of which service providers should be aware. A few important changes are outlined here. Advance Child Tax Credit Payments. Families who received advance child tax credit payments will need to compare the monthly payments they received with the amount they are eligible to claim on their 2021 tax return to determine if they may be able to claim additional credit or if they will need to repay some credit. Eligible families...
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Upcoming TBI Awareness Series in March 2022
As the month of March approaches, OneOp (formerly the Military Families Learning Network) is preparing to highlight Brain Injury Awareness Month with a series of professional development webinars in partnership with the Defense Health Agency. The webinar series will provide a platform for educating military service providers on military-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and strategies to support families during reintegration. TBI is a significant health issue that affects service...
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Understanding Buy Now, Pay Later Services
Keeping up with the latest financial products and services offered to consumers can be a challenge. This month, we look at Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) products, a type of small dollar installment loan that is typically interest-free for consumers. This unsecured loan is often offered to consumers at the point of sale online or in-store, allowing them to pay in four or less equal installments, with typically 25 percent of the total due at the time of sale. When payments are made on time, a BNPL...
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Job Opening: Soil Health Extension Educator
INTRODUCTION The University of Connecticut (UConn) Department of Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time (11 month) non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator. The successful applicant will assess, develop and deliver impactful extension programs on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and conservation practices. These programs will build an Extension program focused on creating more climate and economically resilient agricultural systems through improved knowledge of...
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Program for Recently Separated Veterans During First Year of Transition from Military Service
Are you working with a service member or military family that may be transiting from active duty? In 2019, The Department of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and Homeland Security, launched the VA Solid Start (VASS) program in response to Executive Order (EO) 13822: Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition from Uniformed Service to Civilian Life . The EO was established to improve transitioning service members’ mental health care and access to suicide...
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How to Help Your Client Balance Saving Money Versus Paying Off Debt
Finding the balance between paying off debt and saving more money can be overwhelming. While it may be tempting to focus on one or the other, it may be possible to both save money and pay off debt at the same time with the right plan. Paying Off Debt The first step to paying off debt is knowing what is owed. Clients should make a list of their debts including the lender’s name, the total amount owed, the monthly payment, and the interest rate. Before attempting to save any income, they...
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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...
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Let's Talk Money
University of Illinois Extension is providing a series of six free online workshops to help families learn about personal finances as well as strategies for talking about money. The workshops are held each Thursday evening beginning May 5. The one-hour sessions start at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required at go.illinois.edu/TalkMoney to receive Zoom connecting information. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, contact Camaya Wallace Bechard , Extension consumer economics...
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Keeping the (Social) Work Growing this Month and Onward
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
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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Leadership from "Band of Brothers" Commander
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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Understanding the Financial Literacy Divide
Since Extension educators work with individuals and families from a broad array of racial and ethnic backgrounds, ages, genders, income levels, and educational levels, it is important to understand the impact that financial literacy disparities may have on those they are serving.
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Shifting Your Mindset from a Deficit Ideology
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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Understanding if Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts are Right for Your Family
Join OneOp Military Caregiving and Personal Finance concentration areas as they host a professional development webinar on August 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM ET on ‘ Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts .’ If you or someone you know is caring for an individual with special healthcare needs and thinking about long-term planning, it may be helpful to RSVP for this upcoming event to learn which disability program is right for your family. Special needs trusts are used to purchase goods and services...
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Financial Health: What It Is and How to Achieve It
Extension educators are in a position to help consumers build financial health. This post describes what financial health is, how to assess it, and twelve steps to achieve it. What Is Financial Health? Financial health is the current state of someone’s finances. It includes both daily financial functioning (e.g., paying bills) and long-term resilience and opportunity. Like physical health, financial health can change over time and needs to be assessed regularly. According to the Financial...
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Considering a degree in Extension Education?
Would you like to do more of the following? Analyze the principles that guide extension work Develop programs and community outreach initiatives Customize instructional methods for various audiences Develop evaluation strategies for programming Gather, analyze, and communicate community-based research to various populations Participate in a structured mentoring model and engaged peer network Consider graduate courses as an exceptional option to fulfill professional development goals that...
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Extension Professionals Working with Families of Individuals with Disabilities: Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts Webinar
Calling all Extension professionals – Learn how you can better support families within your state and local communities who may be caring for an individual with disabilities. OneOp is providing a professional development webinar for family support providers at 11:00 a.m. ET on August 24, 2022 to discuss ‘ Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts ’ and the different options available for individuals with disabilities. RSVP here to learn more. Webinar presenter, Alison Packard, with Packard Law...
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Teaching Children About Money
Financial education courses notwithstanding, children’s strongest financial influence is most likely their parents. Below are tips for Extension educators to share with parents interested in teaching their children about money:
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Money-Saving Tips for Uncertain Times
Between a four-decade record high for inflation and rising interest rates, many Americans are being squeezed financially.
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Six Tips for Building Wealth
Extension Educators can change their clients’ lives dramatically by sharing information and tools to build wealth. One of the most valuable financial resources is time for compound interest to work its magic on regular savings deposits such as Roth IRA contributions.
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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.
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Colorado State University- Online offers you PD in Evaluation & Applied Research in Extension Course & Spring Registration reminder
Greetings Extension friends! Spring 2023 course registration at Colorado State University Online is open through Monday, January 16th. Enrolling in courses is as easy as clicking this orange button and submitting your ESP- Employee Study Privilege form . You do not have to be enrolled in a Graduate program to take individual courses. Graduate courses are a great PD opportunity to enhance your skills and build up your CV. Spring 2023 Extension Education courses NEW!! AGED 600 - Evaluation and...
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Providing Nutritional Support in Cancer Care
Nutrition plays a critical role in cancer care as it can have a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of cancer patients. Join OneOp at 11:00 AM ET on May 10, 2023 for a professional develop webinar on the ‘Importance of Nutrition in Cancer Care.’ This webinar focuses on nutrition care for people on active cancer treatment, information on common side effects, and strategies to assist caregivers in their role of providing nutrition during cancer treatment. RSVP to join here...
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5 Reasons Estate Planning is Vital for Caregivers
While most Americans plan for retirement, many neglect another crucial aspect of financial planning – end of life or estate planning. Although about 6 in 10 Americans have a retirement account (Census Bureau, 2020), only 1 in 3 have an estate plan according to Caring.com’s 2023 Wills and Estate Planning Study. Estate planning is one of the most important, yet often overlooked aspects of caregiving. When someone becomes a caregiver for a loved one, their focus is primarily on providing...
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Registration for the Healthy People 2030 Webinar Series: Strengthening Resilience in Children and Adolescents Is Now Open
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) is pleased to announce its next webinar: Healthy People 2030 Webinar Series: Strengthening Resilience in Children and Adolescents . This webinar will take place on Wednesday, June 28 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET. To register, please visit the Healthy People 2030 Webinar Series Registration page . Continuing Education Credits* (CEs) are available for this webinar. During this one-hour event, ODPHP and the Centers for Disease Control and...
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FALCON 2023 Annual Conference registration is now Open. Please Register Now!
Register Now! Dear 1994 Land-grant Colleagues and FALCON members, The First Americans Land-Grant Consortium (FALCON) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its 19 th Annual Conference, scheduled for October 13-15, 2023, at the Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado. Please register for the conference now. As always, the conference will include sessions in 1994 land-grant teaching, extension programs and research that benefit Native American students, communities,...
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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
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Ten Personal Finance Capstone Review Activities
Every extension educator has been there. You’ve just taught some personal finance content (e.g., investment basics or wise credit use) and you want to make sure that it “stuck.” You are looking for a fun, interactive activity to reinforce what you just covered. Below is a summary of ten interactive activities to review previously taught personal finance content: Educational Games - Tools that are popular with teachers in a K-12 setting can also work well as capstone reviews with adults. For...
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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...
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Job Opening: Extension Evaluation Specialist
We're hiring an Extension Evaluation Specialist. Join our team and advance the field of program evaluation by designing and testing methods that lead to improved capacity to measure outcomes of UConn Extension programs. The Specialist designs and delivers education programs and non-credit courses for UConn Extension faculty, staff, and administrators to increase their capacity to evaluate programs aligned with the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources strategic vision and...