Tagged With "Make Your Savings Grow on June"
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How Practicing Connection Can Cultivate Food Security Collaborations
Like many of the issues that impact our families and communities, food security is complex. There are multiple factors that affect the issue, including economic, social, environmental and political factors. Interrelated issues like poverty, healthcare, and climate change make food security even more complex. Complex issues can only be addressed from multiple perspectives and by a wide range of people and organizations. Obach and their collaborators write, “Building networks allows for...
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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...
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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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Beyond the Binary: Understanding and Affirming LGBTQ+ Continuums of Identity
By Dr. Tiffany Lange, Psy.D. (she/her/hers) In a society where conformity is expected and non-conformity must be “explained”, there are many misperceptions about the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and related identities) community. Biology and nature are not binary categories, our world is full of spectrums. Yet, society often oversimplifies people and identities into binary categories: we’re either “this” or “that.” Known as social categorization, this...
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Feel the surge? Resist the urge!
A few years ago an assignment came my way due to a lack of personnel with the right experience. It featured a lot of diverse tasks to prepare a team for a challenging assignment involving advanced training, remote communication, outside agency networking/coordination & team building. After months of painstakingly detailed work, my bosses felt I had not asked the right questions, sweat the small stuff enough and let too many “balls drop”. In a one-way conversation, they fired me. This hit...
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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...
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Success from Extension Foundation’s New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) Program Accelerator: North Carolina State University Juntos Program Awarded $7.8 Million from USDA-NIFA
The Juntos Program from North Carolina State University was competitively selected in 2020 as a recipient of the Extension Foundation’s New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) award and received it for a second time in 2021. The program was served by Extension Foundation staff including its key informants, and was assigned Dr. Scott Reed as the catalyst/coach for the Juntos Program during their two-year partnership with the Extension Foundation. NTAE is a grant from USDA-NIFA in partnership...
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Rural Resilience Lecture Series part 4 of 4 - Self-Care: Taking Care of Myself So I Can Help Others!
August 29th 11am Register for Rural Resilience Lecture Community Health Engagement and Outreach invites you to join a bimonthly lecture series featuring renowned experts in the topic of resilience. Service providers, educators, and community members will engage in practical content related to stress, coping, and health equity. As part of a Rural Health Safety Education (RHSE) grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), we strive to increase capacity for research- and...
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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...
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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...
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Announcing GROW Urban Agriculture Conference
Announcing the inaugural Generating Research Opportunities Workshop for (GROW) Urban Agriculture Conference. This is a virtual three part conference for researchers, extension professional, educators and stakeholders designed to build interdisciplinary teams and support their efforts to secure funding for research, extension and education (REE) that supports and expands urban agriculture. Phase I is November 1-3, 2023. This virtual session will focus on connecting participants with similar...
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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...
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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...
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Extension Foundation Seeks Chief Operating Officer
Application Link: https://registry.extension.org/232986146271058 Application Deadline: November 16th, 2023 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) non-profit operating foundation formed in 2006 by Extension Directors and Administrators. EXF partners with university-based Cooperative Extension Services to increase their capacity and offers...
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Extension Foundation Announces New Technologies for Ag Extension Funding Opportunity: Applications Due December 22nd, 2023
Technology-Enhanced Cooperative Extension Hub (TECHExt) Summary : NTAE (New Technologies for Ag Extension) a grant from NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) will begin Year 1 with the Extension Foundation January, 2024. EXF has the subaward for this grant from the University of New Hampshire who is the prime award for this funding. Within the funding EXF receives from the NTAE grant, one of the grant activity focus areas are the development of projects that lead to local impact...
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Dynamic Discussion 2023 Overview
We're wrapping up an exceptional year of Dynamic Discussion sessions! Throughout this year, the Extension Foundation brought together professionals from Cooperative Extension and beyond to explore a diverse array of topics. Dynamic Discussion provides a platform to learn perspectives, exchange ideas, and creates a space for conenction and sharing. Together, we've discussed into new ideas, gained insights, and contemplated the future of Extension. The discussions this year covered topics such...
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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...
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Trending Topics in Financial Education
Stay current with trending financial topics in order to effectively serve clients. Here is a brief description of five trending financial topics related to current events, economics, legislation, and consumer behavior. Implications for military families are described.
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REGISTER NOW! 2024 Leadership & Team Development Events
On behalf of the Extension Foundation team, we would like to express our gratitude to all our members who made 2023 incredible! Throughout the year, we hosted events customized just for you and we're doing the same next year! More for '24! We have tailored our 2024 leadership development member offerings to help meet the needs expressed in the Professional Development Needs Assessment . Here's the line-up: January Personal Leadership Bootcamp February Trust March Busy is a Choice Diffuse the...
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Register NOW for Extension Foundation 2024 Professional Development Offerings!
On behalf of the Extension Foundation team, we would like to express our gratitude to all our members who made 2023 incredible! Throughout the year, we hosted 70+ diverse events customized just for you. If you missed out on any of these sessions, you can catch up by exploring the recordings and resources in our Video Resource Library. More for '24! We have tailored our 2024 professional and leadership development member offerings to help meet the needs expressed in the Professional...
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Leadership Lessons from Santa Claus
Couldn't resist one more post, especially when it's about the magical, mystical person who is Santa Claus! Here's a summary of how he gets big things done in his workshop all year long... The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus by Eric Harvey He's delivering right now...follow his journey here ! Thanks @Scott Reed for sharing & for your continued service to Cooperative Extension! *Summary from Get Abstract
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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...
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Immunization and Health Partnership Development Specialist
Application Deadline: open until filled Position Type: 1 FTE Application Link: https://registry.extension.org/240245225299861 The 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) non-profit operating foundation formed in 2006 by Extension Directors and Administrators. EXF partners with university-based Cooperative Extension Services to increase...
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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...
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EXCITE Adult Vaccination Project
The Virginia Cooperative Extension EXCITE Team and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) conducted a symposium on November 3rd, 2023 to discuss the EXCITE project funded through CDC and ways that Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents could get involved in vaccine education! This session introduced our vaccine ambassadors and their roles in their respective localities, provided background on adult vaccinations and the current vaccination schedule, and discussed approaches to communicating...
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Connecting Climate to Communities- A Webinar Series from NECI
The NECI Curriculum Development Team is hosting a Spring webinar series on the 4th Wed of the month! This free webinar series features 17 outreach perspectives for engaging different communities in addressing climate. The goal is to share resources, stories, methods, and tools from across the U.S. for re-use locally. The primary audience is extension educators but this webinar series is applicable to all citizens. February's webinar: YOUTH & Climate , Register HERE . This hour long...
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Earn a Certification in Issues and Crisis Management
The Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) is offering a certification in Issues and Crisis Management. ACE is pleased to offer this Certification for Communication and Extension Professionals at an introductory rate of $185. The three part certification includes: March 19 - 2 p.m. CT - Issues Management with Frankie Gould and Faith Peppers - 45 minutes; virtual May 22 - 2 p.m. CT - What is Crisis Communication with Erica Irlbeck - 45 minutes; virtual June 26 - Post Conference...
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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...
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2024 NACDEP Conference
Join us in person for the 2024 NACDEP Annual Conference on June 17-20, 2024, in Houston, TX. Hosted by Prairie View A&M University Extension in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, this conference offers a unique opportunity for community development extension professionals to collaborate, grow professionally, and network. Held in downtown Houston at the prestigious Marriott Marquis-Houston, TX , attendees can expect engaging sessions and discussions focused on leveraging...
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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...
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University of Maryland Extension Seeks Residential Landscape Ecologist
The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and Extension programs through University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond. UME seeking to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position in Residential Landscape Ecology. This position will play a key role in connecting our university’s expertise in sustainable landscaping and landscape-scale...
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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...
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Celebrating Culture & Pollinators: Animated Series Honors Native Languages, Provides Science Education
Pollinators like bees, bats, and butterflies are vital for human health because they transfer pollen between plants, allowing many fruits, vegetables, and nuts that nourish us to grow and reproduce. Without these busy pollinators, our diets would be less diverse and lack essential vitamins and minerals found in pollinator-dependent crops. Educating youth about the importance of pollinators is critical. It empowers them to become stewards of these vital creatures, ensuring a healthy future...
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New Professional Development Series! Upskilling Fundraising, Grant & Partnership Development For Extension Professionals: An Interactive Workshop Series
Introducing the latest offering from the Extension Foundation- a new professional development series open to all Extension professionals wanting to enhance their skills! Join us for monthly sessions from April 2024 to September 2024, in ' Upskilling Fundraising, Grant & Partnership Development For Extension Professionals: An Interactive Workshop Series. ' This is a comprehensive professional development series tailored for Extension professionals. Led by Nate Birt of Silver Maple...
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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...
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Advancing Disaster Education in America: EDEN Request for Applications Announced
When disaster strikes, knowledge is power. Disaster education builds resilient communities ready to respond and recover. Cooperative Extension plays a critical role in the nation’s disaster education efforts, and a new Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Development Grants Program will enable the Cooperative Extension System to do even more. Applications for the EDEN Development Grants Program – Advancing Disaster Education America – is now open. You can review the RFA here . The...
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OSU Seeks Extension Specialist in Silviculture & Director of Research Forests
Oregon State University invites applications for a combination position as Research Forest Director of Research & Community Relations & Associate/Full Professor Extension Specialist in Silviculture . The Research Forest Director of Research & Community Relations will provide critical leadership and oversight to the 9 OSU Research and Demonstration Forests that serve as living laboratories for learners of all types to gain insight into all aspects of forest management. As...
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Enhance Your Outreach with Community Engagement: Join Our Extension Skills Series!
The Extension Foundation is excited to invite you to the second topic series in Extension skills! Over the next few months, experts from Cooperative Extension will share diverse methods, best practices and strategies necessary to elevate your community engagement efforts. Register for Extension Skills here. We are excited about the opportunity to learn from Extension professionals on how to enhance our Extension programming and better serve our audiences through these engaging skill-builidng...
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Cornell Civic Ecology Lab hosts Climate Advocacy: Making Policy Change MOOC
All are welcome - 4-week Global Online Course May 20 – June 16, 2024 For educators, university and high students, community leaders, and volunteers Learn from Cornell University instructors, guest speakers, and participants from around the world Asynchronous lectures, readings, and assignments Optional live webinars with experts and instructor “office hours.” Receive a Cornell University certificate upon completing course To register: join the course here More about the Cornell Civil Ecology...
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Leadership Opportunity: Director - Food Innovation Institute in Baton Rouge, LA
The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual with an entrepreneurial spirit to provide leadership for the Louisiana Food Innovation Institute (FOODii) on the LSU AgCenter Campus in Baton Rouge, LA. More information can be found at Director - Louisiana Food Innovation Institute (FOODii) - East Baton Rouge Parish - R00088965 (lsuagcenter.com) . Join us!
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Student Loan Repayment Updates
Learn about the return to student loan repayment, the new SAVE plan, historical loan balances and upcoming changes that impact borrowers.
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Dying Early in Rural America
A recently released report in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) shows the gap in preventable premature mortality (or early death) between rural and urban America is growing wider. People living in rural areas are at a higher risk of dying early from one of the five leading causes of death when the death could have been prevented compared to people living in urban areas. This report is an extension of the 2019 CDC study, which showed the percentage of preventable early deaths...
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AFT Southeast Regional Advanced Soil Health Training Application Now Open
We are thrilled to announce that applications to AFT’s Southeast Regional Advanced Soil Health Training (ASHT) are now open! (Please click on this link to access the application ). The Advanced Soil Health Training (ASHT) program is designed for farmers and farm advisors who share an interest in improving soil health and who will share their expertise with their clients, communities, and the next generation of farmers. We are excited to bring you the best in agricultural education through...
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A closer look at the Groundwater-Food Nexus: Join us at "Toward Sustainable Groundwater in Agriculture - Linking Science and Policy"
We are getting close to the upcoming international conference " Toward Sustainable Groundwater in Agriculture - Linking Science and Policy ", June 17-20, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Hotel in Burlingame/San Francisco, California. Check out our exciting program and register by May 27 for reduced hotel rates! This unique international conference covers a wide range of topics on sustainable management of groundwater resources in agricultural regions. We are convening for the...
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3 sets of 3's
The last time you went to the grocery store you probably had a list. If you only had to pick up three items or less, my guess is, you usually don't bother writing them down. It's when you get to four or more that a list is helpful. This is because we can remember things in threes fairly effectively. In ancient rhetoric, the rule of three is called Tricolon. The word comes from the Greek "tri" meaning three and "kolon" meaning a clause. When things are put in three's it emphasizes, energizes,...
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Traditions and Trends in Home Food Preservation Webinar Series
Join Ohio State University Extension's Food Preservation Team for free webinars covering the Traditions and Trends in Home Food Preservation. The Webinar series is free; however, participants must register https://go.osu.edu/fpwebinars Tuesdays, Noon-12:30 p.m. June 04 - Trending Ingredients in Home Food Preservation June 18 - Trending Recipes in Home Food Preservation July 09 - Safety Sense July 23 - I Saw it on the Internet
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AgriProspects Mini-Grant Office Hours Launch June 6th
The AgriProspects mini-grant program was launched last week to support Extension professionals in delivering adult workforce development programs for the agricultural sector. AgriProspects Coordinators will host multiple office hour sessions for each Extension Region in June and July. The first session, led by the North Central Coordinators, will be held from 10:30-11:30am ET. Although focused on Land-grant institutions in the North Central region, all are welcome to attend. To see available...
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Upcoming Webinar: Diversifying Workforce with Effective & Creative Mentoring Practices
The Missouri Mentorship Project team is hosting a webinar series titled "Navigating Mentorship: Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders," featuring leaders from across Extension to share their mentorship experiences. The last session in the series will host Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay, who will present " Diversifying Workforce with Effective & Creative Mentoring Practices " on June 12th from 12:00 to 12:45 PM. Join us by registering here! About Gulnihal Ozbay: Dr. Ozbay is the Associate Dean of Cooperative...
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The Encouraging Mentor – A guest blog series by Dr. Brian Raison, The Ohio State University
The Extension Foundation and Dr. Raison are partnering to present this series offering self-study materials and advice for career growth. The series will focus on early, middle, and later career stages. We are proud to share this series with the Cooperative Extension System! The ideas shared in this series are extracted from Dr. Raison’s 2024 book, The Encouraging Mentor: Your Guide to 40 Conversations that Matter . This is a how-to manual for mentors, teachers, coaches, and anyone...
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//GUEST POST// The Encouraging Mentor - #1: 6 Conversations for Early Career Growth
Imagine a point in the future where you have achieved your greatest professional goal. Invest a moment here. Try to visualize your career success—you are at the top of your game. Imagine you’ve worked hard and have earned this. Now consider this question: How might that success feel? I think most people will have some level of contentment or satisfaction. Others may feel a bit of pride in the accomplishment. Some may begin to ponder, “What’s next?” Those responses are all normal and valid.