10.6.14 - State Energy Extension Partnership (SEEP) Strategy Session

State Energy Extension Partnership (SEEP) Strategy Session – Coordinated by Beverly Samuel, USDA-NIFA National Program Leader, representatives from USDA-NIFA, USDA-Rural Development (RD), U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), Cooperative Extension, and APLU met in DC last week to set priorities for the coming year. A Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by USDA-REE, USDA-RD, and DoE in October 2012 designates intentional educational collaboration by the partners in order to encourage efficient use of energy by individuals, communities, government and business in the United States. To get notices of funding, webinars, and other opportunities related to energy education, Cooperative Extension educators are encouraged to join the NIFA Energy listserv by e-mailing a request to Beverly Samuel at bsamuel@nifa.usda.gov. Additional questions about SEEP can also be directed to her. 

Kress Represents Extension at Civic Science Workshop – Civic Science: Re-framing the Role of Science in Society was the theme of a two-day workshop at the National Science Foundation last week in Arlington, VA. Cathann Kress, Iowa State University, together with Jane Schuchardt, ECOP National Office, represented Cooperative Extension at the session focused on citizens as co-creators of a democratic society. Discussions centered on the definition, best practices, and challenges to research and application where scientists and lay citizens work together to build respect, enhance capacities to act, and generate positive public outcomes. Significant discussion centered on the legacy and potential of Cooperative Extension to engage in this work. Kress will keep Directors/Administrators informed as the discussions progress, including distribution of a white paper now under development. For more information see www.civic-science.org.

President Commemorates Extension Centennial – President Barack Obama has provided a message in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act. Signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914, the Smith-Lever Act established America’s Cooperative Extension System. 

UConn Extension Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Smith-Lever Act – On 9.19.14, more than 300 guests gathered to celebrate a century of leadership and service by UConn Extension. Jennifer Riggs, a dedicated Extension volunteer, and Gregory Weidemann, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, co-hosted the evening’s events. Guests were treated to dinner featuring locally-sourced wine, cheese, vegetables, seafood, and poultry. Congressman Joe Courtney and Senator Richard Blumenthal provided remarks prior to dinner. A short video documented UConn Extension’s contributions around the state. The evening also included a congratulatory video from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and a Proclamation from Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy. Dinner concluded with Centennial Crunch ice cream, an award-winning flavor created specifically for the centennial celebration. 

Health Conference Call for Proposals – The National Health Outreach Conference Planning Committee is now accepting proposals through 10.31.14 for the 2015 National Health Outreach Conference Promoting Connections to Create Healthy Individuals, Families and Communities May 6-8, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit the National Health Outreach Conference website www.nationalhealthoutreach.org or the Call for Proposal website http://www.fcs.uga.edu/extension/2015-national-health-outreach-conference for details. 

USDA-NIFA Listening Sessions for Children, Youth Families-at-Risk (CYFAR) – Stakeholder listening sessions about the FY 2015 CYFAR Sustainable Communities Project will be 3:00 p.m. ET, 10.28.14 and 2:00 p.m. ET 10.29.14. Registration is required by 10.27.14 at http://2015cyfarstakeholderlisteningsession.eventbrite.com. Webinar login information, background information on CYFAR, and a list of questions that will be asked during the session will be sent to registrants. Participation will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are unable to register, you may send an email to cyfar@nifa.usda.gov to be placed on the waiting list.