eXtension Website Redesign

eXtension has launched a redesigned version of its website. The new design provides greater clarity to the mission of eXtension, its flagship program - the Impact Collaborative, and other national and supporting resources. With user experience as a primary goal, the new design allows for users to quickly access information and see the most up-to-date content on how eXtension is helping Extension professionals’ effectiveness in addressing issues of importance to the nation. Visit online at eXtension.org.


Cooperative Extension’s Role in e-Connectivity Development in Rural America - The four Regional Rural Development Centers and the National Digital Education Extension Team (contact, Rachel Welborn' rachel.welborn@msstate.edu) are working to lessen the digital divide through assisting communities with strategic planning, advancing digital literacy, establishing partnerships, and conducting vital research. Current initiatives include:

• working on a pilot project with 4-H to strengthen digital skills, 
• evaluating the impacts of broadband infrastructure, 
• identifying ways to increase broadband availability in rural communities, and 
• walking communities through strategic planning efforts such as Stronger Economies Together (SET).

To learn more about the work about e-Connectivity by the Regional Rural Development Centers, see http://rrdc.info/rural-america/eConnectivity-3-1-19.pdf.

Reminder: Professional and Volunteer Development Opportunities at PILD - Extension Directors and Administrators are reminded to register institutional teams, including volunteers, to participate in the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference. Early registration ends March 22, but please act sooner so that participants can join an important preparatory pre-Conference webinar to be held on March 14, 2:00 p.m. ET.  The webinar will help team members prepare for a successful conference and Hill visits. Details and purpose of PILD are explained in the January 28 edition of the ECOP Monday Minute or go directly to www.jcep.org/pild. ECOP thanks the Joint Council of Extension Professionals for making this Cooperative Extension specific public issue education opportunity possible each year. To learn more about PILD, stay tuned to the ECOP Monday Minute or email ecopblog@gmail.com, subject, PILD Inquiry.


Opportunity: Learning and Evaluation Consultant for National Rural Assembly - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Leadership for Better Health and Healthy Communities themes are funding the National Rural Assembly http://ruralassembly.org to help rural leaders find their voices and to help emerging leaders build agency. In the next two years, the Rural Assembly will strengthen relationships with rural leaders who lift up marginalized voices, especially ones working with communities of color, young people, immigrants, and women. In support of the project’s objectives, the intention is to build the agency of rural leaders in their communities and within the Rural Assembly, create shared purpose among leaders, and amplify their stories with a national audience. The Rural Assembly is seeking proposals for consulting services. The consultant will work with project staff and other contractors to develop a framework for measuring sustainable engagement, participation, and communication toward improving the effectiveness of the Assembly. The project duration is July 1, 2019 – November 30, 2020. Proposals are due by April 1, 2019 and questions can be submitted via email to Marty Newell at the Center for Rural Strategies, marty@ruralstrategies.org.