The Extension Foundation is convening interested stakeholders to explore what evidence-based programming means to Cooperative Extension professionals and to determine how Extension can refer to these efforts. If you are interested in joining the conversation, we invite you to opt-in to receive information about upcoming focus groups to frame this important work by filling out this form. The goals of these conversations include:
· Explore questions and gather ideas to inform and shape this work
· Define what is an evidence-based program
· Identify the language for naming evidence-based programs
· Build a taxonomy of programming models
· Define the ways evidence-based programs can be communicated
· Establish an advisory committee. Learn more here.
First Fridays-Updates, Dialogue, and Learning for Leaders Opportunities for Extension Directors and Administrators - In an effort to better communicate the work of ECOP, address emerging issues, and provide opportunities for professional development, ECOP Chair Wendy Powers will host a series Cooperative Extension Section Updates and Learning for Leaders events over the coming year for Extension Directors and Administrators. These events will take place on the first Friday of each month beginning November 5, 2021, at 3:00 PM ET. Section Updates will be no longer that 1 hour and Learning for Leaders no longer than 90 minutes. Hold the dates/times now for First Friday events through September 2022 except for August when there is a regional conflict. More details - topics and connection details - to come.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Reaffirms Commitment to 4-H and Cooperative Extension - National 4-H Council is pleased to announce that the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has renewed its partnership with 4-H and Cooperative Extension with a commitment of an additional $5 million to support the advancement of health equity and well-being across the nation. This two-year investment will build upon prior efforts to catalyze change at the community-level by creating system level supports that facilitate the implementation of the recommendations contained in Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being. Special attention will be given to system-wide interventions that amplify the role of young people in addressing health-related issues, advance Cooperative Extension’s work to addressing barriers to life-long health, and position equitable development as a strategy for creating communities in which all people thrive. For more information, contact Roger Rennekamp, Extension Health Director at rogerrennekamp@extension.org.
U.S. Senate Recognition for 4-H - The U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating October 3-9, 2021, as “National 4-H Week”, encouraging all citizens to recognize the significant impact of 4-H in providing opportunities for America’s youth and “empowering young people with the skills needed to lead for a lifetime.” The resolution received support from 46 Senate co-sponsors, including 4-H Caucus Co-Chairs Senators Debbie Stabenow and John Boozman. “We need a strong and engaged next generation of leaders, both on and off the farm. 4-H provides our young people with opportunities to lead hands-on health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement projects,” said Senate Ag Committee Chair Stabenow. “As a former 4-H’er myself, I know 4-H equips young people with the skills they need to thrive in any career. I am glad my colleagues came together on a bipartisan basis to officially recognize National 4-H Week.” Click here to read more. In its role as the non-profit partner to Cooperative Extension, National 4-H Council supports the Congressional & Senate 4-H Caucuses, which includes 66 members across both chambers. For more information, contact Eliza Hernandez, National 4-H Council Chief of Staff at eherhandez@fourhcouncil.edu.
