Monday, June 14, 2021

Community Development Extension Library Webinar

On, June 15, 2021 at 2:00 PM ET join the North Central Region Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD), Purdue Extension, and University of Illinois Extension for the release of the new Community Development Extension Library website. Participants will be introduced to the site and will learn how to navigate as well as how to submit a resource. There will also be a Q&A session. Register for the event here.




Envisioning the Future of a Cooperative Extension System Without Borders
- The ECOP National Office and 2021 National Extension Director and Administrator (NEDA) Meeting Planning Committee led by ECOP Past Chair Mark Latimore, Fort Valley State University, will release the registration for the 2021 NEDA Meeting this week! Watch for official email invitation in the few days or contact Sandy Ruble, Assistant Director, sandyruble@extension.org for details.
The FREE virtual meeting highlights:
  • October 12, 2021, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET, - Virtual Reception 
  • October 13, 2:00-6:00 p.m. ET, - Peer-based sharing and leadership learning to create productive environments around tomorrow’s challenges and contribute to a resource document of discussion themes, opportunities and best practices for Director and Administrator reference and future use. 
  • October 14, 12:30-5:00 p.m. ET - All voting members may contribute to the business of the Cooperative Extension Section and ECOP actionable items and celebrate the accomplishments in 2020-2021.



NIFA Virtual Stakeholder Listening Session Opportunity - NIFA will conduct a virtual listening session from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Eastern) on Thursday, June 17, 2021. The purpose of the virtual listening session is to seek stakeholder input on future priorities for NIFA research, education, and extension programs. Each participant may provide input by speaking for up to 3 minutes. Register online in advance to attend this virtual listening session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details about joining the webinar. Send written comments (1-page limit) to: NIFAlistens@nifa.usda.gov by June 24, 2021.



USDA to Strengthen Food System - The USDA will invest more than $4 billion to strengthen critical supply chains, citing lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent supply chain disruptions. The new effort will strengthen the food system, create new market opportunities, tackle the climate crisis, help communities that have been left behind, and support good-paying jobs throughout the supply chain. Funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act and earlier pandemic assistance such as the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. How the USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways has direct correlation with the success of the mission of Cooperative Extension. ECOP is devoted to "strengthen Cooperative Extension at national, state and local levels". For more information, read the USDA press release.