Extension for All Anniversary

Just as the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 marked the beginning of a globally admired ideal, funding for a higher education for all who aspire, the Smith-Lever Act of 1914 marked the beginning of another: to reach all aspiring learners outside of higher education with the scientific, technological advances for a better life. These advances helped increase American agricultural productivity and community and household well-being dramatically throughout the twentieth century. Today, the struggles for all to be granted public access to learn and prosper through Extension cannot be ignored. As we commemorate the anniversary of Smith-Lever on May 8, let us work together as a system, all land-grant universities and missions, to unite efforts to offer community-based learning opportunities for persons of every generation and culture in the states, territories, localities, and tribal nations. According to the 2021-2022 ECOP Goals, the intended outcome is a cohesive Cooperative Extension System and stronger member programs, inclusive of all.

Free Mobile App Supplies Easy Access to ERS Updates - Extension Directors and Administrators should know that USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) has launched a new Charts of Note Mobile App designed to deliver digital snapshots of research straight to mobile devices. The app mirrors the popular ERS Charts of Note series, which highlights economic research and analysis on agriculture, food, the environment and rural America. Each week, this series highlights charts of interest from current and past ERS research. Access to thousands of high-resolution USDA ERS’s charts, and ways to mark favorites and share on social media, includes links to relevant ERS research and the means to tailor notifications. Field educators may click here, to either sign up to receive the latest charts via email or download the mobile App.

 

 

National Association of Counties Annual Conference - The National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference & Exposition to be held July 21-24, 2022, is the largest meeting of county elected and appointed officials from across the country. Participants from counties of all sizes come together to shape NACo's federal policy agenda, share proven practices and strengthen knowledge networks to help improve residents’ lives and the efficiency of county government. Find registration and other important information here.

 


Placemaking in Small and Rural Communities Conference - In partnership with USDA Rural Development, University of Kentucky is hosting the 2022 Rural Placemaking Online Conference May 23-24, 2022. Who is the audience? Extension specialists, agents, non-profits, and local communities. Placemaking is a collaborative process among public, private, philanthropic and community partners to strategically improve the social, cultural, and economic structure of a community. The 2022 Rural Placemaking Conference aims to showcase effective placemaking strategies for rural areas, introduce attendees to placemaking resources and tools, and connect them to placemaking experts and potential funders. Sessions will highlight Initiating Place, Public Spaces & Gathering Places, Community Cultural Planning & Assessments, and Cross-Sector Engagement. Register here.