National 4-H Council CEO Shares Vision

Today marks Jill Bramble’s first day as President and CEO of National 4-H Council. As she steps into this new role, Jill shares the video message found below on her priorities: growing resources to support Cooperative Extension, embracing the digital transformation, and preparing youth for the workforce of the future. Jill is a fourth-generation 4-H alumna who rose through the ranks of National 4-H Council, starting as a grant writer 18 years ago. Throughout her time at National 4-H Council, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to empowering young people, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships.

JOE Job Board Service Input Request - The Journal of Extension (JOE), the official refereed journal of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System, is seeking input from its partners on its Job Board service at jobs.joe.org. This fee-based service is available to those wishing to promote Extension job openings on the JOE website. Revenue received from this service helps support the production of the Journal of Extension. The feedback will be used to improve the Job Board. Even if institutions have not used the service in the past, the Board of Directors of JOE would like to receive responses to a survey. Please forward this survey bit.ly/45myD8h to Extension administration, human resources department personnel, or others who are responsible for advertising positions for completion by September 15, 2023. Thank you.

Conservation Districts Association Offer $38M for Climate-Smart Commodities Project Implementation – The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) will be investing $80 million in projects that scale the production, Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV), and marketing of climate-smart commodities. Approximately half of the budget is dedicated to producer payments and financial incentives. However, approximately $38 million will be available for project implementation, which may be used for activities such as:

    • Outreach and education
    • Technical assistance, including climate-smart conservation planning
    • Activities relating to measurement, quantification, monitoring, and verification of associated carbon and greenhouse gas sequestration
    • Facilitating access to markets and promotion of climate-smart commodities, including enrollment in programs or opportunities
    • Project management

NACD recently issued a Call for Concept Papers, seeking innovative ideas that scale implementation of climate-smart practices, advance MMRV, and support producer participation in markets. Concept Papers are due October 13, and are the first phase of a three-phase process, which will include submission of full proposals in response to a Fall 2023 RFP. The most complete details are available in the program’s frequently asked questions document. Consider registering for the applicant webinar, regarding this opportunity set for August 31. 

Funding for 2 Military Youth Programs - NIFA recently announced two competitive youth development funding opportunities under its 4-H Military Grant Programs in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), which are listed below. Both funding opportunities close on September 5, 2023. Access to recordings of RFA technical assistance webinars are available at the links provided.

• 4-H Military Extension Educator (MEE) Program
  The MEE program coordinates with 4-H Cooperative Extension faculty and staff throughout the Land-grant University system and supports DoD and Military Service Child and Youth Programs staff in delivering and promoting positive youth development programs and activities. DoD Child and Youth Programs supports 396,000 children at over 760 child and youth facilities worldwide. For more information, read the 4-H Military Extension Educator (MEE) Program funding opportunity. 

• Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, Youth Support Internship Program (YSIP)
  YSIP is a nation-wide internship program that provides practical work experience for college students and recent college graduates motivated to serve the needs of National Guard and Reserve Component military families. More than 192 students from across the nation have participated representing over 100 colleges and universities. YSIP interns facilitate youth development programs specifically designed to address the challenges associated with military deployments and family absences. This program supports DoD’s Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. For more information, read the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Youth Support Internship Program (YSIP) funding opportunity.