Welcome Caroline Crocoll - Cooperative Extension System/ECOP Executive Director

Caroline Crocoll, Executive Director, Cooperative Extension System/ECOP, officially begins today! She will work with Executive Consultant Rick Klemme over the next two months. In addition to assisting with Caroline’s transition, Rick will lead a BAA effort on communicating the value of capacity funds. Caroline is very much looking forward to this new opportunity, stating, “I am honored to be a part of the continuum, the dignity, and the diversity that personify the Extension Service mission. Serving our nation for over a century, Extension is integral to our country and a model for the world. I am committed to advancing our work for the health of people, communities and agriculture.”
Caroline: carolinecrocoll@extension.org, 202-478-6029, APLU, 1307 New York Ave. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005
Rick: rickklemme@extension.org, 608-234-1994, Madison, WI



Reminder: Capturing Extension’s Leadership on Climate and Extreme Weather - All members of the Cooperative Extension Section have been invited to join the next session of Learning for Leaders on on Friday, June 5, 2020, 3-4:00 PM ET. ECOP Chair Mark Latimore will moderate a national conversation with state Extension personnel and the new eXtension Climate and Extreme Weather fellows. Hear select state successes and learn about the Fellows’ work to catalog the many ways Cooperative Extension addresses climate and extreme weather issues. For Zoom connection details, contact Sandy Ruble sandyruble@extension.org. The archive of the conversation will be available next week right here in the ECOP Monday Minute.



ACE Goes Virtual! Registration for 2020 Digital Conference - Registration is open for the 2020 Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) Conference, being held virtually June 24-25. ACE is the premier organization for communicators in the Cooperative Extension System, including agriculture, natural resources, and life and human sciences. This newly imagined virtual conference features an exciting 1½ day meeting via Zoom that will include all the familiar and loved aspects of an ACE Conference: two keynote speakers; general session talks on subjects ranging from diversity and inclusion, emerging technologies, communication and extension development; and the latest on distance learning and COVID-19. Registration deadline is Friday, June 19! Learn more and register at aceweb.org.

Reaching 10 Million Youth Leading Edge Dialogue -  The Western Center for Metropolitan Extension and Research and National Urban Extension Leaders have released a white paper from the Reaching 10 Million Youth Leading Edge Dialogue, a session from last summer's National Urban Extension Conference. Co-authors of the of the paper are ECOP 4-H Leadership Committee's Co-chair Andy Turner (Cornell University) and National 4-H Council's Eliza Hernandez. The work is a result of a 90-minute interactive session facilitated by eXtension Foundation which explored critical issues facing our cities and universities. The article, first in a "Leading Edge" series, is available here.

National Awards - What Directors and Administrators Need to Know

The 2019 National Extension Awards program offered by ECOP in partnership with USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) began February 1. The deadline to submit nominations is May 1.  Last Friday's Next Generation Extension – Learning for Leaders, National Extension Awards, Systems Thinking, and Winning Words, is available for review at https://youtu.be/k7zLKEB2q8s. Top comments from the session: Start process EARLY, there are many benefits to nominating, use a more systematic approach, resubmit nominations from past years, add value with quotes.  Click Here to View/Download the slides. Contact information for the experts Ann Kellett and Suzanne Deatherage is found on the last slide. Go to www.aplu.org/CESAwards to begin. Direct nomination process questions to Sandy Ruble sandyruble@extension.org.

Go to: bit.ly/AboutCoopExt

2019 Cooperative Extension Infographic - To use for relationship building and awareness at local, state and national levels, Directors and Administrators are invited to share the 2019 ECOP Infographic, available at bit.ly/AboutCoopExt. This evolving document will gradually be improved over time to align with the Cooperative Extension Section Strategic Agenda www.aplu.org/CESagenda and the future of Extension. The contact is National Office Executive Director Rick Klemme rickklemme@extension.org.



4-H Grows FAQ - The 4-H Grows Engagement Campaign has developed a resource to support the discussions that are planned with Extension Directors and Administrators following January's "Next Generation Extension: Learning for Leaders" session on the 4-H Brand. The 4-H Grows Engagement Campaign FAQ is available now and will also be distributed to state 4-H program and fundraising leadership across the country prior to the opportunity institutions will have to re-invest or invest for the first time in 4-H Grows, beginning this March. Contact Jen McIver, Vice President, Field Marketing and Partnerships, jmciver@fourhcouncil.edu.

Impact Collaborative Innovation Facilitator Training - By popular demand, eXtension will host a second Innovation Facilitator Training March 12-14, 2019 in Atlanta. Click here to listen to what some of the 41 newest Innovation Facilitators had to say about the January session. The training for one Facilitator is at no cost to 2019 member institutions, and includes travel, lodging, meals, and registration. Additional Facilitators are welcome; a registration fee will apply and the additional costs are at the responsibility of the member institution. Registration deadline: February 18, 2019. Direct Facilitator Training questions to Ashley Griffin at agriffin@eXtension.org. Direct 2019 eXtension member inquires to Chris Geith at christinegeith@eXtension.org.

Register for 2018 NEDA

Last week Extension Directors and Administrators and key partners received an invitation to register and attend the 2018 National Extension Directors and Administrators (NEDA) and Cooperative Extension Section (CES) Business Meeting. "The City of Roses", Portland, Oregon, is the backdrop for the meeting to be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown. The early-bird registration rate of $350 includes round-trip transportation to Ecotrust on Tuesday, October 2 for a CES Celebration and Passing of the Gavel. Register using CVent and with hotel (Code:APL) by September 10 to avoid consequences of offsite lodging or higher fees. Complete details, including theme, goals and FAQs, are available to http://www.cvent.com/d/0gqxkw.

NEW DATE Next Generation Extension - Learning for Leaders 8/3 - Unraveling the Mysteries of CES and ECOP - On May 29-30 a group of newer leaders of the Cooperative Extension Section (3 years or less) joined ECOP Chair Chuck Hibberd in Washington, DC for 2018 Capital Quest. A survey of participants revealed there is a great deal to learn about the Cooperative Extension Section and the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy! Go figure when nearly half of all Extension Administrators and Directors have 3 years or less of experience leading their respective extension institutions. In response to this feedback, Chuck has decided to focus his next conversation with colleagues on unraveling the mysteries of CES and ECOP. The Next Generation Extension - Learning for Leaders that was scheduled for July 6 is postponed until Friday, August 3, 3-4:00 p.m. Please hold the date and stay tuned for more details to follow! Missed earlier opportunities for one of these sessions? Listen to recordings and feedback is always welcome!

Artis Stevens, CMO,
National 4-H Council

National Recognition for 4-H Grows Campaign - The 4-H Grows Campaign is a collaborative effort to increase access to and enrollment in 4-H across the country. This strategic efforts to raise awareness of and grow 4-H has received significant recognition from the American Marketing Association. AMA's National Non-Profit Marketer of the Year Award will be presented to National 4-H Council Chief Marketing Officer Artis Stevens in July for leading 4-H's innovative alumni marketing strategy -- resulting in a significant increase in 4-H’s brand relevancy, revenue and reach. The award recognizes the vision and leadership efforts of the 4-H System to unite Cooperative Extension, USDA and National 4-H Council under one cohesive brand strategy across the country, ultimately laying the groundwork for the successful adoption of the 4-H Grows campaign.


USDA Rural Development Resources Available in Every State - Rural Development (RD) has many programs that complement the work of Extension across the country. Field staff work closely with the ag community and other rural leaders to ensure that communities have affordable housing, and essential community services such as schools, libraries, hospitals; and vital infrastructure such as broadband, water, and reliable electricity. RD provides capital for lenders, agricultural producers and rural businesses through programs like the Value-Added Producer Grant program, which can help transform commodities into higher-value products – such as grapes into specialty jellies. The Rural Energy for America Program helps reduce energy costs by installing renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and anaerobic digesters; and energy efficiency projects such as new HVAC systems, lighting, and irrigation systems. USDA micro lending programs provide capital to start or grow a small rural business. Existing USDA borrowers, such as local utilities, create revolving loan funds that relend to rural businesses. Our Cooperative Service programs help strengthen existing co-ops and start new ones. Finally, at Rural Development our work is driven by three key principles: Innovation, Partnerships and Infrastructure. Secretary Perdue created an Innovation Center to help transform rural areas. Modernizing infrastructure and building new partnerships – such as with the Extension community – will strengthen our rural communities. Bette Brand, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Services encourages Extension Administrators and Directors to reach out to USDA Rural Development offices.

4-H Grows Engagement Campaign: A Year in Review and A Look Ahead

June 20 Webinar: Join National 4-H Council on June 20 at 4:00 PM EDT for an interactive webinar that will review year one of the 4-H Grows Engagement Campaign and provide a preview of the year ahead. To date, 31 land-grant institutions have co-invested in this initiative. Institutions currently invested in the program are invited to register, in addition to any LGU's that are not currently enrolled but are interested in learning more about the multi-faceted brand building and alumni engagement campaign. Click here to register.

Civic Dialogue Webinar on 6/30 - Fostering Meaningful Civic Engagement is an important topic in today’s society. The investment of time and skill development is considerable to make meaningful progress. Is this a worthwhile effort for Extension, and what resources are available to those that engage in this area? This effort continues the work of the ECOP Rapid Response Team that you have experienced over the past several weeks. This upcoming webinar differs from previous webinars in that the focus will be on tools and skills needed by Extension professionals who are or are considering programming on this topic. Learn more about the risks and benefits of investing in this topic and about a newly published toolbox of resources. Visit the toolbox | Upcoming webinar 

JOE Special Issue on Innovation - The Journal of Extension Board, in partnership with eXtension, is pleased to announce a Call for Paper Abstracts for the Journal of Extension Special Issue on Innovation. A 200-word abstract is due June 30, 2017. To see the key areas being emphasized for this issue visit the Call for Submissions. This represents a great opportunity to shape the ECOP initiative on Technology and Innovation!

Chuck Hibberd,
University of Nebraska

2018 ECOP Agenda - Incoming Chair Chuck Hibberd hibberd@unl.edu, working with the ECOP Executive Committee, is placing an emphasis on engaging Extension Directors and Administrators more directly in the development of ECOP’s short and longer-term action agenda. In addition, this effort is important for maximizing the effectiveness of ECOP (and Chair) actions, strengthening purposeful engagement with current and emerging partners, and charting new procedures and internal ECOP policies that reflect the core values of a membership-based organization. Chuck will be asking for your participation over the next few months in order to develop the pathway to achieve his/our engagement goal! The goal is to use the data collected to inform a comprehensive conversation during the NEDA meetings in October. Chuck asks that Directors and Administrators respond to the initial survey by Friday, June 23 and watch for future opportunities to engage and inform!

ECOP/ESCOP Chair DC Visits

Fred Schlutt, University of Alaska and
Bret Hess, University of Wyoming

ECOP Chair Fred Schlutt and ESCOP Chair Bret Hess recently conducted several agency and organization visits. The visits spanned nearly two weeks and continue the strong collaboration between these two BAA organizations. The content of these meetings included (depending on the audience) an introduction to the land-grant capacity in extension/research, presentation of ECOP and ESCOP priorities, overview of the one ask proposal and dialogue about potential partnerships. Western Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Executive Director Mike Harrington was instrumental in arranging these meetings, and he along with ECOP Executive Director Rick Klemme participated in several of these meetings with Fred and Bret. Several follow up actions are in play.


Award Nominations Deadline Only 5 Weeks Away - May 1 is the deadline for nominations for the 2017 Excellence in Extension and Diversity Awards offered in partnership by ECOP and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Self-guided worksheets for these nominations have been designed to assist with preparation. Recipients will receive cash awards and travel reimbursement to the 2017 APLU Annual Meeting in Washington DC when NIFA officials present the awards on the national stage. Go to www.aplu.org/CESAwards. Direct questions about nominations to ECOP Program Assistant Sandy Ruble sandyruble@extension.org.


Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Competitive Grants Program - May 9 is the deadline to apply for CPPM, the program that supports research and extension projects that address critical state, regional, and national integrated pest management (IPM) needs, ensure food security, and respond to other major pest challenges. To learn more go to https://nifa.usda.gov/announcement/usda-announces-121-million-support-crop-protection-and-pest-management. To sign up to receive these updates directly from NIFA go to: http://bit.ly/NIFAsubscribe

4-H Grows: The Engagement Campaign - The ECOP 4-H National Leadership Committee formally extends an invitation to interested land-grant institutions to enroll in years two and three of 4-H Grows: The Engagement Campaign. To date, 30 land-grant institutions have already co-invested along with National 4-H Council in this national marketing initiative. Institutions will have access to turn-key national marketing tools, resources and training as well as dedicated marketing expertise to assist every region. Click here to download the application and supplemental enrollment materials. On April 3, 2017, at 1:00 PM ET, National 4-H Council will host an informational webinar for those institutions considering enrollment in years two and three of the program. Click here to register for this opportunity to learn more. For more information, contact Jennifer McIver, VP, Field Marketing at National 4-H Council - jmciver@fourhcouncil.edu; 301-755-7062.

eXtension Innovation Lab Projects Selected - Five projects have been selected for funding by the eXtension Innovation Lab for 2017. Topics include precision agriculture, Maker Education, Citizen Science, Internet of Things, spatial technologies, drones, wearables, and more! The projects represent premium member institutions from several states including Ohio, Colorado, Virginia, and New Hampshire. Learn more https://extension.org/five-innovation-grants-awarded-by-extension-more-than-90-proposals-submitted/ 

ACTION: FY 2017 Appropriation Requests

ECOP representatives Rick Klemme, BAA Budget and Advocacy Committee (BAC), and Daryl Buchholz, BAA Policy Board of Directors, urge immediate action as outlined last week by Cornerstone Government Affairs related to the proposed FY 2017 USDA-NIFA budget. Deadlines to submit programmatic funding requests are March 15th for the U.S. House of Representatives and March 17th for the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. The BAC USDA-NIFA priorities are found on the individual fact sheets at http://land-grant.org/appropriations_docs.html. In addition, the eXtension Board of Directors, Dennis Calvin, Chair, has developed a one-pager found at https://extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NewTechnologiesforAgExtensionNTAE-Final.pdf designed to help you advocate for protection of the New Technologies in Ag Extension (NTAE) funding. The FY 2017 proposed budget documents are posted at http://nifa.usda.gov/budget. 

4-H Engagement Campaign – 4-H Grows Here! – The ECOP National 4-H Leadership Committee co-chaired by Ed Jones, Virginia Tech, and Renee McKee, Purdue University, encourages your engagement with this campaign (known both as 4-H Engagement and 4-H Grows Here!). The vision is to engage 10 million youth in 4-H by 2025. Details are available at http://n4h.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=23972.0&dlv_id=38162. March 14th is the deadline for completed applications. The cost per institution is outlined at http://bit.ly/4HGrowsSched. 

eXtension at USDA Ag Outlook Forum – New eXtension Innovation Lab projects, including Unmanned Aerial Systems, Wearable Technology, and Oculus Rift, will be on hand for the USDA Ag Outlook Forum http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/ February 25-26 in the Crystal City, VA. The focus will be on how these technologies can be used to solve issues related to climate and food systems. USDA-NIFA also will host the showcase on February 24th. 

Urban Extension Strategic Plan – In support of an ECOP goal for 2016 http://www.aplu.org/CESGoals to support urban programming, learn more about Florida’s Urban Extension Strategic Plan. Register for the 9:00 a.m. ET, February 25th webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2111051702380768257. Taking a bold step toward active and deliberate engagement of the state’s urban regions, University of Florida’s Strategic Plan for Urban Extension Initiative is organized to use an adaptive management approach that promotes flexible, adjustable decision-making in the face of uncertainty. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 

ECOP-ESCOP Align on Capitol Hill Event

Suat Irmak, University of Nebraska, and
Steve Slack, The Ohio State University

– Impacts of the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network http://water.unl.edu/cropswater/nawmn drew significant interest at the NC-FAR Lunch and Learn series “More Crop for the Drop” earlier this month in Washington, DC. Co-hosted by ECOP and ESCOP, the seminar for U.S. Senate and House of Representative staffers and others was augmented by social media coverage (@agisamerica) on February 8th. Speakers were Steve Slack, Ohio State University (retired), and Suat Irmak, University of Nebraska. For a recording of the presentation, go to http://www.ncfar.org/Hill_Seminar_Series_2016.asp. 

Suat Irmak, University of Nebraska, speaks to a crowd gathered on Capitol Hill

USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden, center left, and Laura Perry Johnson,
center right, associate dean for UGA Cooperative Extension, welcome panelists
including, from left, Cindy Ayers Elliott, CEO of Footprint Farms in Jackson,
Mississippi; Caroline Hoffland Bakker, CEO of CBH International in Suwannee,
Georgia; Caula Beyl, dean of the University of Tennessee College of Agricultural
Sciences and Natural Resources; and Camille Young, senior professional at Cornerstone
Government Affairs in Jackson, Mississippi. (Credit: Blane Marable)

South Focuses on Women in Agriculture – More than 150 agricultural leaders from across 13 Southern states and Washington, D.C., converged on the University of Georgia’s campus in Athens on Feb. 8 to discuss leadership roles for women in agriculture. Women representing government agencies, farms, the Cooperative Extension System and agriculture-related industries were invited to participate in the UGA-led Southern Region Women’s Agricultural Leadership Summit. Participants were chosen because of the leadership roles they play in their home states. One of the goals of this summit, which was sponsored by the UGA President’s Venture Fund, the UGA Women’s Leadership Initiative and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, was to put these agriculturally minded women together to share their leadership experiences and document the barriers they have overcome. For more information, see www.caes.uga.edu/events/womensagleadershipsummit.
 
Awards Reminder - Nominate by 5.1.16 – ECOP in partnership with USDA-NIFA offers the 2016 nomination process for the national Excellence in Extension and Diversity awards. The due date for on-line nominations is May 1, 2016 at 5:00p.m. Pacific Time. For details and to access the online nomination forms go to: http://www.aplu.org/CESawards. Questions can be directed to Sandy Ruble sandy.ruble@extension.org, ECOP Staff Associate.