Education Commons^™

Traditional And Virtual Hypertension Self-Management Health Education Program Delivered Through Cooperative Extension, Michelle Parisi, Ellie Lane, Cheryl J. Dye, Rhonda Matthews, Danielle Mcfall, Ethan Bain, Windsor W. Sherrill

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Fewer than 25% of individuals in the United States with hypertension have controlled blood pressure (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Hypertension Management Program (HMP) adopted the Health Coaches for Hypertension Control^© (HCHC^©) curriculum and adapted it for delivery by Extension agents. Eight lessons with intermittent health coaching calls were delivered. Pre/post-participation surveys determined changes in knowledge and self-reported weight, systolic (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The pandemic forced a shift in methodology from in-person to virtual delivery, and results were compared. In both traditional and virtual programs, significant differences were found in weight, knowledge …

Full Issue, Volume 10, Number 3, Donna J. Peterson, Scott Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Filling The Third Circle With Interdisciplinary Lesson Planning: A Case Study Of Pre-Service Teachers, Garrett Steede, Rebecca D. Swenson, Troy D. Mckay

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The three-circle model of agricultural education focuses on the importance of in-class instruction, supervised agricultural experiences, and FFA involvement. The agricultural communications career pathway is available to students through agricultural communications supervised agricultural experiences (SAE) programs and career development events within FFA. However, specific curriculum that teaches agricultural communications in the classroom is not readily available. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the interdisciplinary lesson planning and integration process of pre-service teachers with focus on opportunities and limitations to teaching communication in the agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) curriculum. In this case study, four pre-service …

Strengthening Urban Food Systems Through Extension Programming And Community Engagement: A Case Study Of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Cara L. Cuite, Lauren B. Errickson

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Cooperative Extension (Extension) can, and in many cases already does, engage in well-rooted partnerships with urban audiences. Yet, it is important to recognize that there are many layers to the diversity that exists within urban audiences– there is no single “urban community.” This article presents a case study of food security programming in New Brunswick, New Jersey, including collaborations between Rutgers Cooperative Extension and multiple community organizations to illustrate important considerations for engaging in urban Extension initiatives. Specifically, challenges exist in identifying urban audiences, including those who are hidden, especially as the demographics of city residents can vary greatly within …

Extension Engagement With Urban Communities: Editors’ Introduction To The Urban-Themed Issue Of Jhse, Julie Fox, Donna J. Peterson, Scott R. Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This introductory article for the special issue of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension (JHSE) highlights respectful Extension research and engagement with dynamic urban communities. Like the 2017 urban-themed issue of JHSE, the intent is not to diminish the importance of rural and suburban Extension engagement but to better understand unique experiences of Extension in urban communities. The 35 contributing authors represent a range of geographic and programmatic viewpoints. Insights shared

• demonstrate that diversity in our cities is multidimensional;
• reinforce the importance of culturally relevant engagement;
• address issues of access, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging;
• highlight the …

Visualizing Diversity: Spatial Data As A Resource Enabling Extension To Better Engage Communities, Justin Krohn, Jacqueline Davis-Manigaulte, Christopher Fulcher, Jennifer Sarah Tiffany

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Effective Extension programming relies on engaging people of all races, ethnicities, and cultures. Extension educators sometimes struggle with how best to engage communities that are not “traditional” program audiences. Centering data visualization on the strength of Black, Latino/Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and other potentially marginalized communities can assist Extension’s work to engage diverse staff, program participants, and advisory board members. For example, using maps to understand what languages people speak at home strengthens the connections between Extension programs and community participants and can inform staff recruitment and advisory board composition. However, maps of aggregated areas like counties can mask socioeconomic …

Accessibility And Inclusion As An Approach To Enhancing Local Extension Programs, S. Dee Jepsen, Laura Akgerman, Karen Funkenbusch, Jessie Calero, Heather Kelejian

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Providing accessible learning opportunities and inclusive programs are critical to Extension’s mission. Creating inclusive environments is more than consideration for individuals’ personal identity. Using principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) is an approach to intentionally build community and create new opportunities for education and growth. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law requiring businesses and events to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states, “no qualified individual with a disability may be discriminated against in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” The legislation applies to Extension buildings, programs, and …

Fostering A Sense Of Belonging In Urban Extension For Internal And External Stakeholders, Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, Linda M. Seals

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

In urban areas, the communities are as diverse as the issues, and different educational and engagement strategies must be deployed to support urban Extension clientele. Urban communities must connect with and feel a sense of “belonging” with Extension–this connection can strengthen Extension’s presence and value proposition to urban constituents. This study found that although Extension was engaged in efforts to support belonging, its efforts were hampered by a lack of collaboration and commitment to supporting a system-wide effort to change the culture. Intentionality, emotional intelligence, and dialogue were presented as strategies to foster a sense of belonging for Extension personnel …

Futuring Perspectives And Practices For Urban Extension, Julie Fox, Solomon Garner

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Extension is well-positioned to engage strategically with urban communities now and in the future. A century of collaboration and proven impact provides Extension with a valuable foundation focused on relevant service accessible to all people; applied science and co-discovery; respectful and inclusive engagement; and commitment to community well-being. An exploration of the literature on the future, from the Extension perspective and from external viewpoints, informs a contemporary approach to focus on the future of urban Extension. An interplay of Extension professionals with diverse community stakeholders and dynamic technologies bridges past perspective and current context with practical methods to address the …

Full Issue, Volume 10, Number 1, Donna J. Peterson, Scott Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Foreword, Mary A. Ruemenapp, Katherine Williams

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Cooperative Extension In Urban America: Place-Based Approaches For Improving Health, Dawn Burton, Latoya O'Neal, Erin Yelland, Suzanne Stluka, Rodger Rennekamp

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

While the bulk of Cooperative Extension’s (Extension) historical work has been with rural populations, its future work should also address the needs of those living in urban areas. The opportunity to live a long and healthy life is paramount among those needs. Cooperative Extension’ National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being (Framework) provides a roadmap by which Cooperative Extension can help ensure that all people have that opportunity. The central premise of the Framework is that future work of Extension must include but extend beyond the promotion of healthy behaviors to place-based approaches for improving conditions in which people live, …

“I’M Going To Live My Life Freely”: Authenticity As An Indicator Of Belonging Among Urban Latinx Lgbtq+ Youth, Maru Gonzalez, Bianka M. Reese, Tania Connaughton-Espino

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

While there is a growing body of scholarship on the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in school and community settings, less is known about Latinx LGBTQ+ youth specifically. In response, this phenomenological study examined the experiences of eight Latinx LGBTQ+ youth relative to school and community belonging, with a specific focus on urban environments, using intersectionality and minority stress frameworks, and Lee and Robbins’ operational definition of belongingness. Three overarching themes emerged from the data: (a) navigating challenges, (b) the importance of an inclusive climate, and (c) thriving through adversity. Further, authenticity was identified as an additional indicator of belonging among …

Reconceptualizing Youth Sparks: A Sociocultural Approach To Co-Designing Programs For Somali Youth, Joanna A. Tzenis

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The 4-H Youth Development Program has a long history of fostering positive youth outcomes. Recently, attention and resources have been invested in the development of a program model (i.e., the 4-H Thriving Model) that theorizes the program elements that lead to positive outcomes (Arnold, 2018). Less attention, however, has been given to the program design process by which and with whom 4-H programs are designed and implemented. This matters because a lack of a community-engaged design process may lead to outcomes disconnected from community self-interests or to the exclusion of youth who might view the program as irrelevant to their …

Book Review – The Art Of Being Indispensable At Work: Win Influence, Beat Overcommitment, And Get The Right Things Done, Eric Killian

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

With new technology, constant change, uncertainty, and virtual teams, getting things done at work is tougher and more complex than ever. Finding your place amid the collaboration revolution working with everyone across silos and various platforms can feel like we are in a no-win cycle in urban Extension environments. However, there is always the indispensable go-to person, or in our case organization—urban Extension, that thrives on many working relationships, maintains a positive attitude of service, demonstrates creativity and tenacity, and strives to get the right things done. This review will share information on how urban Extension professionals can continue to …

Documentary Review – Two Roles In Urban Community Revitalization: Julian Price The Philanthropist And Cooperative Extension, Susan A. Kelly

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Julian Price used his inherited wealth to revitalize downtown Asheville, North Carolina. This documentary review reflects on his passion for community, and the concepts he believed would bring the city back from decay. Some of those same community development practices are successfully used across the country by Extension professionals to assist urban communities in revitalization. Examples of Extension programs and techniques are provided throughout this review about an inspiring documentary about a man looking for purpose and finding it by transforming a troubled downtown with his generosity.

Book Review – Lean Impact: How To Innovate For Radically Greater Social Good Review & Implications For Engaged Programming, M.C. "Molly" Immendorf

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The book “Lean Impact: How to Innovate for Radically Greater Social Good” outlines ways to infuse innovation techniques learned from the private start-up sector into sectors traditionally working to make a societal change that may be funded through governmental agencies and grants. These techniques are also applicable to the Land-Grant Cooperative Extension System (CES) through combining them with engaged programming practices and CES best practices and the tools and methods of the Extension Foundation’s Impact Collaborative in urban programs and beyond.

Full Issue, Volume 10, Number 2, Julie Fox, Donna J. Peterson, Scott Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.