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Articles 31 - 60 of 181
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Take Action With Action Learning: A Valuable Practice For Navigating Change, Amber Shanahan
Take Action With Action Learning: A Valuable Practice For Navigating Change, Amber Shanahan
Journal of Extension
Action learning is a practical and high-impact way to enhance staff development within an organization. With action learning, participants are invited to own their learning experience by weaving personal experience, individual professional needs, and developmental training into a concentrated focus. In Extension, it is vital to offer tangible learning experiences that can be easily applied to one's position in real time while also building competence for future work, and action learning appeases this need. This article describes action learning in practice within an Extension program and details the necessary components to effectively execute an action learning project.
Surfing Waves Of Change: Building Organizational Capacity In Extension Through Leadership Programs, Lauren L. Griffeth, Nekeisha L. Randall, Jenna B. Daniel
Surfing Waves Of Change: Building Organizational Capacity In Extension Through Leadership Programs, Lauren L. Griffeth, Nekeisha L. Randall, Jenna B. Daniel
Journal of Extension
Leadership development is a viable solution to equipping Extension employees for administrative responsibilities at earlier career stages. Extend Advanced Leadership Training Program (Extend) is a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension cohort-based initiative proving to be a catalyst for enhancing the leadership skills of Extension personnel. This article addresses data from a mixed-methods study of the Extend program, which revealed findings on how "changing self" and "changing others" resulted in personal and professional growth within the cohort participant study sample.
Identifying Needs And Implementing Organizational Change To Improve Retention Of Early-Career Agents, Karen A. Vines, D. Adam Cletzer, Donna Westfall-Rudd, Michael Lambur, Joseph R. Hunnings, Neal T. Vines
Identifying Needs And Implementing Organizational Change To Improve Retention Of Early-Career Agents, Karen A. Vines, D. Adam Cletzer, Donna Westfall-Rudd, Michael Lambur, Joseph R. Hunnings, Neal T. Vines
Journal of Extension
Retention of agents is important for the growth and stability of Cooperative Extension. A study of early-career agents in Virginia Cooperative Extension identified specific areas in which organizational change could be made to improve agent fit in the organization and long-term retention. As a result, numerous changes have been made, particularly associated with existing agents but also in work with prospective agents. Although this article relates specifically to Virginia, the challenges and solutions identified may be relevant to other programs and to national professional development organizations.
Using Real Colors To Transform Organizational Culture, Paul Roback
Using Real Colors To Transform Organizational Culture, Paul Roback
Journal of Extension
Extension educators are frequently tasked with strengthening organizations they collaborate with or provide education to. When a county government in Wisconsin experienced significant personnel changes in a span of less than 18 months, department heads contacted Extension to request professional development and team-building education for their staffs. Extension educators facilitated a series of Real Colors workshops that were attended by over 300 participants and transformed the county's organizational culture. Workshop evaluations and behavior change reported by the county administrator provided evidence of this transformation.
Exploring Employee Readiness For Change In A State Extension System, Kirk Bloir, Scott D. Scheer
Exploring Employee Readiness For Change In A State Extension System, Kirk Bloir, Scott D. Scheer
Journal of Extension
Understanding factors that influence employee readiness for change is essential for successful organizational change. We examined variables linked to employee readiness for change in one state's Extension system. Results revealed high-quality employee-supervisor relationships, neither high nor low levels of resistance to change, and somewhat high levels of readiness for change. Respondents with more years of service, more time working for their current supervisors, and greater resistance to change reported lower levels of readiness for change. We share implications in an effort to help increase successful organizational change efforts.
Straight From The Horse(Man)'S Mouth: Innovative 4-H Camps, Fawn Kurtzo, Leslie D. Edgar, Donna L. Graham, Mark Russell
Straight From The Horse(Man)'S Mouth: Innovative 4-H Camps, Fawn Kurtzo, Leslie D. Edgar, Donna L. Graham, Mark Russell
Journal of Extension
As 4-H evolves to include a wide breadth of youths' modern interests, innovative educational opportunities and evaluation practices become necessary. Horsemanship and safety-based horse camps were created in response to a statewide challenge to develop competitive 4-H members and retain those members as they approach adolescence. This article addresses the development, implementation, and review of Arkansas's horse 4-H camps. The article content includes a practical example of Kirkpatrick's evaluation model and a description of how a goal-based evaluation led to planned program modifications.
Perception Of Current And Ideal Practices Related To Public Value In Extension, Laura H. Downey, Donna J. Peterson, Nancy Franz
Perception Of Current And Ideal Practices Related To Public Value In Extension, Laura H. Downey, Donna J. Peterson, Nancy Franz
Journal of Extension
Extension professionals are increasingly encouraged to engage in practices that can advance the public value movement. It is unclear, however, whether recommended practices related to public value are being adopted. In 2014, 235 Extension professionals at Mississippi State University responded to an organizational capacity survey that included questions on public value practices. Research described here explored discrepancies between current and ideal public value practices among Extension professionals. Paired-samples t-tests revealed statistically significant discrepancies between current and ideal public value practices. The findings can inform efforts by Extension professionals seeking to increase awareness and practices related to public value.
Engagement Of Health Volunteers: A Promising Approach For Meeting Community Needs, Lisa T. Washburn
Engagement Of Health Volunteers: A Promising Approach For Meeting Community Needs, Lisa T. Washburn
Journal of Extension
Extension has entered an era of unprecedented opportunity to affect family and community health. Taking action will challenge Extension to shift the way programs are delivered, engage a volunteer corps as partners, and value empowering others to address community challenges with their own solutions. This article describes a promising approach for expanding Extension's reach by engaging health-focused volunteers through the Extension Wellness Ambassador Program, where volunteers direct their efforts toward community projects they feel inspired by and compelled to address. Additionally, the article includes recommendations for building a health-focused volunteer corps within Extension.
A Conversation Tool For Assessing A Food Pantry's Readiness To Address Diet-Related Chronic Diseases, Dan Remley
A Conversation Tool For Assessing A Food Pantry's Readiness To Address Diet-Related Chronic Diseases, Dan Remley
Journal of Extension
Food insecurity is associated with diabetes and other chronic diseases. Individuals who experience food insecurity may use coping skills to avoid hunger, including eating unhealthful foods and binging when food is abundant, two practices that are often detrimental to prevention or management of chronic diseases. Food pantries, especially those using the Rainbow of Colors Choice Food Pantry System, are potential settings for providing nutrition education, healthful foods, and screenings to help individuals prevent or manage their chronic diseases. This article describes a conversation guide Extension professionals can use to assist food pantry personnel in identifying and implementing strategies for addressing …
Organizational Capacity Survey: Capturing An Extension System's Current State And Pinpointing Areas For Improvement, Donna J. Peterson, Laura H. Downey
Organizational Capacity Survey: Capturing An Extension System's Current State And Pinpointing Areas For Improvement, Donna J. Peterson, Laura H. Downey
Journal of Extension
An organizational capacity survey (OCS) can reveal gaps in what an organization is doing and what an organization's employees feel the organization should be doing. Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension conducted an OCS to assess perceptions of MSU Extension's vision and commitment, plan of work, working relationships, diversity and pluralism, public value, personnel knowledge and expertise, and training needs. Questions were designed to measure perceptions of how MSU Extension is currently and how it should be ideally. This design allowed discrepancy scores to be calculated to identify areas in which capacity development was needed or desired that could then be …
A Formative Evaluation Of The Children, Youth, And Families At Risk Coaching Model, Jonathan R. Olson, Burgess Smith, Kyle R. Hawkey, Daniel F. Perkins, Lynne M. Borden
A Formative Evaluation Of The Children, Youth, And Families At Risk Coaching Model, Jonathan R. Olson, Burgess Smith, Kyle R. Hawkey, Daniel F. Perkins, Lynne M. Borden
Journal of Extension
In this article, we describe the results of a formative evaluation of a coaching model designed to support recipients of funding through the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) initiative. Results indicate that CYFAR coaches draw from a variety of types of coaching and that CYFAR principle investigators (PIs) are generally satisfied with the coaches' methods. Areas in which PIs would like to see changes to the coaching model include amount of technical coaching and amount of help with specific CYFAR funding requirements. We review strategies for incorporating this feedback into practice and discuss implications for CYFAR and for …
Personal Sustainability: Listening To Extension Staff And Observing Organizational Culture, Leslie Forstadt, Aileen Fortune
Personal Sustainability: Listening To Extension Staff And Observing Organizational Culture, Leslie Forstadt, Aileen Fortune
Journal of Extension
Extension staff are increasingly challenged to do excellent work and balance their lives. University of Maine Cooperative Extension committed to a 2-year participatory action research project to support staff and to an organizational climate that encourages personal sustainability. With tools from ethnography and appreciative inquiry, staff engaged with colleagues through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and informal conversations. This article describes the richness of the process, the methodology, and the findings. Actions began early, as awareness was raised and people felt empowered. Recommendations resulting from the project address ways to support work-life balance, collegiality and connection, and staff connection to organizational …
Unique Multiorganizational Collaborative Proves Effective In Delivering 2014 Farm Bill Education, Gary A. Hachfeld, Curtis L. Mahnken, C. Robert Holcomb, Dave B. Bau, Elizabeth R. Berning
Unique Multiorganizational Collaborative Proves Effective In Delivering 2014 Farm Bill Education, Gary A. Hachfeld, Curtis L. Mahnken, C. Robert Holcomb, Dave B. Bau, Elizabeth R. Berning
Journal of Extension
The Agricultural Act of 2014 is critical to the economic safety net for U.S. producers. This act represented a major change in philosophy, requiring producers to make key decisions about their options on the basis of risk management. To add to the complexity of the issue, the time period for delivering applicable education to landowners before sign-up deadlines was relatively short. This article highlights a unique multiorganizational statewide approach to delivering the applicable education. It involved University of Minnesota Extension, the Center for Farm Financial Management, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and banks and resulted in substantive evaluative outcomes.
Applying Coaching Strategies To Support Youth- And Family-Focused Extension Programming, Jonathan R. Olson, Kyle R. Hawkey, Burgess Smith, Daniel F. Perkins, Lynne M. Borden
Applying Coaching Strategies To Support Youth- And Family-Focused Extension Programming, Jonathan R. Olson, Kyle R. Hawkey, Burgess Smith, Daniel F. Perkins, Lynne M. Borden
Journal of Extension
In this article, we describe how a peer-coaching model has been applied to support community-based Extension programming through the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) initiative. We describe the general approaches to coaching that have been used to help with CYFAR program implementation, evaluation, and sustainability efforts; we discuss strategies coaches use to maintain effective relationships with CYFAR stakeholders; and we review common characteristics of effective coaches. Finally, we discuss implications that coaching strategies might have for Extension programming in general and present future directions for research and practice related to peer coaching.
Food Challenge: Serving Up 4-H To Non-Traditional Audiences, Sara Dodd, Holly E. Follmer-Reece, Erin Kostina-Ritchey, Roxanna Reyna
Food Challenge: Serving Up 4-H To Non-Traditional Audiences, Sara Dodd, Holly E. Follmer-Reece, Erin Kostina-Ritchey, Roxanna Reyna
Journal of Extension
This article describes a novel approach for introducing 4-H to non-traditional/diverse audiences using 4-H Food Challenge. Set in a low SES and minority-serving rural school, Food Challenge was presented during the school day to all 7th grade students, with almost half voluntarily participating in an after-school club component. Program design supported school-level STEM enrichment and career development priorities. Topics addressed ranged from food handling/safety to nutrition and cost analysis. Conclusions include a summary of student outcomes and recommendations for school and adult partnerships. Implications for reaching non-traditional 4-H audiences through non-competition formats are discussed.
The Use Of Focus Groups To Evaluate The Volunteer Conference Of Southern States, Ken Culp Iii, Harriet C. Edwards, Jenny W. Jordan
The Use Of Focus Groups To Evaluate The Volunteer Conference Of Southern States, Ken Culp Iii, Harriet C. Edwards, Jenny W. Jordan
Journal of Extension
Round table focus groups were used to evaluate the 2013 Volunteer Conference of Southern States. All 144 conference attendees were randomly assigned to one of 18 different round tables. A series of seven questions were discussed by the focus groups, which were moderated by a member of the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Advisory Group. A recorder captured the discussion on a Mac Notebook. The responses from 18 networked were assimilated into a Word document, grouped by question. Qualitative data were analyzed by three raters as outlined by Culp & Pilat (1988). Input received was instrumental in planning the 2014 conference.
Organizational Values In Ohio State University Extension: Employee Perceptions Of Value And Evidence In Practice, Karen J. Argabright, Graham R. Cochran, Jeff King
Organizational Values In Ohio State University Extension: Employee Perceptions Of Value And Evidence In Practice, Karen J. Argabright, Graham R. Cochran, Jeff King
Journal of Extension
As Extension's leaders prepare to move Extension into the future, they are obliged to take stock of the underlying internal forces that have the power to alter the manner and extent to which the mission is accomplished. Individually and organizationally held values are primary factors driving these forces. Acknowledging and understanding these values helps Extension leaders better understand tendencies toward resistance to change and aid in assessing the alignment of what exists with what could be. This article shares results from an Extension organizational values assessment and examine implications for the Extension system.
Managing Dynamics Of Power And Learning In Community Development: A Case Study Of Iowan Farmers In Uganda, Stephen Lauer, Francis Y. Owusu
Managing Dynamics Of Power And Learning In Community Development: A Case Study Of Iowan Farmers In Uganda, Stephen Lauer, Francis Y. Owusu
Journal of Extension
Extension professionals facilitate community development through the strategic manipulation of learning and power in peer-to-peer learning partnerships. We discuss the relationship between empowerment and power, highlight relevant literature on the difficulties power presents to learning and the efficacy of service learning tools to facilitate mutual learning and present original findings from our research on an international development partnership in which Extension professionals had partial success in creating opportunities for mutually empowering learning among farmers from Iowa and Uganda. We recommend that Extension professionals encourage learning across power gradients by providing opportunities for informal conversations and encouraging reflection by participants.
Development Of A Florida Seafood Program Using A Multi-Disciplinary Team, Holly Abeels, Bryan Fluech, Lisa Krimsky, Brooke Saari
Development Of A Florida Seafood Program Using A Multi-Disciplinary Team, Holly Abeels, Bryan Fluech, Lisa Krimsky, Brooke Saari
Journal of Extension
The seafood industry in Florida is complex, with more than 80 varieties of Florida seafood commodities and an increasing number of imported products. This variety increases consumer confusion, especially with the growing concern about the origin, sustainability, and safety of seafood products. The objective of the Florida Seafood At Your Fingertips program is to provide Florida Extension agents with updated, science-based information regarding seafood, which will result in increased consumer awareness and consumption. Combining a survey instrument, curriculum modules, public displays, and a mobile application with the teaching expertise of Extension has allowed this program to reach consumers throughout Florida.
Exploring Organizational Factors Related To Extension Employee Burnout, Amy Harder, Jessica Gouldthrope, Jeff Goodwin
Exploring Organizational Factors Related To Extension Employee Burnout, Amy Harder, Jessica Gouldthrope, Jeff Goodwin
Journal of Extension
Employee burnout is a costly organizational issue with multiple negative impacts. The purpose of the descriptive study reported here was to explore organizational factors related to agent burnout within Colorado State University Extension. An online survey of county/area Extension professionals was conducted to measure perceptions of various organizational factors that may contribute to burnout. Several factors were identified as areas in need of attention, including systems, work unit climate, individual needs and values, and the external environment. Colorado State University Extension has already begun the process of using the results to make organizational improvements, which may ultimately reduce burnout.
Is Our Service In Vain? Relevant Roles Of An Extension Service As Perceived By County-Level Employees, Thelma C. Barnes
Is Our Service In Vain? Relevant Roles Of An Extension Service As Perceived By County-Level Employees, Thelma C. Barnes
Journal of Extension
Agriculture continues to be the primary focus of most Extension organizations, although farming operations decreased significantly between 1950 and 1997. Extension organizations have been encouraged to redirect program focuses to be inclusive of nontraditional audiences and to remain vital. These organizations should identify and adopt new roles to avoid an impending demise. This article summarizes research conducted to identify relevant organizational roles as perceived by county-level Extension employees working for an Extension service in the Southeastern United States. These roles can be used as a foundation for planning and implementing programs that are conducive to the needs of today's clientele.
Creating Safe Spaces Within Extension Programs, Adrienne Duke
Creating Safe Spaces Within Extension Programs, Adrienne Duke
Journal of Extension
Extension agents, educators, and specialists are challenged to find effective ways to ensure that our participants learn in program contexts that are inclusive and respectful of all people. In order to make our programs inclusive environments, it is important for us to be brave enough to disrupt statements that are demeaning and marginalize others. This article gives practical ways to deal with statements made by participants that are grounded in prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, and scapegoating.
Benchmarking Professional Development Practices Across Youth-Serving Organizations: Implications For Extension, Barry A. Garst, Sarah Baughman, Nancy Franz
Benchmarking Professional Development Practices Across Youth-Serving Organizations: Implications For Extension, Barry A. Garst, Sarah Baughman, Nancy Franz
Journal of Extension
Examining traditional and contemporary professional development practices of youth-serving organizations can inform practices across Extension, particularly in light of the barriers that have been noted for effectively developing the professional competencies of Extension educators. With professional development systems changing quickly, particularly through online education and blended learning opportunities, benchmarks need to guide new research around best practices in professional development. Although many program providers have not established benchmarks for professional development, a few cases exist. This article examines the current state of professional development practices of youth-serving organizations and offers recommendations for improving Extension professional development practices.
Making Rapid Change: Leaning 4-H, Judith M. Levings, Becky Nibe
Making Rapid Change: Leaning 4-H, Judith M. Levings, Becky Nibe
Journal of Extension
Nationwide, Extension is restructuring and searching for efficiencies due to reduced funding. When American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds became available, the Iowa 4-H program used the funding allocated to support training the administrative team and key staff to improve 4-H statewide processes. Building a "lean" culture of streamlining processes and eliminating waste through the use of kaizen events helped redirect funding for priority work, as well as create team spirit.
Family & Consumer Sciences And Cooperative Extension In A Diverse World, Jorge H. Atiles, Gina E. Eubanks
Family & Consumer Sciences And Cooperative Extension In A Diverse World, Jorge H. Atiles, Gina E. Eubanks
Journal of Extension
The role of Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) as a program area in Extension dates back before the Smith Lever Act of 1914. As we celebrate 100 years, reaching a new set of audiences poses a challenge to Extension. These audiences include new Americans, new family structures, urban populations, new occupations, and virtual clients from around the world. This commentary examines the role that FCS will play in the next 100 years to face these challenges.
Using An Initiative To Focus Programming Efforts: A Case Study Of The Ohio 4-H Workforce Preparation Initiative, Graham R. Cochran, Theresa M. Ferrari, Nate Arnett
Using An Initiative To Focus Programming Efforts: A Case Study Of The Ohio 4-H Workforce Preparation Initiative, Graham R. Cochran, Theresa M. Ferrari, Nate Arnett
Journal of Extension
Extension is facing many challenges, including increasingly complex and changing societal conditions. One method to address these challenges is to implement targeted efforts around programmatic or organizational themes organized as an initiative. We use the Ohio 4-H Workforce Preparation Initiative as a case study to illustrate how the process of focusing and redirecting programming efforts can be an effective strategy for addressing issues important to Extension clientele. We also describe in general the benefits of using a change process or model to organize such efforts and specifically how Kotter's (1996) model fits well with our concept of an initiative.
Development Of A University Undergraduate Course Sequence About The Extension System, Marc T. Braverman, Katherine Gunter, Robin Galloway, Karlie J. Moore, Brandi Hoel, Denise Rennekamp
Development Of A University Undergraduate Course Sequence About The Extension System, Marc T. Braverman, Katherine Gunter, Robin Galloway, Karlie J. Moore, Brandi Hoel, Denise Rennekamp
Journal of Extension
Many undergraduates are interested in community-based programming, but at most land-grants undergraduates have little contact with Extension. This article describes a grant project that developed two undergraduate courses about Extension and community-based, experiential education. The academic-year course incorporates lecture, discussion, guest speakers, and hands-on activities. The summer-session course takes students to visit program sites in operation. In outcome evaluations, students gained significantly in their understanding of land-grants, Extension, and community programming, and gained confidence in working collaboratively, among other findings. Recommendations note that the success of similar courses requires involvement of county Extension personnel and balancing of several key factors.
Ranchers Feeding Kids: A Multi-Partner Approach To Programming, Barbara Brody, Scott Jensen, Robin Galloway, Shanna Hamilton, Anna-Marie Chamberlain
Ranchers Feeding Kids: A Multi-Partner Approach To Programming, Barbara Brody, Scott Jensen, Robin Galloway, Shanna Hamilton, Anna-Marie Chamberlain
Journal of Extension
School districts face challenges to balance budgets and provide healthy meals. Oregon State University Extension agents joined with community partners to form Ranchers Feeding Kids (RFK). The program started with ranchers donating cattle that were harvested and processed for local schools' lunch programs. An educational event taught youth about livestock production, its importance to the local economy, and beef's health benefits. In 4 years, the program has grown to include 32 schools in 13 different school districts, providing over 5,500 students with meals. Forty donated cattle, with a value of over $40,000, have provided 30,000 pounds of beef to schools.
Does Evaluation Competence Of Extension Educators Differ By Their Program Area Of Responsibility?, Nav R. Ghimire, Robert A. Martin
Does Evaluation Competence Of Extension Educators Differ By Their Program Area Of Responsibility?, Nav R. Ghimire, Robert A. Martin
Journal of Extension
Raising evaluation capacity is not an easy task unless the evaluation competence of Extension professionals in each program area is identified. The study reported here identified whether level of knowledge and skills and needs for further training in program evaluation vary for Extension educators based on their program area. A total of 752 Extension educators participated in the study through an online survey. Differences were observed for evaluation competence and further training needs between Extension educators among program areas. Therefore, offering training for Extension educators based on evaluation competence and the area of responsibility is recommended for optimum training outcomes.
Developing Business Continuity Plans For County Extension Offices: The Ohio Approach, S Dee Jepsen, Aletha I. Reshan, Kathy Mann
Developing Business Continuity Plans For County Extension Offices: The Ohio Approach, S Dee Jepsen, Aletha I. Reshan, Kathy Mann
Journal of Extension
In a world where disasters can strike at any time and at any magnitude, it is important for Extension organizations to be resilient and assist their community through localized crises. Preparedness at the organizational level has a relational effect to the amount of support available to communities at their hour of need. When county Extension offices are prepared and have protocols in place to allow them to rebound quickly, office personnel are better equipped to facilitate and respond to recovery needs. This article presents Ohio's commitment to ensure emergency preparedness of its Extension county offices using business continuity plans.