2006 Concurrent Sessions

Wednesday, November 15 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

31 Innovative Ways to Promote Your Extension Program
Linda Strieter- PD- New Jersey
You may have the most outstanding program, but to be successful, you must let others know about it. According to P.T. Barnum, "Without promotion, something terrible happens, NOTHING!" Participants will see how simple promotion can be and will do a hands-on activity to practice some of the tips presented. [Abstract Linked Here]

Program Development: From Beginning to Impact
Janet Bechman- PD-Indiana
Effective Extension programs don't just happen by chance. This workshop provides Extension professionals with enhanced skills in program development, evaluation, and reporting. During this concurrent session, presenters will highlight a program planning model showing participants the steps in developing a program, including program design, adding evaluation, and writing impact. [Abstract Linked Here]

Active Learning for Unique Audiences
Debra Minar Driscoll-PD-Oregon
When we Extension educators provide educational programs for audiences with low literacy skills and limited resources, it is important to adapt our methods to provide engaging, productive educational opportunities. This program will be a participatory overview of some successful techniques that can be adapted to a variety of subject matter. [Abstract Linked Here]

Have a Healthy Retirement (Or Near Retirement)
Susan Hansen- LM- Nebraska
This seminar will look at ways to have a healthier retirement and for those who are nearing retirement, how to start now. We will look at MyPyramid, food choices and health issues as well as eating healthy while traveling. [Abstract Linked Here]

Chapter Leadership Training
Duane P. Johnson, Second Vice President, and Linda D. Cook, Executive Director
This session gives an overview of ESP and the resources available to assist chapter leadership. Participants will leave with a chapter handbook to guide them in their work with their local chapter.

Wednesday, November 15 from 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Using Technology to Improve Communications and Develop Collaborative Teams in Geographically Distributed Extension Work Systems
Jerold Thomas- PD-Ohio
How do we communicate and build teams from geographically diverse locations? This presentation will provide demonstrations of tools like blogs, wikis, aggregators and social software that help teams collaborate. A case study of an Extension Center using virtual offices will also be shared, along with current organizational structure trends. [Abstract Linked Here]

Building the Extension Educators of the Future - Experiences and Results in International, Distance, and Service Learning Curriculum
Mark Russell- PD/EL - Pamala Morris and Kelli Selby, Indiana
This presentation will share experiences and results of courses designed to prepare students for careers in Extension. Serving Communities: Principles, Practices, and Process; Serving Ecuador Communities in Quito and Tumbabiro, Ecuador; and International Education & Engagement, a distance education graduate level course built on webCT and a web-based curriculum. [Abstract Linked Here]

Coaching Skills Fundamentals: A process for supporting others
Deborah Maddy- EL-Oregon
Coaching is a series of conversations designed and conducted to enhance someone's well being or performance. Coaching maintains a results orientation so that priority projects are the focus and impact is achieved. Coaching skills give you the ability to work with people in a way that makes anything possible. [Abstract Linked Here]

Making a Difference - Extension Addresses Food and Hunger Issues
Joy Jones- PD- Oregon
Hunger is a major issue in the United States. Because this issue crosses program lines, agriculture, 4-H and FCS faculty worked together to develop a multi-faceted educational program. This seminar will describe Oregon State University Extension programming efforts addressing food insecurity and highlight programs to address this issue. [Abstract Linked Here]

Naturally Cultivating Success: The RECRE Youth Farmstand Program
Lydia B. Blalock, PD- New Jersey

The RCRE Youth Farmstand Program is an interdisciplinary program that increases workforce readiness skills in at-risk youth, supports local farmers and the agriculture industry, and builds healthier, stronger communities. This successful program has generated enormous interest in replication as Extension and non-Extension personnel recognize the program's merits. [Abstract Linked Here]

Life Member Session: Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Your Retirement Years
Joanne Hamilton, Carroll County Extension Educator, Maryland Cooperative Extension

Thursday, November 16 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

A Community Leadership
G. Michael McDavid- EL/PD- Pennsylvania
This presentation provides the materials, methods of delivery, and most importantly, the process of developing a leadership curriculum for community applications. [Abstract Linked Here]

Putting ESP National Conference Multi-generational Information to the Test
Susan Busler- EL/PD- Oregon
How often do we attend a national conference and say, "what a great idea", but that is where it ends. The multi-generational workplace has huge implications for Extension. Learn what one county has done with this information for its staff and volunteers. [Abstract Linked Here]

The Role of Mid-Level Leaders in Fostering Organizational Learning in Extension
Mary Simon Leuci- EL- Missouri
Understanding how to nurture organizational learning and act as "knowledge activists" may be one of the most critical skills for Extension's mid-level leaders. The findings and implications will be presented from a study documenting the nature of organizational learning and the role of mid-level leaders in an Extension Service. [Abstract Linked Here]

Walking To Wellness
Margaret Viebrock-PD- Washington
Walking to Wellness promotes healthier attitudes and behaviors to increased physical activity. Learn how to develop a successful walking program in a small community. Successful techniques for setting personal goals, motivating people, using walking logs and newsletters are included. Gather ideas to evaluate the success of your program. [Abstract Linked Here]

Keep the Money Coming: Delivering Extension's Message to Elected Officials
Gwen Wolford--EL- Ohio
Extension educators have incredibly important impacts on those they serve and on the communities in which they work. However, the way we communicate the work we do doesn't always translate into what elected officials will fund. Participants in this session will learn strategies for effectively communicating impacts with their governmental funders. [Abstract Linked Here]

Life Member Session: Life After Retirement
Panel of Retired Maryland Extension Professionals.

Thursday, November 16 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Meeting Extension Staff Development and Program Delivery Needs via Two-way Videoconferencing
Valynnda Slack and Mary Ann Cross- PD- Indiana
Indiana's connectivity investment makes a difference for Extension professionals. Programs are developed; then delivered through the IP Video system. Educators use it for committee meetings, issue team updates, staff development, specialist training sessions, and county program delivery. Indiana educators benefited through a dedicated bridge used daily. Four-year benefits include time and travel savings. [Abstract Linked Here]

Using Technology Tools to Build on Traditional Extension Programming Strength
Karen Vines- PD- Pennsylvania
Changing environments require that Extension utilize appropriate educational methodologies to expand on traditional program delivery strengths and provide internal professional development opportunities. This session will provide a discussion of use of the technology tools which can enhance the delivery of a high quality educational experience while leveraging limited Extension resources. [Abstract Linked Here]

Volunteers a "Gold Mine" for Nutrition Education Program
Nellie Oehler-PD- Oregon
Food Pantry Volunteers help alleviate hunger and bring $11,599 cost share dollars to the OSU/Lane County Extension Service, Nutrition Education Program. Learn how volunteers reach out to 22 food pantry sites, helping clientele and pantry staff better utilize commodity foods, and bring dollars to Extension. [Abstract Linked Here]

The Non-Formal Manager in Extension Work
Jacqueline LaMuth- EL-Ohio
Regardless of whether Extension educators have formal or non-formal manager assignments, they spend time on manager work. This session compares these two types of managers within Ohio State University Extension. Non-formal managers routinely perform manager tasks but are not formally recognized as managers by their organizations. Implications and recommendations are offered. [Abstract Linked Here]

Developing Culturally Sensitive Programs for the Latino Community
Adrie Roberts- PD-Utah
Utah has had a significant increase in the Latino population over the past decade. The Latino Community was in need of basic educational programming to improve their quality of life in the areas of health, parenting, finance, and adjusting to the American culture. The three presenters for this workshop each have extensive experience in making Extension programming work for the Latino community. Learn their insights and recommendations for programming, advertising, curriculum development, and gaining acceptance to the Latino population in your state. [Abstract Linked Here]

Life Member Session: Floral Centerpieces
Janice Coroneo, Baltimore Florist
Participants will get practical tips to improve their floral arrangements.

Thursday, November 16, from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Extension Resources for Work with Diverse Communities (sponsored by the Global Relations Committee)
This workshop session will feature Texas A&M Extension professionals to highlight the work that they are doing on the Extension En Espanol website, a national clearinghouse for Spanish-language educational resources operated by and for Extension professionals, and provide opportunities for participants to interact and learn about other Extension resources that support work with diverse communities.

CREATE-21 sponsored by the Public Issues Committee
CREATE-21, the proposal being worked on at the federal level to change the method by which Extension is funded will be discussed. This proposal is under consideration for implementation in the next Farm Bill and is in response to lack of needed increases from the federal partner over the last several years. It includes proposed changes in research funding as well as Extension funding.

Leadership and Scholarship
JCEP Traveling Team: Nancy Crago, ESP National President; Chuck Otte, NACAA National President; Carol Schlitt, NEAFCS National President; Valynnda Slack, ANREP; Mary Williams, NEA4-HA National Past President
Universities are placing increased emphasis on leadership and scholarship for tenure and promotion. Is Extension being recognized as scholarship for tenure and promotion? Is Extension being recognized as scholarship for educational presentations with our grass roots delivery systems? How can you promote your educational programs and field research for scholarship recognition? Learn what the Joint Council of Extension Professionals is doing to advance this scholarship endeavor.

"Maximizing the Success of ESP Recognition," (sponsored by the Member Services Committee)
This session is opened to any member of ESP who wants to learn ways to produce professional high-quality submissions for ESP recognitions.

"Developing Your National Reputation" (sponsored by the Membership Recruitment and Retention Committee)
This session will offer various strategies to assist you in enhancing your Extension professionalism on a local and national level.