Contact Person:
	Bernadette G. Watts    
	President, National Epsilon Sigma Phi
 	Box 7607   301 Ricks Hall
        North Carolina State University
        Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7607

Presenters:
Bernatdette Watts	       John Crites               Curtis Grissom                           Cheryl Jones Syracuse    
Raleigh, North Carolina	     Lebanon, Ohio        Athens, Alabama 35611             Jefferson, Ohio 44047

Description:
This interactive seminar will focus on enhancing your awareness, knowledge and skills for increased participation and ultimate Extension Association leadership in the next century while balancing work and life.

Conference Objective:

1. Acquire more effective skills to maintain an appropriate balance between work and other aspects of life.
2. Strive to look at the "whole" person in terms of wellness and job performance.
3. Staff to broaden their horizons without broadening their workload.

Abstract:
The challenge of balancing work, family and personal dimensions often generates limited participation of Cooperative Extension educators and administrators in the numerous Extension associations. Extension employees of the 21st century bring value added skills and talents that give zest to the legacy of associations. The Cooperative Extension's workforce for 2000 and beyond will successfully move up the leadership ladder when their employer, family and personal goals are compatible. Everyone wins.

As an aspiring leader, new and tenured Extension employees must become a member of one or more Cooperative Extension Associations. Learning an association's structure, programs, leadership dynamics and observing the model in action, and yes sometimes challenging its agenda, is within itself the foundation of step one. Many colleagues ask "what's in it for me (WIFM) versus what's in it for you (WIFY)?" In their hesitancy, some identify roadblocks such as time, finances, workload and family obligations as primary barriers.

Just as one maps a journey for a desired vacation or career destination, Cooperative Extension professionals must strategically chart their unique course of association leadership. Steven Covey states , "Begin with the end in mind", and develop every rung of the leadership ladder. After joining an association, volunteer to work on a committee. Demonstrate your commitment and responsibility of fulfilling tasks and responsibilities. Take time to discover the functions of roles and relationships for state, regional and national levels; attend multi-level meetings and invite your family to attend in order that they gain overall appreciation for your time investment in the professional association. Many associations plan family events at their meetings and invite them to attend general professional development sessions. Build networks and partnerships by meeting officers, committee chairpersons and others. Informally interview officers to gain insight and guidance on association leadership. Secure information on scholarships, grants and awards and then make application for the desired offerings.

Association leadership builds human capacity in one's career, community and overall personal development. Leadership savvy for the 21st century must focus on results and outcomes that add value to an organization, rather than staying busy with activities and events that spotlight quantity but not quality. It is now your turn to accept the clarion call of leadership 2000 and beyond.