Contact Person:
	Cassandra D. Caldwell, M.P.A.
	Graduate Research Associate
	Department of Human & Community Resource Development
	2120 Fyffe Road, Room 250, Agricultural Administration Building
	The Ohio State University
	Columbus, Ohio 43210
	614-292-1354 Phone
	614-292-7007 Fax
	caldwell.7@osu.edu

Presenters:
R. Dale Safrit, Ed.D.                   Cassandra D. Caldwell, M.P.A.
Columbus, Ohio                           Columbus, Ohio

Description:
Are you willing to go outside of your current paradigm? Change can serve as catalysts for an enhanced professional and personal life. Learn how change can work FOR you!

Conference Objective:
To acquire more effective skills to maintain an appropriate balance between work and the other aspects of one's life.

Abstract:
Extension has been very successful throughout history in adapting to the changing needs of our society. A shrinking agrarian-focused society in the late 20th century challenged the organization to revise and develop programs that would appeal to urban audiences. The successful future of the Cooperative Extension System will depend upon how well the organization continues to positively adapt to change (Smith, 1990). Because change in our organization and our lives is inevitable, individuals who are comfortable with change are more susceptible to professional and personal opportunities (Kouses & Posner, 1995). Changing one's traditional way of conducting professional and personal affairs can be quite challenging and sometimes frightening (Quinn, 1996). Professional and personal opportunities will be given to individuals who can overcome this fear and successfully adapt to change. Change will be crucial for personal and professional satisfaction in the next millennium. Individuals with innovative approaches to problem solving, programming, and organizational development will be the Extension leaders of tomorrow as well as personal inspirations to friends and family (Etling, 1996). This learner-focused seminar will challenge participants to assess their tolerance for change, communicate the positives involved in change, and identify ways to use change to make their professional and personal lives more rewarding. The seminar will utilize self evaluation tools and small group activities to help participants learn how flexible they are and how open they are to new personal and professional opportunities. Participants will be able to use the tools presented in this seminar with other groups (ie. advisory committees, paid staff, volunteers).