District 9 Plans Interpretation/Marketing Training for County Extension Agents

We all know that the formula for continued support from elected officials includes excellent programming, visibility of programs, and effective interpretation to illustrate outcomes and results. One approach to helping our agents fully understand this formula and the importance of marketing and interpretation is to conduct a training to address these areas. Our county level employees range in tenure from a few months to 30+ years. So, it is important to periodically conduct training on marketing and interpretation to help the new agents understand the process and "sharpen the saw" of the more tenured agents.

So, with input from the District Marketing and Interpretation Committee, an Interpretation and Market Training has been planned for early May. The goal of this training is to increase the agents’ knowledge and understanding of effective interpretation strategies, Extension’s Budget Request Process, and strategies to prepare for budget deficits and the 82nd Legislative session. Some of the specifics regarding this training are as follows:

• Overview of Interpretation Strategy for County Programs - Focusing on our local educational efforts to tell of our programming results to elected officials in a variety of ways - conferences, newsletters, highlight reports, involvement in showcase events, and formal interpretation.
• Grassroots Level Interaction and the 82nd Legislative Session - Importance of involving our local grassroots system to serve as advocates for Extension. Also, involving decision makers in this process to enhance their knowledge of Extension. Understanding issues for the next Legislative Session.
• Extension’s Budget Request - How does Extension development a budget request for the Texas Legislature? Are guidelines in place to set parameters for budget requests? What is the process for submitting, reviewing, adjusting, and approval of our budget?
• Legislator’s Perspective - Garner the thoughts from a local legislator on how he/she likes to be informed of Extension program results. What is his or her perspective on the upcoming session and how can agents help him or her prepare for the session and know more about Extension programs.
• Importance of Reporting Accomplishments - Reporting of educational contacts and contact hours is very important in meeting our Performance Measures as an organization. Also, narrative highlights and summaries helps administration in illustrating our successes.
• Successes of the District 9 Interpretation Initiative - What have we done well and what do we need to strengthen? ... Extension Education - "Making a Difference" document, "Making a Difference" newsletter, involvement in showcase activity, formal interpretation events, and conferences.
• Showcase of Effective Interpretation Efforts - What interpretation strategies have worked well in various counties?
• Challenges Ahead - Commitment to personnel and programs, addressing deficits, planning effective programs and planning for the future.
  

This promises to be a very worthwhile training for the agents in District 9 as we address the components of our District Interpretation Initiative. To date, there have been many positive steps in interpreting our program accomplishments to elected officials and other decision makers. The Extension Education "Making a Difference" document has made a difference with our elected officials. We continue to receive positive comments from commissioner’s court members and legislators about the extent of our programs and we look forward to their continued support.

All District Extension Administrators are encouraged to review this concept and implement similar strategies in order to redirect County Extension Agent's anxiety to a proactive interpretive focus. This and other types of approaches clearly demonstrates leadership and vision on the part of our middle managers.

Content for this article was provided by Dale A. Fritz, Ph.D., District Extension Administrator-Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

District 8 Implements Interpretation Teleconferences

During challenging economic times it is imperative that Texas AgriLife Extension Service middle managers separate the things they can't control from the things they can control. One of the things Texas AgriLife Extension Service middle managers do control is the interpretation of programs to stakeholders and elected officials.

In Extension District 8, Mr. Ron Woolley-District Extension Administrator has implemented a series of interpretation teleconferences that are designed to more systematically implement on-going interpretation strategies. The goal of these teleconferences is to present a transparent but positive tone to the current budget situation facing Texas AgriLife Extension Service and try to direct anxiety of County Extension Agents to a proactive programmatic/interpretive focus. These teleconferences emphasizes that effective programming/interpreting can impact future decisions of county and state officials. Some of the specifics regarding these teleconferences are as follows;

• Respective agent teleconference groupings are by their respective state legislative district and are scheduled between March 29 - April 5.
• Teleconferences will reaffirm agency’s commitment to maintain personnel and programs as our highest priority. Also, to ensure that there will be "life after" this exercise. Discuss our record of commitment when faced with previous budgetary challenges.
• Remind agents of the importance of elected officials having direct knowledge of Extension programming, familiarity of all agents in their territory and the positive impact Extension is having on their constituents.
• Discuss previous successful interpretive efforts for county and state officials held in their county(s). Stress importance of directing attention to status of new challengers and emerging officials from recent primaries, upcoming runoffs and eventually the general election. Identify opportunities to effectively interpret and discuss "planning for success". Agents will understand this is the time to be proactive. NOTE: Each county will have a minimum expectation to have each official participate in at least one showcase activity in 2010.
• Develop tentative plans/strategy related to the Fall Interpretive Sessions for state officials. Goals will be to share program outcomes based on official’s interests/issues and discuss FY 2012-2013 Exceptional Items/Budget Proposals. Reinforce role of the District 8 Marketing & Interpretation Committee representative who serves as team captain for their respective State Representative or Senatorial District.
• Introduce two upcoming professional development opportunities related to Writing Effective Outcome Program Summaries and Politics 101. Politics 101 will feature topics related to role of County Coordinator, successful budget development and acquisition, working effectively with county officials, keys to success or failure related interpretation, involvement and recognition of Commissioners Court and State officials. Most topics will be presented by agents who have had success in assigned topics. Role of V.G. Young Institute and Central Texas County Commissioners Court Conference will also be highlighted.

Remember, there are County Extension Agents, District/County Extension Support Staff members and Extension Assistants/Associates who are looking to District Extension Administrators/County Extension Directors for leadership during these challenging economic times! It is imperative that District Extension Administrators /County Extension Directors provide confident leadership by articulating that a focus on Texas AgriLife Extension Services' interpretation efforts is more productive than spending time speculating on what might take place in the future.

All District Extension Administrators are encouraged to review this concept and implement similar strategies in order to redirect County Extension Agent's anxiety to a proactive interpretive focus. This and other types of approaches clearly demonstrates leadership and vision on the part of our middle managers.

Content for this article was provided by Ron Woolley, District Extension Administrator- Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

TCFA Jr. Fed Beef Career and Leadership Program

TCFA, in conjunction with Texas AgriLife Extension Service and West Texas A&M University will host the 2010 Junior Fed Beef Career and Leadership program on June 28-30, 2010 on the campus of WTAMU. This program is open to any upcoming high school junior or senior who have an interest in pursuing a career path in feedyard operations and management and the fed beef industry.

This program is designed to educate the participants on feedyard operations and career opportunities in the fed beef industry. Students will participate in operation problem solving and leadership activities. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in a job shadow program at a local feedyard following the conclusion of the program.

Applications and letters of recommendation are due no later than May 1st. Applicants for this event must be incoming high school juniors or seniors in the 2011 school year and at least 16 years of age at the time of the program.

The objectives for this program includes the following;

• Introduce all aspects of the fed beef industry with an emphasis on feedyard operations and confined cattle feeding;
• Build cognitive thinking skills through problem solving and leadership activities;
• Allow participant to interact with leading industry representatives and;
• Require participant to return to their local communities and participate in a job shadow program with a local feedyard and share new knowledge through local, county and/or regional programs.
  

The information is available on the TCFA web site at
http://www.tcfa.org/jfbc/FeedyardCamp.html.

This program is part of an innovative Extension workforce development program that resulted from the High Plain Livestock 2027 Conference conducted in 2007 that identified workforce development as an critical issue facing the confined livestock feeding industry. District Extension Administrators and County Extension Directors should ensure that County Extension Agents make clientele aware of this opportunity.

Content for this article was provided by Angela Burkham, Extension Program Specialist for 4-H and Youth Development-Texas AgiLife Extension Service.

TAMUS Regents Fellow Service Award and the Award for Excellence Due April 29, 2010

Preliminary Extension nominations will be accepted through Thursday, April 29, for BOTH the 2010 TAMUS Regents Fellow Service Awards and the Award for Excellence in Extension from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (formerly NASULGC). Each nominee will be placed in the candidate pool for both awards; only a single nomination is necessary. (Current Regents Fellows will automatically be considered for the APLU award.)

This preliminary procedure can be completed by following the instructions below. (NOTE: This does NOT pertain to any announcements regarding the Regents Professor Award and the nomination of researchers for the Fellow Service Award.)

Regarding past nominations... Please update them and resubmit. Nominees from years past are only more worthy! There is no limit on the number of preliminary nominations you may submit; however, nominees must have at least a 50 percent Extension appointment.

You are asked to follow this initial process to save you the effort of preparing the more extensive nomination package that is ultimately required. Suzanne Deatherage will be available to help finalists and their nominators with preparation of the full package.

INSTRUCTIONS:

To recommend a qualified individual for the Extension nomination, submit the individual's brief resume or vita, along with a letter of nomination from two to five pages. Send as e-mail attachments to me at sdeather@ag.tamu.edu no later than Thursday, April 29.

Contents of nomination letter (narrative):

• Cite the candidate's most outstanding qualifications and major achievements and tell how the candidate excels in the following selection criteria, as appropriate for his or her position as an Extension educator.
• Distinguished record of research, outreach education, and/or service accomplishments to the people of Texas.
• Demonstration of a sincere commitment to the agency and the A&M System.
• Creative ability and adherence to scientific philosophy and scholarly principles (as appropriate to Extension programming).
• Exceptional contributions to Extension programming (and contributions to knowledge base and/or development of scholarly principles) that have resulted in published research, inventions, processes, methods, or educational programs that are everlasting contributions to humankind and science.
• Outstanding, creative ability to conduct and deliver educational, research, extension and/or service programs that result in an enriched environment, enhanced economic returns, or a higher standard of living and/or quality of life (as appropriate to agency).
• Recognition by professionals within candidate's field or scientific community as evidenced through honors and awards, participation on state/national or international committees, panels or commissions.
• Documented recognition by external stakeholders, clients, and/or constituents.
  

Please recognize that these are very exclusive awards intended for individuals who have the greatest record of accomplishments. Past recipients and complete guidelines for the Regents Awards are posted online at http://www.tamus.edu/offices/academic/awards/index.html.

District Extension Administrators are encouraged to nominate deserving agents for these prestigious awards.

Content for this article was provided by Suzanne Deatherage, Assistant Agency Director-Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Reminder- First Pre-Academy Assignment due March 26, 2010

Program excellence is predicated on the fundamental principle that agents have the capacity to effectively identify issues, prioritize these issues, develop sequential learning experiences designed to address these issues, evaluate program efforts and utilize the results of these evaluations to refocus and redirect programming efforts to ensure program relevance.

In order to more effectively equip agents to implement the program development process that is paramount to effective programming, an innovative professional development activity will be implemented statewide entitled the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Program Excellence Academy. Session I of the Program Excellence Academy will be held on April 26-30 at the Texas 4-H Center. This face-to-face session is only part of the experience associated with the Program Excellence Academy. Listed below are some important updates regarding the pre-session activities that agents will need to begin to work on soon.

• The course website is located at http://pdc.extension.org/. This is the same site that agents completed other courses on prior to Extension Foundations, so they already have a login for the site. Each of the agents has been enrolled in this course already, so it should show up under "My Courses" when they log in.
• There are also reading assignments to be completed before agents attend Session I.
  
• There are three pre-session assignments to be completed, with the first due on March 26. These are fully detailed under each of the modules on the site. Two of the assignments will be uploaded directly to the course site, the third e-mailed to the instructors.
• There will be discussion board postings every couple of weeks for agents to respond to. It is important that agents take the time to provide their thoughts and input on these discussion threads. This should be an excellent opportunity for agents to learn, as well as share their experiences with co-workers.
• For those of agents who have shared the needed information related to obtaining graduate credit for the Academy, things appear to be progressing well with their University. If agents have not shared the requested information, or are having difficulties with their University, please instruct them to contact Dr. Jeff Ripley.
• Have agents save the dates of November 15-19, 2010 for Session II of the Program Excellence Academy. The location will again be the Texas 4-H Center.

It is important that all District Extension Administrators and County Extension Directors work with agents prior to this face to face session to emphasize the importance to these pre-session activities and assignments.

Content for this article was provided by Dr. Jeff Ripley, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist-Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

New Innovative Interpretation Method being launched in Travis County

As we have discussed during Regional Interpretation Summits, newsletters, previous County Program Vision 2010 blog articles and other communication venues the formula for elected officials support includes three fundamental elements. These elements include the following;

1. Good programming,
2. Visibility, and
   
3. Effective interpretation.
   

While these three elements sound elementary, most District Extension Administrators and County Extension Directors would agree that if County Programs include these elements the likelihood of sufficient support is increased significantly. During economically challenging times ensuring that the elements of our County Extension Programs include good programming, visibility of programs, and effective interpretation is paramount.

One of the new and innovative approaches to interpreting programs and increasing Extension visibility is the utilization of short videos attached to an electronic post card that is sent to elected officials and elected officials staffers. This approach is being pioneered in Travis County through the leadership of Skip Richter, County Extension Director. Some of the basic elements that this venue provides a...

• Opportunity to reach busy elected officials and staffers with a brief and concise message that communicates programmatic outcomes.
  
• Opportunity to add value to traditional program interpretation efforts.
  
• Opportunity to package interpretation message for technology savvy audiences.

To view an example of one of these videos click on http://traviscountyextensionoffice.createsend5.com/T/ViewEmail/r/C66341E542926DE2/CFE05E22D4B1F796C5EC08CADFFC107B

Skip Richter and the entire Travis County Extension faculty should be commended for implementing this innovative program interpretation effort.

Reminder-New Agents Should Complete Online Learning Modules Before Extension Foundations on April 19-23

Texas AgriLife Extension Service has launched a new strategy for on- boarding recently hired County Extension Agents. One of the critical elements of this new on- boarding system is a series of new online learning modules designed to establish a knowledge base prior to them attending Extension Foundations.

Those agents that will be participating in Extension Foundations on April 19-23, should have completed the following training modules prior to their attendance:

• Texas AgriLife Extension: Our History and Roots
• Professionalism in Texas AgriLife Extension Service
• Introduction to Program Development in Texas Extension
• TExAS Accountability System
• INVEST: Volunteerism
• Cash Management
  

To find these courses, Count Extension Agents should follow the instructions for logging in under the "First Time Here?" section at http://pdc.extension.org/. Some of the courses require an access key, which is the word "texas."

These modules are critical in establishing a foundation for future sequential learning experiences that will be offered to new agents through TexasAgriLife Extension Service newly established on- boarding system. District Extension Administrators and County Extension Directors should ensure that all new agents complete these modules prior to their attendance of Extension Foundations in April.

2009 Volunteer Survey Reports Texas AgriLife Extension Service Utilizes More than 100,000 Volunteers

Volunteerism is a critical component of the 2010 Administrative Priority to Target Program Outreach and Expansion. Creating the future through continuous learning by providing leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating high quality educational programs by Texas AgriLife Extension Service is dependent on the effective utilization of volunteers. The following are highlights of the 2009 Texas AgriLife Extension Service Volunteer Survey;

• The 2009 Volunteer Survey was completed by all 254 counties.
• Extension had 104,672 volunteers that contributed to Extension programs in 2009, a slight increase from 2008.
• Extension volunteers gave a total of 4,058,422 hours of time in 2009, which is an average of 38.77 hours per person given throughout the year (down from 2008).
• The value of volunteer time is equivalent to $82,183,053.40. This value is currently figured on the 2008 value of volunteer time. When the 2009 figure is released by the Independent Sector in April, the reports will be updated.
• The contributions of Extension volunteers is equivalent to 2,140.15 FTEs.
• In 2009, 18,639 volunteers helped teach and lead educational programs, reaching 3,023,932 Texans.

Content for this article was provided by Courtney F. Dodd, CVA, Extension Program Specialist-Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Utilization of Technology Paramount to Extensions' Effectiveness in the Future

As Extension begins to develop educational program delivery strategies that include distance education, one of the most challenging aspects is to establish a culture among County Extension Agents to integrate this educational program delivery strategy into ongoing programming to ensure added value to program delivery strategies. County Extension Agents could view this educational strategy as a competitor to traditional program delivery efforts, and fearing that the lack of interaction with the learner will lead to less effective learning experiences.

Campbell (1995) notes that "higher education [including Extension education] faces the challenge of expanding the reach, quality, and effectiveness of instruction within the context of shrinking resources as well as organizing itself to serve students [Extension clientele] regardless of where they reside" (p.73). As Extension faces these challenges, distance education becomes paramount to the effectiveness and the accessibility to Extension programs.

The following are some steps that District Extension Administrators and County Extension Directors could implement to encourage increased utilization of technology in program delivery;

• Model the utilization of technology.
• Provide examples to County Extension Agents of how technology can be utilized to add value to traditional program delivery methods. An excellent example of utilizing technology is the web site developed in the East Region where County Extension Agents demonstrate healthy, nutritious and easy recipe ideas at http://healthyliving.tamu.edu.
• Establish a District or Regional Distance Education Committee to design training needs for agents in utilizing distance education, and develop strategies to integrate distance education into ongoing Extension educational programming efforts.
• Provide County Extension Agents with examples of how their program and Texas AgriLife Extension Service can benefit from utilizing technology in Extension programming efforts. Some examples would include more cost effective utilization of Extension Specialists, providing clientele with on-demand information, ability to reach a larger audience, and provides a complimentary element to face-to-face educational methodologies.

Even our more traditional audiences have turned to the internet for quick information. According to the National Agricultural Statistical Service( 2007), 55% of all farmers have access to the internet and 75% of farms with sales and government payment of $250,000 or more have internet services. It is estimated that there are 248,241,969 internet users in North America which provides a tremendous audience for Extension to provide research-based information to clientele. Extension clientele are already using technology, such as the internet, to obtain information which may or may not be research-based.

Reference

Campbell, J. R. (1995). Reclaiming a lost heritage. Ames. Iowa: Iowa State University Press.

2010 Texas 4-H Roundup Registration Packet and Forms

This past week the 2010 Texas 4-H Roundup Registration Packet, Waiver, Code Conduct, and Consequences of Misbehavior were distributed to District Extension Administrators, Regional Program Directors, and 4-H faculty this past week. Please make sure all County Extension Agents provide this to families that are interested in attending Roundup. This information must be completed and brought to Roundup the day the individual or county checks in. Listed below are some important pieces of information that should be noted.

Registration Period on 4-H Connect

• April 14 to May 12, 2010: Regular Registration Period,
• May 13 to May 21, 2010: Late Registration Period and Registration Change Period ($15.00 change fee).
• May 22 to May 28, 2010: Family, Medical, Emergency Change Period ONLY ($25.00 fee per registration).
  

Roundup Registration - Koldus 110/111

• Monday, June 7, 2010 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 8, 2010 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 9, 2010 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, June 10, 2010 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  

New for 2010

• Intermediate aged youth are invited to participate throughout the week in various activities as well as all the invitational contests on Thursday.
• All housing information will be picked up in the Commons Lobby upon arrival.
• All t-shirts will be picked up in the Old Army Spirit booth located within the trade show (see packet for glimpse of 2010 Roundup t-shirt

Opportunities For 2010

• Fashion Storyboard Workshop
• Experience 4-H the College Way - Intermediate Workshop (limited spots available)
• Clover Coverage - 1st ever Texas 4-H Roundup daily newspaper
• Veterinary Science Skill-a-thon
• Videocasting booth
  

Content for this article is provided by Kyle Merten, Extension Associate- Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

2nd Quarter Reports Due March 7th

Effective Extension educational work requires that reports be timely, accurate, concise, and complete. Reporting is an element of Extension work that most agents will tell you is not the most favorite part of their job. Some County Extension Agents do an excellent job of programming, but fail to capture their accomplishments in monthly reports. John Campbell (1995) in his book Reclaiming a Lost Heritage emphasized the public accountability importance of reporting by stating, "taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being prudently extended in society's best interest" (p.140).

Due to the oversight of various funding partners it is imperative that Texas AgriLife Extension Service account for all educational activities and contacts. Failure to report these performance measures can severely impact appropriated funding. Reporting is fundamental to comprehensive Extension programs and should be treated as a significant part of Agents professional obligations. Reporting should be thought of as tool to modify and improve educational programs, as well as to communicate program progress and results to faculty, staff, planning committees, elected officials, clientele, and Extension Administrators.

District Extension Administrators and County Extension Directors should continually monitor Agent reports to ensure that all Agents develop a system for maintaining records and documentation for reporting purposes. All reports should contain the following:

• Who are targeted audiences for program/activity and the number attending?
• What issue is being addressed and subject matter covered?
• When did the program/activity take place?
• The impact of the program/activity. Adoption of practices, knowledge gained or behavioral changes should be reported.

The 2nd quarter ended in February (December, January and February). District Extension Administrators/County Extension Directors should ensure that all agents have completed their reports on the TEXAS system before March 7th.

Reference

Campbell, J.R. (1995). Reclaiming a Lost Heritage. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press.