The Why, Who , What and How for Extension Interpretation in District 2

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 2, program interpretation training for agents will be provided during mid-year county cluster meetings. These trainings are entitled The Why, Who, What and How for Extension Interpretation. The goal of this training is to increase the agents’ knowledge and understanding of effective interpretation strategies. Some of the specifics regarding this training are as follows:

The Why

• Why do we Interpret Extension programs?
  
• Why do we need to tell our story?
• Why is CEA position important to County XYZ?
• Why is the county clientele better off because of Extension programs?

The Who

• Who do we interpret to?
• Identification of influential advocates for Extension programs.
• Know the legislative staff.
• What interest does commissioners have for the extension program?
• Reaching people that need to know.
  

The What

• What happens in the County and State budgeting process?
• What issues are facing your county and are we addressing them?
• What happens when State Legislator is in Session?
• What did we do to have a positive impact?
• What is a Stakeholder?
• What is a key Leader?
  

The How

• How Extension is funded?
• How should we interpret?
• Interpretation beyond national 4-H week.
• Going beyond the commissioners court meeting and Christmas luncheon.
• Developing interpretation delivery methods to reach legislators and staffers.
• Use of social technology for interpretation.
• Developing a County Cluster team approach for interpretation.
• Getting the right message to the right people.
• Developing and implementing actions for interpretation.
  

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 Miles Dabovich, District Extension Administrator-Texas AgriLife Extension Service.