From Humble Beginnings

Michael Lambur, the Journal of Extension editor who presided over the transition from paper to electronic format in 1994-95, recounts some of his experiences during this historic effort. Highlights include how little was known at the time about publishing a journal electronically, how we initially began, reactions to publishing electronically, and recollections about the people involved in the process at the time

Use of Electronic Mail In the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service

The level of usage, appropriateness, and effectiveness of electronic mail within the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service was studied. More than 20,000 electronic mail records and the contents of 200 electronic mail messages were analyzed. We determined that, during the past 12 months, a minimum of 13,000 notes were routed electronically from campus staff to county and city Extension offices. The most frequent type of message sent was a request for information. We also learned that more than 95% of the field offices respond to electronic mail within three working days. We concluded from the study results that electronic mail is a fairly common communication method in Virginia and Extension staff generally are making appropriate use of electronic mail

Identifying Key Constructs and Measurements to Assess the Situation Analysis Reports

Every five years, unit offices of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) must submit a situation analysis (SA) report. The purpose of the SA report is to identify the current issues at the local level to develop future educational programs. The primary objective of this study was to develop a methodology that could be used to assess the quality of SA reports in Virginia. We have evaluated 196 SA reports from VCE to begin development of an assessment. Results of testing of the tool identify areas for continued development

Extension\u27s Role in Homeland Security: A Virginia Perspective

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) conducted a project designed to determine what role it might play in assisting local governments in dealing with emergency preparedness issues in the aftermath of a manmade disaster resulting from terrorist activity. The project was funded through USDA. Community forums were used to collect viewpoints and perspectives on the unique role VCE could play in providing Homeland Security educational assistance to local governments and key professionals involved in the protection of residents from a terrorist attack. Using this information, VCE has taken steps to position itself to play a key role in addressing this important issue

Nutrition Education Program Assistants: A Leverage Point for Collecting Authentic Program Data

Extension administrators and educators wonder why low-income audiences refrain from participating or underparticipate in educational opportunities. This may be due to a gap between administrator or educator views of program participation barriers versus the lived experience of low-income audiences. Virginia Cooperative Extension worked to bridge this gap in perspectives by using Nutrition Program Assistants as a leverage point for recruiting and gathering authentic data on program participation from low-income individuals. Even though program assistants rarely serve in this role, their connection with low-income clientele and groups that serve them is invaluable for gathering authentic program data

Identifying Needs and Implementing Organizational Change to Improve Retention of Early-Career Agents

Retention of agents is important for the growth and stability of Cooperative Extension. A study of early-career agents in Virginia Cooperative Extension identified specific areas in which organizational change could be made to improve agent fit in the organization and long-term retention. As a result, numerous changes have been made, particularly associated with existing agents but also in work with prospective agents. Although this article relates specifically to Virginia, the challenges and solutions identified may be relevant to other programs and to national professional development organizations

Nutrition Education Program Assistants: A Leverage Point for Collecting Authentic Program Data

Extension administrators and educators wonder why low-income audiences refrain from participating or underparticipate in educational opportunities. This may be due to a gap between administrator or educator views of program participation barriers versus the lived experience of low-income audiences. Virginia Cooperative Extension worked to bridge this gap in perspectives by using Nutrition Program Assistants as a leverage point for recruiting and gathering authentic data on program participation from low-income individuals. Even though program assistants rarely serve in this role, their connection with low-income clientele and groups that serve them is invaluable for gathering authentic program data

Nutrition Education Program Assistants: A Leverage Point for Collecting Authentic Program Data

Extension administrators and educators wonder why low-income audiences refrain from participating or underparticipate in educational opportunities. This may be due to a gap between administrator or educator views of program participation barriers versus the lived experience of low-income audiences. Virginia Cooperative Extension worked to bridge this gap in perspectives by using Nutrition Program Assistants as a leverage point for recruiting and gathering authentic data on program participation from low-income individuals. Even though program assistants rarely serve in this role, their connection with low-income clientele and groups that serve them is invaluable for gathering authentic program data.This article is from Journal of Extension 48 (2010): 5IAW1. Posted with permission.</p