Perception of Current and Ideal Practices Related to Public Value in Extension

Extension professionals are increasingly encouraged to engage in practices that can advance the public value movement. It is unclear, however, whether recommended practices related to public value are being adopted. In 2014, 235 Extension professionals at Mississippi State University responded to an organizational capacity survey that included questions on public value practices. Research described here explored discrepancies between current and ideal public value practices among Extension professionals. Paired-samples t-tests revealed statistically significant discrepancies between current and ideal public value practices. The findings can inform efforts by Extension professionals seeking to increase awareness and practices related to public value

Effective Chaperone Selection and Training for Enhanced Youth Experiences

This article identifies key strategies for selecting and training chaperones for youth programs. Although substantial research on volunteer core competencies and training exists, very little has been written to specifically address volunteers who serve in a chaperone capacity. We surveyed chaperones who had participated in an international youth development program to identify the most valuable personal characteristics of a successful chaperone and the most beneficial elements of a pre-event chaperone training program. The lists of these key characteristics and training topics can be used by Extension professionals in selecting chaperones and designing training opportunities for their own programs