Tag Archive for: impact collaborative

Impact Collaborative Workbook Redesigned and Released

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Cover of Impact Collaborative Workbook by Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation is excited to announce the release of its redesigned Impact Collaborative Workbook, now available publicly as an interactive PDF. This format enhances collaboration, especially for participants in a virtual Impact Collaborative method training and for participants exploring the process independently.

Established in 2014 by the Extension Foundation, the Impact Collaborative serves as a national network of Land-grant university professionals focused on empowering communities to co-create sustainable solutions through Extension programming. The initiative has evolved to meet the needs of Extension professionals, guided by their feedback.

A key feature of the Impact Collaborative is its comprehensive skills curriculum, which has trained hundreds of Extension professionals to rethink program development and serve as resources within their communities. The interactive Impact Collaborative Workbook facilitates dynamic engagement, allowing teams to collaborate effectively from different locations.

Thousands of Cooperative Extension professionals have participated in the Impact Collaborative, which plays a crucial role in delivering national programs and services. In 2023, a needs assessment was conducted to ensure the initiative continues to address the evolving challenges faced by the Cooperative Extension system.

The new interactive Workbook is now available. For more information, please visit the Impact Collaborative website.

Related Reading:

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ICYMI, #GoodReads from Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation has recently released several new titles on a broad range of topics, from climate and extreme weather to building farm and farm family resilience. Check out our bookshelf to learn more about the work other Extension professionals are doing. 

ICYMI, here are a few recent titles that may interest you.

Sustainable Tourism, Agritourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Community Development. Our newest title is The NET Effect. This 57-page ezine contains eight case studies that explore innovative Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant work in sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation. It features programs from Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia. This magazine is an outcome of a partnership of the National Extension Tourism (NET) design team, the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD), and the New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) grant program. 

Climate and Extreme Weather. Many of us are considering how our Extension programs can help our clientele adapt to/mitigate the effects of a changing climate and extreme weather events. This report contains a national inventory of Cooperative Extension programs and practices in climate and extreme weather. In addition, it offers Extension educators and upper administration insight regarding successes, challenges, and gaps in programming. 

Program Planning and Team Building. If you’re planning Extension programs, take a peek at Engaged Program Planning for Extension Foundation Impact Collaborative Teams. This publication provides context and guidance on community engagement and team building using the Impact Collaborative methodology. The Impact Collaborative helps Cooperative Extension projects, programs, and initiatives be innovative and community-engaged efforts that result in measurable and visible local impact. Whether you are looking to improve an existing program or expand your reach to new audiences, this publication has ideas to help you develop community-based approaches to problem-solving. 

Digital Communications, Social Media, and Content Strategy. Are you thinking about how to communicate your Extension story? What about social media and digital communications? This publication features content contributed and curated by Extension professionals from around the country. You’ll find perspective pieces about technology use in Extension and practical information about specific social media platforms, SEO, and content strategy.

You can find the entire library of publications here. 

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ICYMI – Recommended Summer Reading from Extension Foundation

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The Extension Foundation has recently released several new and previously published titles on various topics, from climate and extreme weather to building farm and farm family resilience. Check out our bookshelf to learn more about what other Extension professionals are doing in their work. 

ICYMI, here are a few recent titles that may interest you.

Program Planning and Team Building: If you’re using the summer to plan upcoming Extension programs, take a peek at Engaged Program Planning for Extension Foundation Impact Collaborative Teams. This publication provides context and guidance on community engagement and team building using the Impact Collaborative methodology. The Impact Collaborative is a methodology that helps Cooperative Extension projects, programs, and initiatives to be innovative and community-engaged efforts that result in measurable and visible local impact. Whether your team is looking to improve an existing program or expand its reach to new audiences, the Impact Collaborative process, engagements, and activities provide project teams with tools to develop innovative, community-based approaches to problem-solving. Learn more about the upcoming Impact Collaborative, an entirely virtual event slated for October 4th-6th, 2022. 

 

Digital Communications: Thinking about how to communicate your Extension story? This publication features curated and original content contributed by Extension professionals from around the country. You’ll find perspective pieces about technology use in Extension and practical information about specific social media platforms, SEO, and content strategy that will enable you to apply what they’ve learned and to take action.

 

Climate and Extreme Weather: Many of us are considering how our Extension programs can help our clientele adapt to/mitigate the effects of a changing climate and extreme weather events. This report contains a national inventory of Cooperative Extension programs and practices in climate and extreme weather. It offers Extension educators and upper administration insight regarding successes, challenges, and gaps in programming. 

 

You can find the entire library of publications (now numbering more than two dozen) here. New publications are released regularly, so please check back often.

 

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We’re Hiring! Impact Collaborative Program Coordinator

The Extension Foundation is seeking an individual to join our team as the Impact Collaborative Program Coordinator. This full-time position includes leading all functions of the Extension Foundation’s Impact Collaborative program. The Impact Collaborative Program Coordinator will work closely with the Extension Foundation Design Strategist and Extension Foundation Leadership Development Specialist to design, implement and assess successful offerings, including fostering the ongoing development of the national Innovation Facilitator Network and related activities of the Impact Collaborative (IC). This position reports to the Extension Foundation Design Strategist. You can learn more about the Impact Collaborative program at extension.org/ic

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Lead and grow the Impact Collaborative Facilitator Network as a peer collaborative including creating leadership opportunities for trained facilitators
  • Create the next iteration of facilitator training and their professional development including certification, self-directed learning, facilitator resources, etc.
  • Collaborate, communicate and coordinate with the Extension Foundation team for alignment of operational, logistical, and communication elements with the overall IC strategy and goals
  • Collaborate, communicate and coordinate with the Leadership Development Specialist for alignment of facilitator training and activities with the overall IC strategy and goals
  • Collaborate with IC Facilitators to plan and lead Impact Collaborative offerings and meetings.
  • Collaborate, communicate, and coordinate with the Extension Foundation Communications and Marketing colleagues for recruitment, registration, publicity, and communication of the value of the Facilitation network.
  • Be a member of the team that designs, develops, delivers, evaluates, reports, and continuously improves all IC-related events, training, coaching, and talent development.
  • Co-design, implement and align the evaluation and reporting of IC-related offerings.
  • Be an ambassador of the IC and the Facilitator Network through publications, webinars, conference presentations, meetings, etc.
  • Establish purpose, outcomes, activities, user experience, and needs for Impact Collaborative offerings such as Summits, Innovation Skill-Building Experiences (ISBE), Deep Dives, Innovation Mindset Learning Circles, and Innovator interviews, and program offerings with the Design Strategist.
  • Update the Impact Collaborative curriculum as needed in coordination with the Design Strategist.
  • Manage the design, development, delivery, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement of all IC-related events, training, coaching, and talent development.
  • Design, implement and align the evaluation and reporting of IC-related offerings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills Needed

  • Systems thinker with an abundance mindset
  • Developmental mindset through pilots and iterations
  • Ability to be a positive, entrepreneurial, and high-energy team member.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively on a virtual team that values results, flexibility, and humility.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Strong interrelationship skills
  • Self-starter, learner, and critical thinker who thrives in a culture that is dynamic, mission-driven, and service-oriented.
  • Experience in diagnosing, recommending, and applying creative learning solutions, including:
  • Instructional Technology
  • Experiential Learning
  • Customized learning experiences
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate in remote teams
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Preferred software skills: Google Suite of tools, Hubspot, Slack, Moodle, video creation and editing, and working with the Zoom platform.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Experience in a virtual team environment is preferred.
  • Working knowledge of Cooperative Extension preferred.
  • Prior experience with the Impact Collaborative curriculum and events preferred.
  • Solid foundation in learning design, pedagogy, assessment, educational program management, and technology solutions for engagement and for learning.
  • Experience applying various technologies to teaching, learning, engagement, and assessment and evaluating the outcomes.
  • This team member will work remotely with occasional travel anticipated.
  • Knowledge and experience with virtual work and computer skills are needed for this position.
  • Successful candidates have their own reliable computer equipment and internet access.

To apply for this position please submit your application (https://registry.extension.org/221164019577860) by June 3, 2022 for consideration.

The Impact Collaborative Program Coordinator Position is housed within the Extension Foundation, reporting to the Extension Foundation Design Strategist.  This is a virtual position with some travel to meetings.  Personal office equipment will be required for daily work.  This position will be an employee position beginning July 1, 2022.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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Impact Collaborative Launches Three New Professional Development Series for 2022

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For 2022, the Extension Foundation’s Impact Collaborative Program has launched three new professional development series for Extension Foundation members:

Extension Skills

Each second Thursday of the month, the Impact Collaborative’s Extension Skills series will provide an opportunity for Cooperative Extension professionals to build capacity with tools, processes and tech skills training.

For March 2022, join Victor Villegas and Molly Immendorf as they share their favorite tools and tips for creating and hosting engaging dynamic meetings and webinars. While Zoom will be the primary platform demonstrated, most of these tools and tips will translate to platforms like Teams, WebEX, and others. Some tools to be shared will include free or low-cost third party tools. Be sure to bring your own tools and tips to share. Collectively, we’ll create some ah-has and examples to try in this fun session.

Dynamic Discussions

Each fourth Thursday of the month, the Impact Collaborative will host professionals from across Cooperative Extension and beyond to address hot topics of interest to Cooperative Extension.

For March 2022: As Extension professionals, our job is to communicate science to the public. Yet, in the ever growing and ever changing spaces of global media, successfully sharing science has become a monumental task. Agents of misinformation abound and it seems like there are always new—and worse—distortions of the science to be found. For the last 30 years, climate change communicators and communication scientists have been studying the misinformation campaigns, learning how and why they work, and developing means to successfully communicate climate topics in spite of them. What we have learned about climate communication is relevant to all science communication. This Dynamic Discussion will present the basic tenets of “information disorder” and begin the conversation on what Extension professionals can do to further science communication in their fields.

Program Center Stage

The Program Center Stage will highlight programs from across the system including current and past New Technologies from Ag Extension projects, Impact Collaborative projects, National programs like EXCITE, and more on the 4th Mondays of each month at 2 PM ET.

For March 2022: the Southern JAGriculture (Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, SUAREC) team prioritizes emergency preparedness and answering the calls of our community following an emergency. After the danger is controlled and the threat is managed, they provide programming and support to aid communities and Louisiana citizens in the Recovery phase.

Utilizing the historic 2016 Louisiana Flood as their conceptual lens, this webinar will focus on our individual efforts as second responders, SUAREC’s response to help mitigate future losses, the role and linkage of Extension professional as second responders, and much more. Be prepared to leave with a Social Action charge!

This team was supported by the Extension Foundation’s New Technologies for Ag Extension Program and released a publication about their work in 2021.

The Impact Collaborative is a bundle of services and events that are funded by and for Extension Foundation members only. To learn more about all Impact Collaborative opportunities, please visit the Impact Collaborative Events Calendar on Connect Extension. For inquiries on membership in the Extension Foundation, please contact membership@extension.org.

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Extension Foundation 2021 End of Year Update

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Dear Extension Colleagues,

It has been our pleasure to serve the Cooperative Extension System this past year and we are excited for the work ahead in 2022. We wanted to provide an update to all of you about how the Extension Foundation has partnered with Cooperative Extension this past year and our progress towards making a greater impact on local issues. We thank you all for the work you do everyday in your states and communities, and we wish all of you a happy and restful holiday season. We look forward to serving you in the New Year.

Our Best,

Christine Geith
Chief Executive Officer
Extension Foundation

Gregg Hadley
Chair, Extension Foundation Board of Directors
Associate Professor & Director of Extension
Kansas State University

Recent Success Stories

2021 Publications

Upcoming Ways to Engage with the Extension Foundation

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New for Extension Foundation Members: Video Resource Library in Connect Extension

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The Extension Foundation has created a database available for Cooperative Extension professionals from Extension Foundation Member Institutions. This member resource was designed to provide Extension Professionals with concise and succinct tutorials, tips, and introductions on various subjects. It can be found on the main navigation of Connect Extension and is visible to Foundation members. To get your free Connect Extension account, register at connect.extension.org/join.

The database can be sorted by topic areas using the search tool. It can also be filtered down by keywords. At present, there are approximately 60 videos made available in this database. The current topics include:

  • Social Media Tutorials
  • Accessibility & Inclusivity
  • Impact Collaborative Innovation Skill-Building Experience (ISBE) Blocks
  • Zoom Tutorials
  • Mural Whiteboarding Tutorials
  • Using Extension Foundation Tools, including Connect Extension
  • Leadership Training & Tools (Coming Soon)
  • Facilitation Tools & Tips (Coming Soon)

The Extension Foundation staff also encourages members to utilize this form found in the database to make video resource requests or additions. For questions about the Video Resource Library, please email contact-us@extension.org.

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Extension Foundation 2021 Mid-Year Update

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We are excited to provide you with a mid-year update about the Extension Foundation and our progress towards helping Cooperative Extension (CES) make a greater impact on local issues. 

Funding to the Cooperative Extension System (2020-2021)

  • $22.4M in 2020-2021
    • 85% to LGU’s
    • Total of $19M to LGU’s across Extension program areas

Funding Sources (2020-2021): 

  • $2M EPA Pesticide Safety Education Funds Management Program (PSEFMP)
    • 85% to LGUs
  • $4.9M USDA-NIFA New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE)
    • 45% to to LGUs
    • 55% to capacity-building solutions
    • Including over $800K to the 7 ECOP Priority Action Teams
  • $8.9M CDC/USDA-NIFA Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE)
    • 95% to LGUs
  • $6.6M received by NTAE and Impact Collaborative teams across health, workforce and Ag & Natural resources
    • 100% to LGUs

Our Impact

  • Allied with ECOP, CDC and USDA-NIFA for the EXCITE $9.9M interagency effort–the Foundation is providing solutions to the programmatic needs for 96 projects; seamlessly delivered 95% of funding to the Cooperative Extension System (CES)–enabling critical education outreach through 72 LGUs for underserved and vaccine-hesitant populations. 
  • Delivered NTAE program acceleration and Key Informant services funded by USDA-NIFA through OK State with nine LGUs; Twelve CES projects to date unleashed new funding, expanded resources and private sector partnerships–returned to institutions stronger and ready to deepen community impact. 
  • Developed digital infrastructure to support CES during the pandemic–enabling user-generated content, resource-sharing and advertising; created 5K accounts, advertised 2K+ events–engaged 2.1M public with CES content across the country.
  • Launched first ever National Registry of CES Programs and Assets–registered 150 programs in the first two months to speed up collaboration and access to a living database of efforts nationwide–supports rapid-response to system-wide funding opportunities (e.g., EXCITE).
  • Bolstered collaboration among 52 LGU Pesticide Safety Education Programs–delivered $1M in EPA funding to 52 LGUs, average award of $18K while expanding capacity for applicator training and safe application.
  • Actively supporting the incubation of innovation for 57 member institutions; 250+ CES project teams served; 175 facilitators trained; $6M+ in funding awarded to Impact Collaborative teams.
  • Connecting three institutions to realize 1890’s capacity-building academy; coordinated 24 innovation coaches to assist 15 teams; presented 20 virtual sessions for 2nd cohort–improved five aspects of team effectiveness by 6.2% average in six months, hit 96% satisfaction rating; offering regional assistantship for 3rd cohort.

Extension Foundation History

Created by Extension Directors and Administrators starting in 2001, Extension Foundation facilitates and supports the success of Extension professionals and systems. The bylaws state the Foundation’s purpose is: Helping Cooperative Extension professionals make a visible and measurable impact on local issues. A timeline of our history including the logo change from eXtension to the Extension Foundation is available here. 

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Impact Collaborative Announces Rev-Up Your Virtual Leadership Series for Extension Professionals Leading Five or More Peers

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For 2021, the eXtension Foundation’s Impact Collaborative program is hosting a series available to eXtension Foundation member institutions. This series is led by Karl Bradley, Leadership Development Specialist, eXtension Foundation.

Last year we all pivoted quickly as we redefined how to accomplish our work almost exclusively in shared virtual spaces. The topics in this series are a result of our work with individuals & teams from across Cooperative Extension wondering: What does effective leadership look like when we no longer have the ability to put a hand on a shoulder? How do we reduce friction, confusion & underperformance for individuals, teams and organizations?

March 24, 2PM ET
Rev-up the Trust!
It’s not time that builds trust, it’s our behaviors.  Learn what you can do to keep it from eroding and create an environment where trust can thrive!

June 23, 2PM ET
Rev-up the Communication!
It’s hard to imagine anyone leaving an organization because they were over-communicated to.  In this session we’ll discuss how we never actually get clarity, we’re always seeking it. 

September 22, 2PM ET
Rev-up the Focus!
Deciding what not to do is just as important as deciding what to do.  Being “busy” is the easy choice.  Learn the secret to doing the right things!

December 15, 2PM ET
Rev-up the Change!
We’re all experiencing change at a pace humans have never experienced before.  This can lead to confusion when it seems like the “transition” phase never ends.  Learn to help everyone navigate the chaos together!

About the Impact Collaborative

The Impact Collaborative is a bundle of services and events funded by and for our members. With the Impact Collaborative, we help Extension program or project teams succeed or fail faster for increased learning toward implementation. Our network in and outside of Extension helps strengthen projects and programs in unique ways, returning to you even stronger.  It consists of the Impact Collaborative Project Summit, Innovation Skill Building Experience, Innovation Facilitator Training & Leadership Development.  Since 2019, the Impact Collaborative has served over 6,500 Extension professionals. Over $5.7 million in grant funding has gone to Extension projects that have incubated in this program.  Find out more about our 2021 events here!

About Karl Bradley

Joining the eXtension Foundation in 2020, Karl currently serves the eight New Technologies in Agriculture & Education teams and assists with the 1890s Extension Leadership Academy as Leadership Development Specialist.  He also supports the Impact Collaborative by leading the national network of over 150 Innovation Facilitators.  He brings expertise in leadership development & training, strategic thinking, public speaking, team building & community engagement to serve the Cooperative Extension system.

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eXtension Foundation Welcomes Karl Bradley as Leadership Development Specialist

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The eXtension Foundation is pleased to announce that Karl Bradley will be serving as eXtension’s Leadership Development Specialist. Karl originally joined the eXtension Foundation team in April 2020 as the Leadership Development Fellow while transitioning from full-time active duty service in the United States Air Force. His internship with the eXtension Foundation was made possible through the Skillbridge program offered by the Department of Defense for active duty service members separating or retiring from the military.  This program provides the opportunity for service members to intern with organizations in the civilian workforce to gain new skills, training, and assist with their transition during their last months in the military. 

Throughout his Fellowship, Karl worked closely with the Impact Collaborative program and its trained Innovation Facilitators from across Extension by offering professional development opportunities and engagements around leadership. He led workshops which were open to all Cooperative Extension professionals and had a critical role with the delivery of the 1890s Extension Leadership Academy in partnership with Fort Valley State University. 

While his internship has concluded, Karl will continue his work with the eXtension Foundation. As part of the New Technologies for Ag Extension program, he is serving as the Leadership Development Specialist to eight project teams from across Extension. Karl is also serving eXtension’s Impact Collaborative program as the new manager for the Innovation Facilitator Network, building upon the five years of leadership and work of Molly Immendorf, Ashley Griffin, and Annie Jones. Additionally, he is offering leadership development services for Cooperative Extension professionals including team workshops and individually-focused services. 

Karl has over 20 years’ experience creating strong, values-aligned partnerships internationally while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He inspires others to find their “why” while connecting passion to profession in his favorite role…coach. He has a lifelong enthusiasm for agricultural leadership growth to help take organizations past what the science of management says is possible.

Originally from Branson, Missouri, he holds degrees in education from Arizona State University & The University of Northern Colorado.  He has led teams ranging from 5 to 250 & held leadership positions in public relations, event planning, fundraising, finance, human resources, corporate training & procurement.  As a collaborative consultant, he secured partnerships across 49 states & 20 countries garnering millions in sponsorships. His areas of expertise include strategic thinking, leadership development & training, public speaking, team building, community engagement & ideation.

Learn more about our leadership development offerings here or by sending a message to:

Leadership@extension.org

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