Vol. 15, No. 8  December 23, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE... 

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...Network Server Outage During Holidays
...K-State Campus Closed December 25 Until January 5
...Author to Speak at Facilitation Workshop
...Diversity Programs Update
...Training Session on Immigration
...2009 Kansas 4-H Ambassador Training
...Digital Television Speakers Available
...United Associations Conference
...National Urban Extension Conference
...Marketing Minute: Print Smart
...Master Schedule

                                                                                                           ...Tuesday Letter Archives

WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
Teamwork is a long standing theme and priority for K-State Research and Extension. It is a tradition of the Holiday Seasons to come together and express thanks and appreciation for one another. With this final "Word from..." for 2008, I wish to express my thanks to you for the work you have done in cooperation with others to accomplish those larger goals set before you. Fred likes to use the quote, "creativity comes through individuals, productivity comes through teams." We can all appreciate those times when we were involved in a team effort and all individuals did their part to make it a success. I am convinced that the value of teamwork far exceeds the challenges that come with working together towards common goals.

We have a performance review system that is structured towards recognition of individual accomplishments. We continue to look for ways to better recognize team accomplishments as means by which we create our greatest impacts. Great teamwork comes through coaching and commitment to team goals. Individual goals must align with the team goals to be successful. I appreciate each of you and the work you do in leadership, support, and service as a part of the greater team of K-State Research and Extension in helping all of us to exceed the expectations of our stakeholders and our public.

May you have a most blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. May you fill your heart with joy and happiness. May you make all those special "connections" with family and friends. And, may your travels be safe. I look forward to connecting back with you in 2009. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@k-state.edu

K-STATE CAMPUS CLOSED DECEMBER 25 UNTIL JANUARY 5
The K-State campus and Umberger Hall will close Thursday, December 25, and will re-open on Monday, January 5. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT FACILITATION WORKSHOP
Kathleen Harnish-Doucet of TeamTech, will be the keynote speaker at the January 12-14, ICDD Public Issues Facilitation workshop. Harnish-Doucet will be speaking on "The Kansas Collaborative: Bringing a Collaborative Style and a Facilitative Approach to government."

Encouraging and facilitating dialogue, problem solving, and goal setting is a key part of all extension work. To learn more about the workshop and to register, visit www.ksu.edu/icdd . KSU course credit is available.

**Early registration deadline is December 29, 2008. (Final deadline is January 5, 2009). --Dan Kahl dankahl@ksu.edu

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS UPDATE
Happy Holidays from your Diversity Programs Office! Thank you for all of your support in 2008; we hope for it to continue into the New Year! We are pleased to announce the 2009 Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Week schedule of events. The theme for this year's events is "Realizing the Dream." This theme was chosen to recognize the significance of the inauguration of America's first African American president. For many people, this is the realization of a dream.  In addition, January 19, 2009 will mark 41 years since Dr. King visited campus which catalyzed the promotion of diversity and inclusion in many ways at K-State. Please join in as many events as possible as this will be a time to come together, reaffirm our values, and celebrate diversity.

The Schedule of Events is as follows:

TRAINING SESSION ON IMMIGRATION
Several County Extension Agents, mainly those working in the FNP program, have asked me to provide a training/workshop that would provide information and answer questions about immigration. The interest in the subject centers on immigrants from Latin American countries, mainly Mexico and El Salvador.

On Monday, February 9, 2009, the Southwest Research and Extension Center will host a training session on Immigration. The day will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be served, and registration will be
$6.

Participants will learn about the immigration process: Is it easy or difficult? How long does it take? Who comes to the U.S. and why? What does immigration mean to the emigrating families? What does immigration mean to the U.S. economy? What is the process to become a citizen? Is it easy to learn another language?

In this interactive workshop, we will hear from people who work with immigrants in education, the social service arena, employers, and in the faith community. Also, we will hear from some who have come to the United States from Mexico and El Salvador.

For registration, call 620-275-9164, and ask for Eva, Rita, Lynn, or Debra Bolton. --Debra Bolton dbolton@oznet.ksu.edu

DIGITAL TELEVISION SPEAKERS AVAILABLE
On February 17, 2009, the switch will be made from analog to digital TV transmission. A number of local offices helped spread the word about converter box coupons at county and regional fairs last summer. To help smooth the transition for clients who don't use cable or satellite services, local speakers may be available, according to a recent message from Judy Rude, Public Affairs Specialist for CSREES: "If your state or county extension offices are hosting a meeting in the next couple months and would like to have a speaker on hand to explain how to prepare for the transition, they can contact the speakers bureau initiative of the National Association of Broadcasters Website at http://www.DTVSpeak.com ; e-mail Dtvspeak@crosbyvolmer.com ; or phone 202-232-6572. In most cases the available speakers are local broadcasters who will discuss local community-specific DTV issues. In addition, the Federal Communications Commission may have staff available to speak and can also be reached through http://DTVSpeak.com/ .

UNITED ASSOCIATIONS CONFERENCE
Hold the date: March 5 - 6, 2009 for the annual United Associations Conference to be held at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center in Wichita, KS. This is a state professional conference for members of the Kansas Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (KAFCS), Kansas Association of Teachers of Family & Consumer Sciences (KATFACS), Kansas Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (KEAFCS), and Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP). Other interested professionals are also invited to attend this professional conference. --Anna Mae Brown ambrown@oznet.ksu.edu

NATIONAL URBAN EXTENSION CONFERENCE
The National Urban Extension Conference sponsored by the North Central Region will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 4-7, 2009.

This is an excellent conference to network with colleagues from around the country and learn about innovative and successful programs to reach potential Extension audiences in urban, suburban and other larger population locations.

Registration for the conference is now open. The Website address for the conference is http://urbanconference2009.uwex.edu/ . --Jennifer Wilson jrwilson@ksu.edu