Vol. 15, No. 21  March 31, 2009

IN THIS ISSUE... 

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...PDC Survey Still Open for Additional Input
...Diversity Programs Office Update
...Mexico Trip Brownbag Presentation Friday, April 3
...What's All This Talk About Social Capital?
...Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Extends Deadline for Floodplain Easement Assistance
...Alzheimer's Caregiving at Home Webinar
...HealthFest 2009! Will Feature Catch and Health Rocks! At Rock Springs 4-H Center, April 17-18
...Scholarships, Friend of Extension FCS and First Timers Stipend Due May 1
...Cloverbuds Material Shipment Delayed
...Communication Minute: Is it "Fewer" or "Less?"
...Master Schedule

                                                                                                           ...Tuesday Letter Archives

WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
If recent communication and media coverage hasn't confused you with respect to the FY2010 budget for higher education, you are not alone in that they have confused us as well. It is very confusing. Suffice to say, the true budget outcome will remain unknown until state legislature has adjourned and the Governor has signed the omnibus package sometime in early May.

The most recent confusion comes with announcements of House and Senate conferees coming with a package that includes anticipated federal stimulus funding for higher education. Federal stimulus funding has limited scope and may not be available to replace the proposed reductions to higher education. As a result, we have instructed our department and unit leaders to continue planning reductions that are somewhere in the middle of the Governor's recommended 7% reduction, and the Senate's proposed reduction of 12.7%.

We have also asked our department and unit leaders to remain mindful of certain critical points in this budget planning process to include: investing in core programs; communicating with passion; recognizing that new problems create new solutions; focusing on resources we have, and not what we don't have; thinking twice about what we should out-source; focusing on the future and how we hope to look in 2015; and, keeping our attitude positive. Through all of this, we must continue to evaluate programs and individuals accurately, and we must be smart about consolidations. We ask that you also consider these points with regard to the budget.

You should anticipate changing and confusing messages from the media through the legislative session. Know that the higher education budget remains slated for significant reductions. The impact of the federal stimulus funds for higher education is still largely unknown with respect to any relief from proposed budget reductions. The impact of implementing current House or Senate proposals for higher education will be felt all across the K-State Research and Extension system. We will do our best at keeping you informed. --Fred Cholick fcholick@ksu.edu  and Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

PDC SURVEY STILL OPEN FOR ADDITIONAL INPUT
Thanks to all who encouraged local program development committee members to participate in the Strategies Opportunities survey. Last week data from over 500 surveys was downloaded and is being analyzed for use during Spring Action Conference.

The survey system, however, is still open and additional data may be entered. Data will be downloaded again and local information provided to support use in analyzing local needs and determining program direction. Contact Margaret Phillips if you have questions, at margaret@ksu.edu . --Margaret Phillips

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE UPDATE
The Kansas State MANRRS Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana last week to attend the National MANRRS Conference. The event’s theme was "Expanding Our Horizons, Embracing the Challenge and Preparing for the Future." The trip and conference were both very successful with students getting to attend the national career fair, participate in contests and listen to numerous speakers.

I am pleased to announce that the Sixth Diversity Summit at Kansas State University will be held Friday, April 3, from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the Kansas State Student Union Ballroom. The theme for the Summit is "Today’s American Indians: Grounded in Tradition, while Reaching for the Future." The keynote address, "It’s Hard to See the Future with Tears in Your Eyes: The Way Forward for Indigenous People," will be delivered by the highly-acclaimed scholar and leader of the Cherokee Nation, Chief Wilma Mankiller. Following her address, there will be two panel discussions. The first is an Educators’ Panel entitled, "On the Frontline," during which American Indian educators will share their experiences with the American Indian youth with whom they work with daily. The second panel is a Community Perspectives Panel entitled, "In Their Own Words: Everyday Indians," which will bring together a diverse group of American Indians to talk about their lives and experiences on critical issues being faced both on and off the reservation. Lunch will feature a special tribute and special entertainment, after which Chief Mankiller will present, "Contemporary Indigenous People: Distinct Identities, Common Values." For this presentation, the Summit will move to Engineering and target students. It is highly encouraged that you to bring your classes to this talk. The Summit will end with a university-wide reception and recognition of Chief Mankiller sponsored by the Native American Student Association, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the International Activities Council, and the Office of Diversity.

The poster for the Summit can be found at http://www.k-state.edu/ddcd/DiversitySummit09.pdf . If you would like to attend the Summit please register by e-mailing diversitysummit@ksu.edu  as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the Summit please do not hesitate to contact me at zwh@ksu.edu , or Dr. Myra Gordon at diversitysummit@ksu.edu .

If you would like more information on any of the aforementioned programs or events, please contact your Diversity Programs Office or Dr. Zelia Z. Wiley, Assistant Dean for Diversity, at zwh@ksu.edu   or 785-532-5793. --Zelia Wiley

MEXICO TRIP BROWNBAG PRESENTATION FRIDAY, APRIL 3
In February, five KSU representatives traveled to Mexico to learn more about culture, agriculture, and the social, economic, and political environment in our neighboring nation. Supported through a Sustainable Agriculture (SARE) project hosted by Michigan State University and KCARE at KSU, four K-State Research and Extension professionals from Family and Consumer Sciences, Community Development, Agriculture and Horticulture, and one KSU faculty representing Sociology participated in an 11 day experience. Bring your brown bag lunch to 137 Waters Hall at noon on Friday, APRIL 3 to hear about their experiences! --Dan Kahl dankahl@ksu.edu

WHAT'S ALL THIS TALK ABOUT SOCIAL CAPITAL?
The purpose of this program is to enable Extension educators to understand the basic idea that social capital is an important asset for both individuals and communities. The program is divided into three segments designed to help participants deepen their understanding of social capital.