July 7, 2015
Independence or Interdependence??
I truly hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend with family and friends celebrating Independence Day. In looking back at history, this was a huge change based upon the idea that all are yearning for INDEPENDENCE. But, was it really independence that was most important? I would submit that our greatest strength comes not through independence, but rather through our ability to work with others in a manner of INTERDEPENDENCE. Recognizing the first steps of INTERDEPENDENCE were for the colonies to come together around the idea of a united purpose. Later came the importance of France, Spain, the Netherlands in supporting the colonies in their quest for independence. So, in many respects, coming together in a spirit of INTERDEPENDENCE provided the necessary strength to achieve great things!
I hope you also celebrated another anniversary this weekend. The 153rd anniversary of the signing of the Morrill Act occurred on July 2. Passage of this act created the Land-Grant University system across the nation. I would submit this Act was a powerful, but more peaceful means of creating independence for the industrial or working class within this nation. Yet, it is the interdependence that provides for the strength in mission. Working together across mission and purpose of teaching, research, and extension provides greater outcomes and greater good for society.
Early on, the idea was that only teaching was needed. It soon became evident that an interdependence of research was necessary to further strengthen teaching. Teaching created the inquisitive minds that posed questions and opportunities for pursuit of research. To increase the adoption of the teaching and research principles being studied at the Land-Grant college by those unable to attend college, Extension was created, yet another example of gaining strength for the greater good through interdependence.
At a recent NC regional symposium and work session on community vitality, Ron Guggisberg, a fire department captain and state legislator from North Dakota, reflected on an experience he had when on a mission trip in Mexico. When visiting with a local official from Mexico, that official raised the question to Ron as to why the United States seems so far ahead. “Why is the United States like it is, and Mexico is like it is?” Ron’s answer was simple, “because of the Morrill Act.”
Think about it, think about what the Morrill Acts have meant for this nation, to have created a university system whose purpose was to educate the common man and woman. Further, the Hatch and Smith-Lever Acts bring together an INTERDEPENDENT system and synergy to advance fundamental science into practical pursuits. And, to bring it to you locally, it is pursuant to each of us as Extension professionals to seek ways to further exploit the strength we all achieve by working INTERDEPENDENTLY to best serve the interest and needs of the people of Kansas.
Powerful model, only stronger because of willingness to move from independence to interdependence. And, have a great week!