April 11, 2017
Advocacy and Education
Education and Advocacy are two actions we must learn to do effectively with community, state, and national leaders in helping them to understand and appreciate the positive impacts our programs have on citizens, communities, the state, nation, and world. Learning that skill of communicating the why, how, and what of our mission and programs is vital to lifting up Research and Extension to influential leaders throughout our communities and across the state. It's not about us, but rather why, how, and what we do! The successes and positive impacts we make are so very important to share.
Last week a few of our State Extension Advisory Council members and Extension professional association members from Kansas were in Washington DC to take in the Public Issues Leadership Development Conference and to make visits to each of our U.S. Representative's and Senator's offices to talk with their legislative assistants. Our purpose was to educate and advocate on the work of K-State Research and Extension, describe how important the federal investment is in allowing us to continue to make truly outstanding impacts for the people of Kansas through our research and Extension work, and thank them for their continued support. A result of these visits is in hopes that we develop a strong, open, working relationship with staff in each of the Congressional offices. They know firsthand who we are and some of the great work we have going across the state. My thanks goes to:
SEAC/Volunteers:
· Carmen Crandall, Doniphan County, representing State Extension Advisory Council
· Greg Davis, Greenwood County, representing State Extension Advisory Council
· Sandy Jacquot, Douglas County, representing State Extension Advisory Council
· Gary Snyder, Edwards County, representing State Extension Advisory Council
Extension Professionals
· John Forshee, River Valley District, representing Epsilon Sigma Phi
· Donna Krug, Barton County, representing Kansas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
· Sarah Keatley, 4-H Youth Development, representing Kansas Association of Extension 4-H Agents
· Michelle Buchanan, Midway District, representing Kansas Association of County Agricultural Agents
· Richard Fechter, Rolling Prairie District, on the NACAA Board of Directors
Additional Attendees:
· Laurie Chandler, Extension Administration, presenter at PILD Conference
· Trudy Rice, Community Vitality, presenter at PILD Conference
· Mary Sullivan, Regional Extension Director – Southwest, representing Extension Administration
· Daryl Buchholz, Extension Administration
Keep in mind, advocacy is not something to be left to just a few within an organization the size of K-State Research & Extension. Everyone can see that appropriate invitations for our educational events go out to the leaders in our community and across the state, even if we don't expect that individual to attend. Be certain the leader will know what we are doing in that area of interest or need. We should be inviting local community leaders, business leaders, government officials, commissioners, legislators, and all those individuals who are influential within a community to all our major educational events.
Also, make certain the individuals who talk to the public in your community know what we are about and what we are doing to improve people's lives. Who are those individuals? We always think of the newspaper editor and the radio commentator. But, there are others who tend to talk to lots of folks in a community, like the fertilizer dealer, grain elevator operator, social worker, barber, hair stylist, minister, realtor, bank teller, car dealer, politician, etc. Make sure they know what we are about. Again, don't worry about them ever attending an educational event, but know that they might be able to tell others about the good work you are doing! Being an advocate for the programs of K-State Research & Extension is a never ending opportunity. Making known the great projects and programs and how they are helping the community is a great way to build support and participation.