May 3, 2022
What They Need, When They Need It, And How They Need It
My personal vision for the people of Kansas is the following:
“Whenever the people of Kansas have an issue to address, I want them to have the relevant, research-backed programming and resources delivered to them in the manner that they want or need, so that they may make timely decisions that improve their lives, livelihoods and communities.”
This vision is pretty simple and straightforward. Delivering the relevant educational resources people need or want and in the manner they need or want is fundamental to adult education theory. It is also fundamental to good business practices. I believe we can all agree on that.
What does this vision mean for our extension system?
Fundamentally, it means that we understand both our current and potential learners well.
Do we?
We often assume that we know our current learners very well. Someone in our system may say something like, “I have been educating in this county (or district) for 7 years, and we have always delivered our programming in a meeting format. I still get good attendance at our meetings!”
I am sure that a large portion of those attending wanted the education delivered in that manner. That’s great! There were also probably those who were torn between attending the program as delivered and engaging in some other high valued activities. Perhaps they would have been served by delivering the program in another manner. And what about those that did not attend?
To be a relevant and responsive extension system, we need to be better able to deliver what the research-backed programs and resources the people of Kansas need, when they need it, and delivered in the way they need it to be delivered. Are we at the point where we can honestly say we do that? Have you recently asked your learners/clientele about the issues they want to address and how they want to receive that information? What about those you rarely -- or do not -- serve?
I have asked our Extension Administrative Team to ponder these questions. Over the next year we will focus on formal system-wide programs to address these questions. What can you do as an extension professional or volunteer in a local unit, center or department? Whenever you have the chance, ask the people you serve and those you should be serving how we can better serve their educational needs.
Will this be a major undertaking? Yes, but don’t the people of Kansas deserve an extension system that delivers what the people of Kansas need, when they need it, and how they need it?