Friday, October 5, 2012

ESP National Conference - Next Week!

I'm looking forward to visiting Mobile AL next week for the (Epsilon Sigma Phi) ESP National Professional Improvement Conference.  I always enjoy the opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the country that share my enthusiasm for Cooperative Extension and the difference it can make in the lives of people and the communities in which they live.   The networking will provide insight into what is new and different and what is working well and maybe not so well.  It will be good to identify common challenges and potential solutions on how we can be more effective and efficient in our work.

The national Public Issues Leadership Development committee on which I serve will be providing a session entitled "Extension's Involvement in Controversial Issues."  We have a panel including extension professionals from different levels to gain perspectives unique to their positions.  They will reflect on experiences with the 2011 Missour River flood, shale energy and drilling issues and the role Extension has played in community dialogue and action on each of these issues.

Other workshops that I hope to attend relate to creating the networked professional, local food issues, scholarship opporutnities for the 21st century and methods to better meet the needs of Latino audiences. The keynote on Tuesday promises to be interesting as Joe Sumner, Director fo the Economic and Community Development Institute at Auburn University will give a presentation entitled "Global Trends that Will Change All Our Lives.  A look at a dozen trends that are reshaping how we live, work, play and compete."

Look for my report in my next blog installment.