Epsilon
Sigma Phi Newsletter2006 Calendar of Events and Opportunities
President’s Message - Why Do We Lose Volunteers?
Federal, State and Local Budgets – Accountability and “Return on Investment” are Key
Looking for Money to Help you Learn?
Epsilon Sigma Phi Awards Promote Excellence in Extension
2006 Calendar of Events and Opportunities
April 24-27 PILD - Washington, DC
November 14-17 ESP National Meeting - Annapolis, MD
Retirees Spring Meetings
April 12 - Columbia
April 21 - Sedalia
April 27 - Jackson
May 3 - Gallatin
May 10 - Troy
May 11 - Lamar
May 12 – Springfield
Why Do We Lose Volunteers?
by Nancy Flood, President
One needs only attend a national Extension conference to recognize the areas where University of Missouri Extension excels. MU Extension’s recent emphasis on training Council members and the accompanying web-based resources available to do that made us proud during the recent Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) conference in St. Louis.
Because we have done so much work in this area, the professional development session on Extension advisory groups seemed a bit elementary to the Missouri delegation. However, presenter Michael McKinney, Professor Emeritus from the University of Florida, shared some interesting research. It pointed up that while we’ve made great strides, we still may have room to grow.
McKinney’s research on Empowerment and Motivation of Extension Advisory Groups and their Extension Administrations was conducted in six states. One part of the research explored why volunteers quit Extension advisory groups. See if you’re surprised by the results:
1. Extension advisory committees did not provide an opportunity to work on important problems.
2. Could not use my talents and skills while serving on the committee.
3. Did not feel the committee was accomplishing anything.
4. Inadequate opportunities to be involved in making decisions about Extension programs.
5. Did not feel the committee provided a means for improving situations in the county.
Are we empowering our Extension Councils to make important decisions? Are we allowing them to do the work they are capable of doing? Do we keep them informed and allow adequate time for them to discuss the issues? Do we show appreciation for the work they do?
Our Extension Council members are valuable resources to University of Missouri Extension. Let’s do all we can to engage them in the important work of Extension, to utilize the skills they bring us, and to empower them to be more than a “rubber stamp” in making decisions that will make our counties better places to live.
Federal, State and Local Budgets – Accountability and “Return on Investment” are
Key
by Linda
Jo Turner, Ph.D.
Over the past two months, I have attended a number of meetings regarding the budget future for University of Missouri Extension. With few exceptions, the key question asked by decision-makers who will set federal, state, and local budgets in support University of Missouri Extension is “Are we getting a good return for our investment?” The bottom line for funders is accountability as demonstrated by measurable results.
Public funders, as well as private partners want to know if Extension programs are:
1) Effective – Do we make a difference? What is the impact of our programs on individuals, families, businesses and communities; and
2) Efficient – Are we good stewards of allocated resources? How are we “leveraging” resources to do the most good?
As ESP members, here are a couple of items on the budget horizon that you will want to watch:
1) Federal – The 2007 Farm Bill is now being crafted. One proposal being considered is called “CREATE-21” which would alter the funding mechanisms for a number of programs within USDA. If implemented, CREATE-21 would convert some of the Extension base or formula funds to competitive funds. Since federal formula funds provide some of the core dollars that support county and state Extension faculty and staff, this is of vital interest to all of us. One of the factors driving this proposal is concern from federal budget decision makers about “formula funds” and whether there is sufficient accountability for those funds. At the present time, internal stakeholders such as Extension Directors are providing input on CREATE-21, but watch for discussion on this topic over the next six months.
2) State – As of this writing, the Governor’s budget calls for a 2% increase for higher education, including the University of Missouri. This is certainly the best state budget news we have had in some time! Since the state budget won’t be final until May, keep an eye on this.
As always, ESP members can help by keeping decision makers informed about and engaged with great Extension programs that effective and efficient.
Looking for Money to Help you
Learn?
by Lisa
Wallace, Loan and Fellowship Committee Chairman
Live. And Learn. Our new slogan encourages continued learning. And, thanks to the Extension Loan and Fellowship Fund, we have money to help us continue learning too. A simple application and a plan stand between you and a new learning experience. You can receive as much as $1000 for educational endeavors.
Who’s Eligible? You must be currently employed as a university faculty or professional staff member. And, you must have two years of consecutive employment with the University of Missouri or Lincoln University. Priority is given to first-time applicants. Applications must be submitted prior to the professional development experience.
How much is Awarded? Up to $1,000 per award will be granted. The total amount individuals may receive during their tenure with the University is $1,500. Funds should offset expenses not covered through other sources. Applicants must submit a budget identifying anticipated expenditures and other sources of financial support, including personal contributions. Awards will not exceed actual expenses.
The number of awards granted will depend on the availability of funds in the Extension Loan and Fellowship Fund.
What’s the Application and Selection Process? Only e-mail applications are accepted. Complete the application and send it to your supervisor, who will forward it to the committee.
Applications are reviewed monthly. To be considered in a given month, applications must be received by the first. Individuals selected to receive fellowships will be notified within 45 days.
Visit http://extension.missouri.edu/staff/awards/fellowship.html for more details.
For
Life Members
by Jim
Ollar, Life Members Committee Chair
Another spring is just around the corner. For those of us spending most, if not all, of the winter in Missouri we have been quite blessed with moderate weather. There were out-of-doors activities days throughout this winter.
Likely you have heard of recent UM Board of Curators’ discussion of staff and retiree benefits. From “news reports” it appears that some Board members are less than supportive of (or knowledgeable of) the importance of such benefits. Suggest watching for reports from news sources both external and external. For those on federal retirement plans, I continue to encourage joining NARFE as a means of being informed and supportive of keeping such benefits in place.
Congratulations to our just past ESP President, Dr. Jo Turner, on becoming the interim Director. All who have had the privilege of working with Jo know she will do an outstanding job of leading and representing Missouri Extension. Also congrats and thanks to all the staff who have stepped into interim or acting roles in these changing times.
See below for the schedule for upcoming retirees meetings. Specific times and meeting locations will be in the Weekly News and letters to past participants. John Parker is working with meeting coordinators to arrange interesting programs. Let John know (573-442-5215 or JParkerok@aol.com ) if you have program ideas. These sessions are opportunities to stay in touch with former colleagues and to get to know good Extension folks you have not previously met. Come early to visit and leave on time (or get volunteered to clean-up).
Note the new officers and committee chairs for the MO Alpha Tau chapter. Please share any ideas for improving the work of our chapter. Of course, do not hesitate to offer your assistance to any committee. As we have all experienced, it is just too easy to let a few carry the organizational load for all.
One organizational activity underway is a review of bylaws. The bylaws can be reviewed at http://extension.missouri.edu/esp. As I am on this committee, let me know of any thoughts on this effort.
Contributions continue to come in to the Loan and Fellowship Fund endowment in recognition of Tom Henderson’s retirement. If you had not yet found time to respond to the recent letter requesting your consideration of a contribution, please think it over. If you need additional information about this effort or other opportunities to support Extension contact Barb Casady at 573-882-2003 or CasadyB@missouri.edu
Retirees Spring Meetings
April 12 - Columbia
April 21 - Sedalia
April 27 - Jackson
May 3 - Gallatin
May 10 - Troy
May 11 - Lamar
May 12 – Springfield
Have a great spring. If you have questions contact me at: 573-442-3023, jimooo@charter.net
Eleven New Members in 2006
by Sandra
McKinnon, Membership Committee Chair
The Alpha Tau chapter of ESP can boast 11 new members, the biggest increase since 2002. Alpha Tau also celebrates almost 100 life members.
Sandra McKinnon, financial education specialist in the EC region, was recently appointed chair of the membership committee. "A goal for the year is to increase the numbers of active and life members," says McKinnon. "To do this we will foster communication between the 66 active members of the chapter and their colleagues, contact Lincoln University, and tap those eligible for life membership status."
"We have 75 years of experience. All staff can benefit from what Epsilon Sigma Phi has to offer -- awards, scholarships, loans, mini-grants, regional workshops, and conferences on professional development, public issues and leadership."
A flyer and application form can be found online at the chapter's web site - http://extension.missouri.edu/esp on the Members page.
Epsilon Sigma
Phi Awards Promote Excellence in Extension
by Marsha G.
Alexander, M.S., Awards Committee Chair
Providing recognition for a job well done is a wonderful way to reward deserving colleagues. Missouri’s Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) provides many different award opportunities. Receiving award recognition is possible only if ESP members take the time to participate in the award process.
For most of the awards Epsilon Sigma Phi membership is required. However, there are some exceptions such as the Friend of Extension Award, Visionary Leadership Award, and State Meritorious Support Service Award. Awards that do require Epsilon Sigma Phi membership are Distinguished Service Award, Mid-Career Service Award, State Early Career Service Award, and State Retiree Service Award. There is also a Team Award opportunity through ESP that requires membership of one or more team members.
Members of the 2006 Missouri Epsilon Sigma Phi Awards Committee are: Tom Keohan, Pat Snodgrass, Joe Koenen, Beverly Maltsberger, and Chairperson Marsha Alexander. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact a committee member. To learn more about the individual awards visit our website at http://extension.missouri.edu/esp.
Epsilon Sigma Phi is dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in the Extension System and developing the Extension profession and professional. Giving recognition through Epsilon Sigma Phi awards to deserving professionals is an important way to promote standards of excellence in Extension. Plan to be part of the award process during the 2006 year.
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The location of our
national office / contact is: |
Epsilon Sigma Phi - Alpha Tau Chapter
2005-2006 Board Members
| Officers | |
| Nancy Flood | President |
| Mark Stillwell | President-Elect |
| Jo Turner | Past President |
| Cathy Allen | Secretary |
| Bob Schultheis | Treasurer |
| Van Ayers | Annalist |
| Committee Chairs | |
| Sandra McKinnon | Membership |
| Marsha Alexander | Awards |
| Rhonda Gibler | Professional Improvement |
| Lisa Wallace | Loan and Fellowship |
| Wilma Jean Lower | Courtesy / Memorials |
| Jim Ollar | Retirement / Life Members |
| Jo Turner | Nominations |
| Rex Ricketts & Karla Deaver | ESP 75th Anniversary |
For Newsletter Items or
Information Contact:
Mark Stillwell
Phone: 573-882-2695
E-mail: stillwellm@missouri.edu