Strategic direction
This is a time of technological
revolution and shifting demographics;
constrained resources and increased
demand for access; new issues facing
Missourians and renewed demands for
accountability. University of Missouri Extension is poised to meet these
challenges and opportunities, and to
provide a level of excellence in
programming that is recognized in
Missouri and across the nation. Within
the context of University priorities, University of Missouri Extension
will
focus resources on three priority
program areas:
- Economic viability
- Strong individuals,
families and communities
- healthy environments.
To meet emerging needs and
opportunities, MU Extension
programming will reflect the
imperatives of the 21st century. These
programs will encourage people to
discover and create their own
solutions, while maintaining access to
University research and information.
University faculty on campuses and in
the field will work with colleagues,
partners, consumers, grassroots
coalitions and agencies to connect
research and theory with practice.
Information and education will be
available from multiple access points
- online, in small groups,
peer-to-peer and from sources around
the world.
University of Missouri Extension programs will address strategies for
global competition and concentrate on
just-in-time, lean manufacturing. New
programs will focus on alternative
marketing and integrated value chains
in which agricultural producers are
aligned with processors and suppliers.
New direct marketing chains will link
producers directly to consumers.
Concerns about bioethics will require
collaboration among the best minds in
the nation. Maintaining and improving
the quality of natural resources and
the environment will be a continuing
emphasis, incorporating new community
development strategies.
21st century extension
programs will involve youth and adults
learning, growing and working together
as catalysts for positive change.
Programs will value the power of youth
and adults as partners in program
design, development, delivery and
evaluation. Access, equity and
opportunity for diverse families,
volunteers and staff will be assured.
MU Extension will engage
continuously with local people to
create community-based systems to
address the health, human development
and resource management desires of
families and communities in an
information age. New e-learning
strategies will reach across the
digital divide to empower family
members, community professionals and
policymakers to address violence and
poverty. Communities will mobilize to
create positive goals and outcomes. University of Missouri Extension
content-based strategic program plans
address priority program areas and
specifically target Missouri learners
with online and face-to-face
programming opportunities.
Agriculture
and Natural Resources The strategic plan for agriculture and
natural resources is centered on crops, livestock,
horticulture and forestry, business
development and management, and
environmental quality. It also
proposes to establish four
issue-oriented, problem-solving
curriculums: 1) sustainable
agriculture/small farm initiative;
2) life sciences and bioethics; 3) food
safety, health and wellness; and 4)
safety.
Business
Development The strategic
plan for business development creates
a seamless network of business support
services that is proactive in
anticipating needs, responsive to
Missourians, effective in assistance
and efficient in delivery to Missouri
entrepreneurs and businesses. Outcomes
will maximize Missouri's economic
viability, and the capacity of
individuals, families and communities.
These outcomes are accomplished
through programs focused on business planning; existing
business development, with emphases in
management, marketing and finance; high-growth and targeted industries;
and entrepreneur and individual
development. Through strategic
partnerships, the business development
program increases Missouri's economic
viability by becoming a leader in
building small business and
entrepreneurial capacity and climate.
Community
Development The strategic plan
for community development entails
creating alliances for programming to
help diverse communities become more
viable. Programs will emphasize local
government assistance, community
emergency management, community
decision-making and action planning,
professional community development
education and community leadership.
Human
Environmental Sciences The
21st century human environmental
sciences strategic plan focuses on
health, human development, finances
and housing, resulting in improved
physical, social and financial
well-being of Missouri families and
communities. Because it is University of Missouri Extension's mission to
serve all people, programs focus on
youth and families with the least
opportunity for education and on those
with the greatest needs in the
critical areas identified. Through use
of technology and strong partnerships,
programs provide education to improve
nutrition and health, parenting
skills, child care, family financial
management, housing, adolescent
decision-making and the lives of older
Missourians.
4-H
Youth Development The 21st
century 4-H Youth Development Program
strategic plan focuses on children and
teens becoming competent, caring,
contributing and capable through a
series of progressive, sustained
experiences with caring adults. 4-H
creates environments in which young
people are valued members of their
communities. Programs enable diverse
youth and adults to learn, grow and
work together as catalysts for
positive change, leading to long-term
positive outcomes for individuals,
families, communities and society.
Research-based 4-H youth development
programs emphasize the assets of
youth, building upon these assets to
help youth grow socially, emotionally,
physically and cognitively. Youth
programs include traditional 4-H clubs
as well as special-interest groups and
school enrichment programs.
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