CD Wire - December 19, 2016

Mission Statement:
Ohio State University Extension
Community Development
helps communities enhance
their well-being.

AD Update:

-Greg Davis, Assistant Director

If you are like me, it is right around this time of year that you realize how fast the year has gone by. During quiet times over the holidays I like to review family pictures taken throughout the year helps me slow the blur of the past year. Similarly, with regards to work, I have found that taking some time to reflect on events and activities helps put things in perspective too. Here are just a few of the ‘headlines’ to help tell the story of 2016:

We welcomed a new and improved Ohioline, six new Impact Areas, and three new county-based colleagues (two in ‘seeded positions’ in Clermont and Medina, and another in Pickaway County.) In addition to new HR, finance, and business office support, we welcomed a field specialist focused on community and organizational leadership development, a new colleague in Cuyahoga County and three new colleagues with the Alber Enterprise Center.

We engaged in conversations designed to help us create the future; develop curriculum; engage others in applied research; and develop, deliver and evaluate programs. We met the new NCRCRD director Mark Skidmore, saw two colleagues’ Connect and Collaborate Grant proposals make it to the final round (and see a great chance of being funded), and got to know OSU football coach Urban Meyer a whole lot better via our ‘Above the Line’ book club. We formalized a professional development support program and did all the ‘usual’ stuff like finalizing our RiV annual reporting in January and our north central indicators reporting in April, and continuing our efforts to expand our reach via social media. This is but a partial list I am sure, and reflecting on such things is rewarding, but perhaps the most exciting of all was learning we are to host the 2018 NACDEP Conference in Cleveland from June 10-13.

We have much to be excited about for 2017. Of course well have plenty of NACDEP 2018 conference planning. We’ll also be working collaboratively within Extension and across campus and the communities of Ohio to more effectively address issues and opportunities in the area of community health, broadly defined. We’ll be engaging in this work in the context of Extension’s new impact areas, and doing so fully committed to teamwork and building our capacity as CD program professionals. Expect an increased emphasis on professional development training both in full-day and multi-day workshops and in-services as well as during our face to face CD in-services.

Speaking of face to face CD in-services, thank you for the feedback shared during the NACDEP meeting at Extension Annual Conference. Overwhelmingly, input favored three meetings per year; located both in Columbus and in the field. Sixty percent favored meeting length of no more than one day. Forty percent preferred a mix of one-day and two-day meetings.

As such, we’ll try to organize dates, locations and content in a way that meets the needs of most everyone. Expect to see the dates yet this week.

As far as content is concerned, feedback would indicate that most folks would like to see a 9:30-3:30 schedule arranged in this way:

30 minutes for competency development (e.g. marketing/social media strategies)
30 minutes for Extension/CD administrative updates
60 minutes for NACDEP-related business (e.g. 2018 Conference Planning, awards information, etc.)
60 minutes for networking
90 minutes for Program development/sharing opportunities (e.g. individual team break-out discussions)
90 minutes for teaching & learning opportunities (e.g. train the trainer, field trips and study tours, etc.)

In closing, I have no doubt that next year will be a great year to be part of OSU Extension. I hope you are as excited about our next year together as I am. Until then, best wishes to you for a peaceful holiday break!

Mileage Reimbursement Rate for 2017

Effective January 1, 2017, the mileage reimbursement rate will decrease from 54 cents to 53.5 cents per mile for all business miles driven from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. For mileage/travel incurred on or after the first of the year, please use the updated forms that will be posted on the CFAES Finance website after January 1.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Global Warming/Energy Efficiency is Topic of Next EPN Breakfast - January 11:

The next EPN Breakfast will be held January 11 from 7:15 to 9:30 a.m. at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center.

Significant and critical energy and climate policy changes continue to be debated, and sometimes adopted and implemented, at global, United States, Ohio, and local levels, even while our world is on track for another “hottest year on record”  for 2016. While these policy efforts are most critical to diminishing the rise of CO2 and related climate change, we all have the chance to be part of the solution and also save money by implementing energy efficiencies in our homes and offices. Energy utilities in Ohio and Ohio State University understand the virtues of home energy efficiencies and stand ready to help.

Hear the “why” from one of OSU’s most distinguished scientists, Lonnie Thompson, and the “how” from community, utility, and university representatives. Eric Romich will be presenting on OSU’s new Green Home Technology Center programs. Click here to view the other presenters and to register. Cost is $10, and the deadline to register is January 9.

Tri-State Diversity Conference - Early Bird Registration due January 13:

The 13th Annual Tri-State Diversity Conference will be held February 16-17 at the Marriott, Cincinnati Airport.

The theme will be Breaking Down The Walls: Building Inclusive Communities. Click here for complete information, including registration (early bird by 1/13/17), schedule and lodging.

Upcoming eXtension Web Sessions:

Visit eXtension Learn (learn.extension.org) to view and register for upcoming webinar sessions. Please share these events with others who may also be interested.

Topics include:

  • Building Evaluation Capacity through Data Jams - Part 1 - January 19 at 2 p.m.

  • Planning for Climate Resiliency - January 20 at 2:30 p.m.

  • Building Evaluation Capacity through Data Jams - Part 2 - February 2 at 2 p.m.

Engaging Audiences Online: Webinar Best Practices and Tips from the Field:

With the announcement of OSU Extension gaining access to Zoom hosted meetings and webinars, Jamie Seger, Morgan Domokos, and Brian Raison offered a “Webinar Best Practices and Online Teaching Tips from the Field” during the 2016 OSU Extension Annual Conference.

View the presentation here. Further training on recommended Zoom equipment, use, and teaching via webinar will be offered by the Ed Tech Unit and CFAES IT Services in 2017.

Mark your calendars!

Next year's Innovate Extension event will be held on Wednesday, May 17. Innovate Extension will follow OSU's Innovate event on Tuesday, May 16 at the Ohio Union. Additional details to follow after the New Year.

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SCHOLARLY / CREATIVE / OPPORTUNITIES:

80th Annual Meeting of the Rural Sociological Society July 27-30 - Abstracts due February 12:

The 2017 annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society (July 27-30 in Columbus, OH) will focus on the ways in which rural peoples cope with a wide range of disruptive events. They could be economic downturns, severe storms and droughts (e.g., climate change), the arrival of outside investors, or wars. Clearly, the strategies for coping vary by class and other related disadvantages, making some people much more vulnerable to the deliberate machinations of elites as well as to the almost random turns of events like storms and droughts.

Embedded within this larger theme would be several subthemes. One would be continuing this year’s focus on class and examine the special challenges facing disadvantaged rural peoples in these moments of change. Another might look at the special politics of change during these crises and the ways that they affect rural peoples.

Click here for more information and to submit your abstract by February 12. View the email from Kristi Lekies for a summary.

Grant Development Support Unit Services:

Did you know the primary goal of The CFAES Grant Development Support Unit (GDSU) is to partner with faculty and staff to develop and enhance the overall quality of competitive external grant proposals? Preparation is key to writing a successful proposal! Our team will offer guidance to researchers in planning, preparing, and editing proposals.

By collaborating with the Office of Sponsored Programs, they provide budget support and timelines to address solicitation requirements. Other resources available include templates and materials that will be helpful in writing a successful proposal. They aim to increase the competitiveness of your proposal by submitting well-crafted and responsive applications. By utilizing these services, investigators will have more time to concentrate on the development of high-quality research initiatives.

Contact Pam Schlegel (schlegel.33@osu.edu) to see how she can assist with your next proposal. There is no charge for this service.

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REMINDERS / UPDATES / NEWS:

New Location for University District Team:

It's official! After 14 years of service and commitment to the neighborhoods surrounding Ohio State, the OSU Extension University District team has moved to Terrace Place at 99 E. Ninth St., enabling staff to expand their outreach to City of Columbus and Franklin County residents.

The team helps with programs such as workforce development, tax preparation, homeownership, postsecondary education and infant mortality. Staff continues to have a presence in the Schoenbaum Family Center and offers first-of-the-month Saturday workshop classes on financial literacy and homebuyer education at the 175 E. 7th Ave. location. Read more.

NCRCRD 2017 Reminders:

NCRCRD Small Grants Deadline and Upcoming Webinars for 2017:

OSU Extension Advancement E-Toolkit is Launched:

The new OSU Extension Advancement e-Toolkit is a tailored training and educational resource that offers a consistent message on the purpose, process and impact of fundraising and donor engagement through the OSU Foundation. The site provides on-demand access to information about giving opportunities in Extension, mechanisms for donating and ways of strengthening local partnerships through enhanced philanthropic outreach.

Subscribe by email to the e-Toolkit so that important updates are delivered to your inbox. (Click “Subscribe” on bottom right of landing page.)

Award Nominations due January 13:

Distinguished Staff Award

Nominate staff members to be recognized for the impact they make at Ohio State. The Distinguished Staff Awards recognize and celebrate staff for their significant achievements, leadership, dedication and service to the university. It is the highest honor for Ohio State staff members and 12 recipients are selected annually. Each recipient receives a $1,500 cash award, an increase of $700 to his or her base salary and a commemorative trophy, along with being honored at a spring luncheon and on the field during an Ohio State football game. Nomination deadline is Friday, January 13 at 5 p.m. Read more.

Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award

The Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award celebrates diversity and rewards individuals and groups for their commitment to diversity. Faculty, staff, students, student organizations and alumni can nominate their colleagues and peers. Five recipients receive a commemorative certificate and $1,200 cash award, along with being honored at a spring luncheon and on the field during an Ohio State football game. Honorees are recognized for making diversity and inclusiveness a part of university best practices. Deadline for nominations is Friday, January 13 at 5 p.m. Read more.

Articles/Publications of Interest:

Weekly News Digest (CFAES information blog for faculty & staff)

CFAES News:

Hunger Amid Plenty: Lack of Food More Widespread Than Many Realize

8 Tiny Facts About Reindeer That Click (Plus a 9th) 

CFAES Monthly (November/December 2016)

Extension and the Maker Movement: Events Ideas and Collaborative Partnerships for Every Impact Area (Extension Ed Tech blog)

Ohio Sea Grant eNewsletter (December 2016)

Farm to School Brings Local Food to the Community (UOE)

eXtension Month in Review (November 2016)

 

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