Mission Statement:
Ohio State University Extension Community Development
helps communities enhance their well-being
and create social, economic, and environmental conditions
in which they can thrive.
AD Update:
-David Civittolo, Interim Assistant Director
Guest Feature
Earlier this year, we finished with the ‘Meet the Community Development Professionals’ series. Starting this month, I would like to introduce a new section titled: Guest Feature. The plan is to have a guest writer once a month. Hopefully, this new series will provide an opportunity for you to learn about different areas of Extension and how they impact your programming.
Our first guest writer is Jane Wright, Interim Assistant Director and 4-H Curriculum Manager, Extension Publishing. I hope you enjoy learning about the important role she and her team have regarding publishing material for Extension. If you have a publishing idea, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jane.
In-Person Programming --- Required Training Announcement
From Director Wilkins:
I am sending this message to let you know there is a new course loaded into CarmenCanvas that each of you is required to take. The course initially was created for those persons who submitted exemptions for in-person programming; but due to the opening of more county offices, with more interaction with each other, and more programs being attended and run by county educators, field specialists, faculty, and staff, it has been decided that everyone, including office support staff, will benefit by reviewing the safety and health protocols set forth by the university.
To be clear, every OSU Extension employee must complete this revised training by 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2021 – even those personnel who completed the first version, as some things have changed. This requirement is MANDATORY; and those found to be out of compliance will face appropriate disciplinary action, including being restricted from future program exemptions until the training is complete. Our ability to continue in-person programming was primarily a result of having the exemption process and this required training in place – let’s not jeopardize this privilege.
This 10- to 15-minute course is based on the initial course taken by many of you in Scarlet Canvas. It includes more specific information and updated protocols. Also, please know that we are aware and very grateful to the more than 200 of you who have taken courses on health and safety set forth by Extension; but we all have an obligation to remain current in our review of health and safety protocols during this evolving pandemic.
So again, everyone, regardless of whether or not you are hosting or facilitating an in-person program or event, needs to complete this course by March 31, 2021, or before your in-person event takes place (if earlier than March 31).
NOTE: In-person exemptions are still required to be submitted if you are hosting or facilitating an event. The training course MUST be completed prior to the event. If you do not complete this training course, you, your supervisor, and the assistant director of your program area will be contacted.
You will find the link to the Carmen Course here. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in completing the required training.
North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD) New Webpage
The NCRCRD has recently updated their webpage and there are some great resources. |
I encourage you to review the material and bookmark the link.
Knowledge Exchange Update
If you are looking to get quick access to vital information about your local community, the Knowledge Exchange has created a great community profile. You can find information on demographics, income and employment, and housing for your county, a specific community, or a region. Click here to learn more.
NACDEP 2021 Virtual Conference Registration Now Open!
Don’t miss the NACDEP Virtual Conference May 17-19 |
If you are a new NACDEP member—or want to meet some new NACDEP members—please attend the New Member Orientation on Friday, May 14, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
This year’s conference will offer:
- A well-paced schedule
- Inspiring keynote and capnote presentations
- Engaging plenaries and concurrent sessions
- Optional hangouts between sessions
- Meaningful connections and conversations
The low member conference rate is $105. Click here to get started.
CD In-service April 15 - 9:30 to Noon
Please continue to hold April 15th for our Spring CD In-service. The meeting will be held via Zoom with plenty of breaks scheduled during the morning. If you have a topic that you would like to be included on the agenda, please send Sandy or me an email.
Have a great week and remember: “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” -Earl Nightingale
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CD Guest Feature:
Getting to know Jane Wright,
Interim Assistant Director and
4-H Curriculum Manager,
Extension Publishing
Located at:Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center Program focus / Areas of expertise:
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About Jane:I was SO excited in 2007 when I was hired as 4-H curriculum manager. I love working with youth and helping them learn. Although I started out as a middle and high school English teacher, it didn’t take long for me to gravitate to educational nonprofits, like the Technology Student Association, where it was just as rewarding to support teachers by developing curriculum. A master’s degree in business helped me see that nonprofit organizations can be successful and sustainable businesses too. Luckily, I still get to check in with youth when I see them at county and state fairs. When Extension Publishing was established a few years ago, the Ohio 4-H curriculum team became part of Extension’s broader publishing efforts. The best thing about publishing 4-H project books and resources has always been the “generous experts” willing to share their knowledge. Now, our team works routinely with similar generous experts in other program areas and departments too. The breadth and depth of Extension content is amazing, and we keep learning right along with our audiences. On a more personal note, I grew up in Chicago, and then lived with my husband in Rochester, NY; Iowa City, IA; and Washington, DC. We didn’t think we’d stay more than our usual 8-10 years when we came to Columbus in 2000, but it turns out we have. Our three children have decided to stay in Ohio too. I became a master gardener volunteer in 2001, and with luck one of these years I’ll get to be a 4-H grandma. About the Extension Publishing Team:Speaking of experts, whether it’s project management, customer service, design, or, oh yeah, writing and editing, Extension Publishing team members bring plenty of talent to the table. You may know some of their names: Anna Bernard, Tim Bowman, Dave Davisson, Mark Marbaugh, Annie Steel, Jackie Stuts, Mary Lynn Thalheimer, Jess Wallace, and Susie Young. Please take a moment to meet our small-but-mighty group here. We are in awe of our Extension contributors and feel privileged to play a part in delivering meaningful content to Ohioans and others. Do you have a publishing idea? We would love to hear about it. |
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You can reach Jane at
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Water Access Issues Facing First Nations and Low-Income Communities - March 22:
Water is a human right, right? |
Water Access Issues Facing First Nations and Low-Income Communities will explore the scientific and technical challenges of safe and sustainable water access as well as the critical role that societal, political, economic, and historical contexts play in creating and perpetuating water issues in First Nations and low-income communities.
Ohio State's Global Water Institute will present this webinar on March 22 at 2 p.m. It aims to bring attention to how particular communities are disproportionately affected by water issues, specifically related to water access and water quality, why, and what action can be taken to address those disparities.
Panelists are Dr. Kristi Pullen Fedinick (Natural Resources Defense Council), Dr. Emma Norman (Northwest Indian College), Ms. Hilary Tompkins, J.D. (Hogan Lovells), Dr. Erika Weinthal (Duke University), and Dr. Mary Rodriguez (The Ohio State University).
Register here. The webinar will be recorded, and a transcript will be provided for viewing with the video after the event. Live captioning will be provided during the webinar.
Staff Career Development Grant Applications due March 31:
Planning your next professional development opportunity and need funding? Apply for a Staff Career Development Grant until March 31. Eligible staff can apply for funding for professional development opportunities occurring May to September 2021. Awards will be provided as a reimbursement of up to $1,250 for individuals, $1,750 for groups of 2-10 and $2,000 for groups of 11 or more. Read more.
CFAES Celebration of Research Week - April 5-9:
The CFAES Office for Research & Graduate Education is pleased to announce the first Celebration of Research Week, which will be held from April 5-9 in coordination with the CFAES Annual Research Conference. |
The first Celebration of Research week will be an opportunity to revel in the many successes of the research community in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Throughout the week there will be sharing of fun stories about CFAES research and hosting several events including:
- The 2021 Virtual Poster Competition: In addition to viewing posters on the virtual poster competition website, you can attend live poster Q&A Sessions (via Zoom) taking place Monday-Wednesday, allowing poster authors an opportunity to share their research with a live audience. Learn more.
- A panel session moderated by Dr. Luis Canas focused on finding collaborators and developing a quality research team; panelists: Dr. Douglas Jackson-Smith, Dr. Enrico Bonello, and Dr. Barbara Kowalcyk.
- The Annual Research Conference Awards Ceremony will showcase several CFAES researchers who have been awarded for making outstanding contributions in their respective areas. Register now.
- A LIVE Conversation with Dr. Rattan Lal, 2020 World Food Prize Laureate, where participants will have an opportunity to hear Dr. Lal’s story and ask him questions regarding his career and research.
Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes Webinar - April 9:
A webinar titled Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes will be presented on Friday, April 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
An estimated 10,000 tons of plastic pollution enter the Great Lakes each year. This talk will cover what is known about plastic in the Great Lakes, some science-based solutions, and ways to engage the public in reducing their plastics consumption.
Speakers:
Plastic Pollution in Our Great Lakes: The science that can inform solutions
Dr. Chelsea Rochman, Assistant Professor in Ecology, University of Toronto
Skip the Straw, Ban the Bag: Does it really work?
Jill Bartolotta, Extension Educator, Ohio Sea Grant
Susan Bixler, Extension and Outreach Assistant, Stone Lab
Click here for complete information and to register. Registration is required to receive log-in information.
CFAES Sessions for Research Community:
The CFAES Office for Research & Graduate Education offers sessions throughout the year and compiles other opportunities offered through various internal and external sources that may be of interest to the research community. View a full list of events here. |
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Human Subjects Research and Grants - April 13 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Types of human subjects research, the protocol screening and review process, the importance of award and protocol screening and review process, the importance of award and protocol congruency, and PI responsibilities. -
Managing Sponsored Programs Awards - April 27 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Learn effective project management by understanding the electronic tools available and regular monitoring activities.
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SCHOLARLY / CREATIVE / OPPORTUNITIES:
President's Research Excellence Seed Funding Program Requests Peer Reviewers:
The OSU Office of Research is seeking peer reviewers for the new President’s Research Excellence (PRE) seed funding program.
Details on the program are available here, and there will be a formal announcement launching the program on March 22.
Available seed programs:
- Accelerator grants of up to $50,000 to support small teams pursuing curiosity-driven, high-risk, and high-reward research in any/all areas.
- Catalyst grants of up to $200,000 to support larger teams pursing national center-level funding with priority given to emergent and convergent research aligned with the university, state, and national priorities.
Peer Review details:
- The virtual review process will take place during three, 2-week time periods in May, July, and September.
- Proposals are brief (2 pages for Accelerator grants, 2 pages for Catalyst grant concept proposals, and 5 pages for invited full Catalyst proposals), so the time demands should be very reasonable.
- Ideally, reviewers will commit to a 2-year term, but one-year of service will be greatly appreciated.
- Reviewers will not be eligible to serve as PIs or co-PIs during their term of service.
- Interested individuals should complete this brief Qualtrics survey to register their expertise. Given expected program deadlines, interested individuals are asked to complete the Qualtrics survey by March 31, so gaps in expertise can be identified.
Reviewers are needed in the following areas:
- Aging, Healthy Aging
- Cancer Science and Engineering, Immunology and Therapeutics
- Cardiopulmonary Disease
- Data Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
- Digitalized and Next Generation Manufacturing
- Emerging Autonomous Technologies and Systems, Smart Mobility, Cybersecurity
- Food, Nutrition, Metabolism, Behavior and Health
- Genomics
- Health Disparities, One Health
- Neuroscience
- Novel social science research concepts that address societal challenges related to food, water, health, racial equity and inclusion, and national security
- Precision and Sustainable Agriculture
- Quantum Information Science and Technology, Next Generation Wireless Communication
- Renewable Energy, Smart Grid, Energy Storage
For more information contact PRE@OSU.EDU.
Generation Rx Program Opportunity:
The Ohio State University School of Pharmacy’s Generation Rx Team, is recruiting Ambassadors to implement educational programming for Older Adults (age 55+) throughout Ohio. |
What is Generation Rx?
Generation Rx is an evidence-informed educational program that aims to educate people of all ages about safe medication-taking practices and the potential dangers of misusing prescription medications.
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The project was founded in 2007 by The Ohio State University faculty and began partnering with the Cardinal Health Foundation in 2009.
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Over 100K adults and peer educators, including many Extension educators, have used Generation Rx to educate their communities about safe medication taking practices.
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Together, the Generation Rx network members have educated nearly 3 million people nationwide.
Using audience- specific toolkits (available online for free), Generation Rx shares the following key messages:
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Only use prescription medication as directed by a health professional.
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Never share your prescription medications with others or use someone else’s prescription medications.
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Always store your medications securely to prevent others from taking them, and properly dispose of medications that you no longer need.
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Be a good example to those around you by modeling these safe medication-taking practices and discussing the dangers of misusing prescription drugs with your family, friends, colleagues, students, or patients.
As part of this grant-funded project, Generation Rx Ambassador will be expected to:
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Complete the online Generation Rx Ambassador Training (self-paced)
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Facilitate programs using the Older Adult Toolkit resources
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Reach 35-50 individuals between 4/1/21 and 9/30/21
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Attend a 2-hour virtual kick-off meeting as well as semi-monthly technical support meetings to update the Generation Rx Team Coordinator
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Collect pre/post surveys from training attendees and submit a final report in 9/21
Ambassadors will receive up to $3,000 to assist with program implementation and professional development. The Older Adult toolkit can be adapted for delivery in a 35-, 40-, or 60-minute format; Generation Rx recognizes that COVID safety restrictions may prevent traditional live delivery and will provide guidance and support during the training (est. April-early May) for adapting program delivery.
Are you interested in applying?
Please complete this quick survey to indicate your interest in applying for the Ambassador project and funding. The Generation Rx team will use this list to share RFP information in April.
Potential Ambassadors will learn more on April 1 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Join at: go.osu.edu/genrxambassador; meeting ID: 920 4983 9086; passcode: GenRx.
InFACT Linkage and Leverage Grants - Spring Proposals due April 9:
The Initiative for Food and AgriCultural Transformation (InFACT) invites you to submit proposals for their Linkage and Leverage seed grant program. Teams of faculty, staff, students, and external partners may apply. There are three cycles for proposal submission during the 2020-21 academic year. Spring cycle proposals are due April 9. Read more.
COSI Science Festival Opportunity - May 8:
As the COSI Science Festival goes digital this year, Ohio State and COSI invite you to participate in being a virtual exhibitor. |
For the third year, Ohio State is implementing an institutional approach for participation and sponsorship in the COSI Science Festival from May 5-8. The COSI Science Festival will include dozens of unique online events showcasing incredible science being done in Ohio and proving again that science truly is everywhere and for everyone. It is designed to create opportunities for community engagement addressing workforce challenges by bridging the STEM skills gap and enabling people to see themselves as future scientists.
Our focus is the final day of the Festival on Saturday, May 8, the Big Science Celebration. The Big Science Celebration is the culminating event of the COSI Science Festival. For 2021, we will be hosting a digital celebration. As in years past, this event is meant to engage the public in an interactive, hands-on way with some aspect of science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. As an exhibitor, you can help the public understand what your organization does for our community and beyond, as well as help address workforce challenges by bridging the STEM skills gap and allowing our community’s children to see themselves in scientists and scientists in themselves. Our primary target audience will be families with school-aged children, with a special focus on those with limited access to science education resources. If you are interested in being a virtual exhibitor, please complete the exhibitor form by March 26. More details can be found on the exhibitor form.
Additionally, if you are interested in hosting a virtual event, please complete the event form by March 19. There will be a limited number of events. If you have questions, contact Jody Poth (poth.20@osu.edu).
NSF Session Recording now Available:
The Zoom video from the NSF informative session that was held on March 2 is now available for viewing. The recording features Dr. Steve Ellis, NSF Program Director in the Division of Biological Infrastructure (BIO/DBI) and Dr. Dan Marenda, NSF Program Director for Integrative Research in Biology (IntBIO) and Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB) as they provide an overview of NSF, the history/structure, funding mechanisms and opportunities, and tips for success.
You can view the presentation here. Additionally, view an NSF overview guidance document to help you navigate their programs. To view other educational resources offered by the CFAES Office for Research & Graduate Education, visit their website.
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REMINDERS / UPDATES / NEWS:
UniPrint - Ohio State's Gateway for all Print Services:
UniPrint now serves as the gateway for all print services at Ohio State. |
This means that while UniPrint will not be printing everything, they will triage and steward the printing of all projects for Ohio State. UniPrint will manage a yet-to-be finalized set of contracted print and print finishing suppliers to support anything UniPrint does not provide in-house.
Benefit highlights:
- UniPrint will negotiate pricing and contracts on your behalf, while printing everything they can at competitive market rates that will continue to be evaluated annually.
- UniPrint will assign specific customer service representatives (CSRs) to each unit to offer consultation on project scope and help manage the end-to-end process.
Next steps:
- The goal is to have all print services consolidated through the Print Center of Expertise (COE) by the end of FY21.
- While this communication represents a soft launch, the print RFP process is not yet complete. University Marketing and UniPrint are in the process of working through additional details across a small number of units and colleges. UniPrint will be collaborating with units to develop the best solutions to fit their specific needs. Anyone having a print need should continue contacting UniPrint via their website, phone, or email as a starting point.
Authentication and Other Best Practices for Secure Zoom Meetings:
Even with protections in place, unwanted attendees (Zoom bombing) are an ongoing issue for Zoom meetings. |
The Office of Distance Education and eLearning provides a set of recommended guidelines to further protect your meetings and help you respond to disruptions that may occur. Requiring authentication and not sharing links publicly are two easy measures you can take, but ODEE outlines even more security tactics you can use before, during, and after your Zoom meetings. View them here.
How to Check for Inclusive Language in Microsoft Word:
Microsoft Word can help ensure inclusive language in professional communications by checking your writing for gender bias, age bias, and more. This feature is turned off by default, so if you want to avoid using exclusionary language, here’s how to turn it on. Read more.
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This page is maintained by OSU Extension Community Development.
If you have trouble accessing this page and need to request an alternate format, contact extension-cd@osu.edu.
CFAES (College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information: www.go.osu.edu/cfaesdiversity.