Extension in the City

Bonnie D. McGee, Ph.D.

Professor and Assistant Director for Urban Programs Texas Cooperative Extension The Texas A&M University System

Extension’s Mission “to enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work”

Extension in the 21 st Century Never in our history has there been a greater need for Extension than there is today and will be in the 21 st Century.

The greatest challenge that Extension will face in the 21 st Century will be our ability to change as the needs of our customers change.

“If Extension is to thrive, it must understand and adjust to this rapidly changing world.”

- Extension Vision for the 21 st Century

For Success:

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Value Diversity Accept Change More Flexible Engaged at All Levels Expand Involvement of Community Leaders Accountability and Program Interpretation

The greatest risk we face is not to change while our customers continue to change.

Urban Benefits to Extension

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Outreach to diverse/minority audience

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Application of sound science to address urban problems

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New educational methods

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Agents develop new area of expertise

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Visibility

Urban Population

Texas Population - 21,325,018 Almost 50% of population (7 Counties) 83% of population (25 Counties)

Urban Initiative

Texas Cooperative Extension

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Urban Initiative

Organizational realization of need

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Administrative commitment

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Strategic plan

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Structure changes

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Organizational commitment for support

Urban Program Response

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Issue based programs Collaboration/networking School enrichment programs Diversity of staff/clientele Master Volunteers

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External funding Marketing/public relations

“If you want to continue to receive funds for Extension programs in rural areas, you must convince the urban legislators that Extension is a valid investment for tax dollars. What I’m telling you is that if you want to continue to have rural Extension programs, you must have good urban Extension programs.”

― Pete Laney

Speaker, Texas House of Representatives

Urban Extension Programs: Improve Access

Urban Extension Programs: Expand Educational Capacity

Urban Extension Programs: Provide Program Direction

Urban Extension Programs: Leverage Resources

Organizations lose their effectiveness when their memories become greater than their dreams.

Doug Andrews County Extension Director – Dallas County Texas Cooperative Extension The Texas A&M University System Bouche Mickey County Extension Director – Fort Bend County Texas Cooperative Extension The Texas A&M University System