Organizing for Global Impact: the Globalizing Extension Innovation Network of the Cooperative Extension System
Extension Education
John Porter
Extension Educator/Assistant Professor
Nebraska Extension
Omaha
Abstract
The U. S. Cooperative Extension System (CES) hides an untapped treasure of experience able to contribute globally to impact people’s lives. The Globalizing Extension Innovation Network (GEIN) was formed to inventory and make connections within and across the CES of extension educators prepared to be agents of change at a geographically limitless level. This poster presents a five-year collection of experience within CES in efforts internationally or working with immigrant communities and the GEIN innovation to integrate global dynamics and cultural knowledge in extension programs.
The impacts of GEIN include 1) the development of publications and resources for educators, administrators, and stakeholders to support global engagement of all levels of extension, 2) the development of relationships to support programs like Farmer-to-Farmer appointments, and 3) a strategic plan to strengthen global extension engagement across CES through professional development, networking, mentoring, and connection to APLU ECOP, USDA, and other partners. GEIN will serve as a foundation for establishing partnerships, creating professional development opportunities for educators, and serving as a point of entry for educators wishing to integrate global programming and international opportunities to their work portfolios.
In addition, GEIN has developed a sub-group on the Extension Foundation’s Connect Extension platform as a one-stop resource for accessing a knowledge base of Extension system experiences, best practices, and partnership opportunities for extension educators to engage with global programs. The GEIN sub-group will offer followers an opportunity through topic discussions to engage and network with peers.
We also share lessons learned from previous experience or advocating on behalf of the integration of global and international programming contributes to our local extension stakeholders and community. GEIN promotes the value of global dynamics and cultural knowledge integrated in programming from a shared pool of knowledge across the country, helping our systems engage globally at home and abroad.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: John Porter, Deanna Behring, Ben Grove, John Vreyens
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Porter, J. Extension Program Leader/Educator, UNL Extension, Nebraska, 68124
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Behring, D. Assistant Dean and Director of Ag Sciences Global Faculty Affiliate, Penn State University, Pennsylvania, 16802
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Grove, B. Associate Director, Strategy and Administration, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 24061
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Vreyens, J. Director, Extension Global Initiatives, University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota, 55108