December 14, 2015
Online Professional Development Opportunity: Achieving the Extension Mission Through Volunteers
Colleagues with Volunteer Responsibilities,
KSRE Extension professionals are encouraged to register for an online professional development course, Achieving the Extension Mission through Volunteers. This is an online, cohort-based course. Here are the basics:
• Course begins on January 19, 2016 and lasts for six weeks
• Individuals will be expected to commit to 4-6 hours per week to complete content
• Course content (attached) focuses primarily on theories and practices of developing strong volunteer systems, including the ISOTURE model
• Individuals from any Extension program utilizing volunteers are encouraged to participate including Master Gardener, Master Naturalists, etc.
• Facilitators are from a variety of states and program areas
• Course is recommended for entry-level individuals who have at least one year of volunteer management experience and focuses on strengthening an existing skill set
• Cost is $100 per person for individuals in the North Central Region
One eighteen-year Extension professional who participated in the pilot course described it as the "best professional development experience" of his career; others shared how it gave them stronger skill sets to improve their county program.
If you have questions about the course, please contact North Central Region contacts, Molly Frendo at mefrendo@umn.edu. Questions about registration should be directed to Colleen Byrne at bryne015@umn.edu.