August 15, 2016
National Professional Development Opportunity: January 17 – February 27, 2017
Volunteers are fundamental to many successful Extension programs. Research indicates that nearly one third of volunteers will choose not to continue volunteering based on poor management practices. Achieving the Extension Mission Through Volunteers is an online cohort course for the novice and experienced professional working with volunteers to enhance and deliver Extension programs. It is designed to:
● Build staff and organizational capacity around volunteer management and development
● Increase volunteer management competencies
● Build knowledge and skills to identify, recruit, select, and support volunteers
● Learn current volunteer trends and how they may impact programming
● Understand the organization’s philosophy related to volunteerism and develop your own philosophy
Recruitment has begun for the 2017 cohorts. Registration is open to all North Central Region Extension Agents. Space is limited. After October 20, the course will open nationally to Extension staff. A cohort will be 30-40 individuals from across program areas. This course is being brought to you by the North Central Region 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Specialists. Course is recommended for staff with at least one year of experience. Experienced staff members have found this very valuable as well. Kansas had five participants in 2015.
During this 6-week course members participate in pre-recorded sessions, readings, activities and 3 live webinars, interact with a wide variety of resources and hear from experts. The course is led by a facilitator team. Each module will require approximately 4 - 6 hours each week. Guest contributors include:
- Jim Rutledge, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor and Executive Director 4-H Foundation, Inc. 4-H Foundation
Development Manager at Oklahoma State University
Dr. Rutledge shares his work on the professional development stages of the Extension professional and helps cohort members discover how THEIR professional development stages influence their capacity to reach larger audiences with more valuable educational programs.
- Nancy Franz, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, School of Education at Iowa State University
Dr. Franz discusses personal, organizational, and public value related to volunteers in Extension. She has done extensive work on Communicating Value and its importance for Extension and its volunteers.
This course is valued at $250. As a North Central regional project, this course will be offered to you for $100; after you register here, use the code, NCRVS, when you checkout. Register early. After October 20, registration will be open for participants nationwide. To learn more: https://youtu.be/MKIVl8WBVkQ
For more information contact Pam Van Horn, pvanhorn@ksu.edu.