Course: Advising Local Programs, Section: Topic 1 - Exploring Program Thriving

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  • Advising Local Programs

    Purpose

    Cooperative Extension programs are called to understand local needs and participants through stakeholder engagement to develop educational programs.   The purpose of this course and experience is to help an Association meet the needs assessment requirement for programs – whether it be through guiding a formal advisory committee or informal advisory process.  

    The process and supporting information are intended to guide analysis of your current programs and planning for future direction.  The topics within this course are designed to assist CCE Associations in the process of reviewing and evaluating current program context and opportunities.  Program examples are included to give you guidance on how to use resources, but know that this can be applied to any program area.

    The course is designed for Extension staff, but the resources could be used with local volunteers.  While staff may take this course at any time, it may be particularly helpful as an Association seeks to meet the accreditation requirement for advisory committees, or for an Association in a leadership transition, or for those in the early stages of a strategic/program planning process. 

    This Moodle course is a resource for all staff to support the facilitation of Program Advisory Committees. To further connect and engage with colleagues enrolled versions of this course will be offered periodically. The course can also serve a template in developing custom learning experiences for programs, teams, and local associations. To request a guided experience or support building your own course- send an email to org_dev@cornell.edu.


Welcome: Intro
Topic 2 - Snapshot of Today

Topic 1 - Exploring Program Thriving

  • Topic 1 - Exploring Program Thriving

    Small wooden blocks that spell the word thrive, a hand is placing the final letter, the E. This first session is designed to create awareness and familiarity with the statewide mission, vision and values of your program, providing a framework and context for the reflection and planning steps that will follow.

    • WHAT WE’LL DO: 

      In this session, participants will: 

      • IMAGINE + CONNECT: Develop an elevator pitch.

      • REVIEW + CONSIDER: Review and reflect on the program’s Guiding Principles including research base to expand previous knowledge.

      • DO + CREATE: Complete Worksheet 1-Exploring Program Thriving.

      • DREAM & PLAN: Share with a Colleague

    • IMAGINE + CONNECT

      Your Elevator Speech

      Imagine stepping into the elevator with the director of a potential partner organization - someone that you know could help reach your goal of extending your program(s) to a new audience within your community. What would you say?

      Draft a compelling message to describe the mission and vision of your program(s) and how a partnership would be beneficial to both of your organizations and the community. 

      Need some help knowing where to start?  Take a look at your local plans of work. Often such documents include clear messaging that can help with an exercise like this.


    • REVIEW + CONSIDER


      Watch the introductory video Cornell Cooperative Extension: Helping New Yorkers Thrive and the Statewide Plan of Work related to your program.

      Note to Self: Reflecting on Your Program’s Statewide Mission, Vision & Values

      • What was new for you?
      • What connections were you able to make to your local program and community?
      • What questions do you have?


    • DO + CREATE

      Worksheet 1: Exploring Program Thriving

      Set your time for ½ hour.  During this time work through Worksheet 1 to consider what you know about your programs and what else you want to know.  

    • DREAM + PLAN:

      Who could you share your observations and questions with? Have a conversation with a colleague about your initial brainstorming.

Welcome: Intro
Topic 2 - Snapshot of Today