This appendix gives further details on the four core program areas and an elaboration of the meaning of a seamless organization. It also provides a context for the funding and technology recommendations.
Programs
• Agriculture and Natural Resources
Agriculture and natural resources programs should focus on unbiased, research-based information and state-of-the-art agricultural technology. Citizens have access to information from throughout the system according to their need. Local Extension offices should provide local visibility and access to information on agriculture, gardening, and the environment. Subject matter experts provide expertise and information on cutting edge advances in commercial agriculture. U of I Extension should emphasize the use of information technologies for communicating with the agriculture community. Current examples include StratSoy, available on the Internet; distance education provided for workshops or advanced course work; and department home pages on the Internet that offer inventories of research and information resources. Programs in agriculture and natural resources rely on effective and efficient partnerships and collaborations between U of I Extension and private industries, organizations, agencies, community colleges, and other state universities.
• Youth Development and 4-H
Youth development is essential to the mission of U of I Extension. Programs for youth development and 4-H require a solid link between local need, local expertise, and subject matter experts. Extension must integrate youth programs across the entire system. Extension Educators provide local program development, delivery, and leadership for youth programs, with oversight by local Councils and input from youth development/4-H subject matter experts. Youth and 4-H programs must rely upon a research base. The critical needs of youth must continue to be addressed by 4-H programming, as well as by leadership development and other initiatives including those in the College of Applied Life Studies. Programs call heavily upon local volunteers for delivery. High-quality, ongoing training is needed for the volunteers and programs to be successful. Partnerships with existing agencies serving youth are important to the success of local programming, as is the use of advanced information technologies to reach youth and youth educators.
• Family and Consumer Sciences
Programming in family and consumer sciences serves to address the critical needs of and pressures upon families. Drawing on the expertise of U of I Extension subject matter experts and a solid research base, local Extension Educators help identify needs and deliver programs in the local community. Family and consumer sciences programs include a broad range of topics in human and family development, consumer economics, nutrition, and health. Local Councils define the type of programming and local staff in their Extension office. Subject matter experts provide statewide program leadership and program development. Partnerships with agencies and private companies are important to the success of programming. The use of information technology is essential to reach the broad range of Illinois families.
• Community and Economic Development
Programs in community and economic development address critical needs across the state to maintain and strengthen communities. U of I Extension must advance collaborative efforts with public and private organizations and work with local Extension Councils to identify the needs of communities to build capacity in human resources, encourage local entrepreneurship, stimulate economic development, and create collaborations among community organizations. Subject matter experts should provide leadership in this area. University research will be the basis of information for community leaders and local Councils to define their priorities and get help in initiating programs and events and raising community awareness about community and individual economic opportunities. Extension should take the initiative, along with community leaders to heighten the awareness of community and economic development. Programs in community and economic development emphasize partnerships with public and private organizations.
• Leadership Development
Leadership development is a multidisciplinary program important in developing volunteers, local Councils, and stakeholders in each program area. Its focus is improved leadership competencies and empowerment of citizens. The objective is to develop leadership skills, public policy knowledge, and problem-solving skills among local officials, volunteers, youth, and Extension professional staff.