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Lessons Learned. From the Mini-grants and other experiences Jan Seitz, Lisa Guion, Dee Williams, K.B. Paul, Ikbal Chowdhury, Reed Findlay, Jim Weising, Warren Schauer, Carolyn Penniman, Bill Carpenter, Mary Andrews. Organizational level.
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Lessons Learned From the Mini-grants and other experiences Jan Seitz, Lisa Guion, Dee Williams, K.B. Paul, Ikbal Chowdhury, Reed Findlay, Jim Weising, Warren Schauer, Carolyn Penniman, Bill Carpenter, Mary Andrews
Organizational level • We have a great deal of knowledge and experience among our colleagues/peers • Extension is located within university communities with strong international experiences, linkages and alumni contacts • Extension structures make it difficult to gain visibility for international efforts
Gaining on-campus support • International engagement helped bridge the gap between teaching, research and Extension • Accurate facts and demographics will gain support from decision makers
Stakeholder level • A lack of understanding of the implications of globalization among clientele and local leaders can present resistance. Local leaders need to be oriented to the broad concept of “internationalization” especially the domestic benefits
Responding to local diversity • Purposefully connect our activities to bring global dimensions to our programs with our efforts to become more diverse and multicultural • International programming aids local diversity efforts.
A Global Dimension • Integrating an international or global dimension into our Extension programming enriches ongoing programming • International experiences should reflect actual host country conditions
Supporting extension efforts abroad • International exposure yields immediate benefits in enlightening participants—need to capitalize on those experiences
Supporting extension efforts abroad • Those with international work experience are energized, recommitted to extension principles and able to illustrate the commonality of concerns across cultures/countries
International Linkages • Many valuable lessons can be adapted from the international stage to the local situation—specific technologies, low-tech adaptations, cooperatives, market chain developments, import substitution, structural adjustment, value-added approaches, etc.
Applying Technology • New web-based program delivery can reach and impact larger audiences and connect audiences across distances • Maintenance of websites is an ongoing concern. • Video conferencing can bring expertise together from around the world.
Learning--Acting • As staff gain greater knowledge and exposure, they need to be encouraged to act—integrate examples and experiences into programming, mobilize existing community interests, support family and peer involvement, create opportunities for international-multicultural exposure
Issues-oriented Approach • We live in a fast changing world—no one perspective or expertise is enough. Extension should approach global issues with a “public affairs” or “issues-oriented” approach to empower audiences to explore multiple perspectives and influences, not expect answers.
Congratulations and Thanks! • To all mini-grant recipients—for a job well done!