Posted on No Comments on CCE Saratoga County is seeking hosts for Master Food Preserver workshops

CCE Saratoga County is seeking hosts for Master Food Preserver workshops

The trend toward local foods and concern over where our food comes from, especially since the pandemic, has led to a resurgence of interest in home food preservation. Cornell Cooperative Extension has a long history of being a trusted and reliable source of information and education on this topic, and we strive to keep it that way. The goal of the Master Food Preserver workshop is to train CCE staff and volunteers so they have the knowledge and confidence to teach home food preservation to others.

The CCE Master Food Preserver program is taught by educators Diane Whitten, CCE Saratoga County and Karen Mort, CCE Albany County. The three-day Master Food Preserver workshop covers all the methods of home food preservation including: the scientific basis of food preservation, boiling water and pressure canning procedures, pickling procedures including fermentation and quick pickling, making gelled products, freezing and dehydration principles, plus other related preservation information.

Hosts are responsible for the cost of educational materials (copies of handbook, food, canning jars, etc.), hotel for the instructors, lunch for participants and a fee of $2500 paid to CCE Saratoga County. The host sets the price for attendance.

Maximum participants is 21. Participants may be staff, potential/current volunteers, or members of the public, they can be from one or more counties – the host can decide the purpose and the audience.   If you are interested in hosting a Master Food Preserver training in your county, contact Diane Whitten for more information at dwhitten@cornell.edu.

The following weeks are available for these three day workshops. Dates should be selected at least two months prior to the workshop to allow your association ample marketing time.

2024 Master Food Preserver Program Dates

April 30 – May 2                               CCE Cattaraugus County

May 14-16                                           OPEN

May 29-31                                           OPEN

June 11-13                                           CCE Seneca County (tentative)

More information about the Master Food Preserver Program can be found here: https://ccesaratoga.org/nutrition-food/master-food-preserver

 

Posted on No Comments on The Art of Gathering- Strategies for Boosting Attendance and Participation

The Art of Gathering- Strategies for Boosting Attendance and Participation

ESP to co-sponsor book-read around boosting attendance and participation

You may have seen in Program Staff News, that Kelly Campbell and Tess Southern are co-leading a collective book read and discussions around the book The Art of Gathering, by Priya Parker https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gathering .  The topic is of interest to many right now, and ESP Lambda Chapter is co-sponsoring this initiative as we want to encourage participation.


A little more info:
Shared purpose and inclusive approaches within meetings and teams can be challenging. This six-week series of biweekly gatherings will help you connect with colleagues looking to create engaging meetings, read and reflect on strategies, and create a plan to transform your own meeting.

If you’re interested and ready to fully engage in the Art of Gathering, register by March 1st and we’ll share how to prepare for our first gathering. For more information or questions about the experience, contact Kelly Campbell kmc86@cornell.edu or Tess Southern tas264@cornell.edu.

Posted on No Comments on ESP Lambda Chapter Announces Annual Meeting Date for 2024

ESP Lambda Chapter Announces Annual Meeting Date for 2024

Save the Date – December 12 – 1pm – 3pm Zoom

“Why announce annual meeting dates now? ” you might ask.  1. because we want you to come! and 2. because the topic  is one sure to be of interest.

“How to Energize Your Committee: Strategies for Boosting Attendance and Participation” is the professional development tied to ESP Lambda Chapter Annual Meeting this year.  The topic will connect with a book read – “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker being hosted by Kelly Campbell, CCE Volunteer Engagement Specialist.  

Getting volunteer committee members to want to come to meetings and to be actively engaged seems to be the topic of the year.  Is it post pandemic blahs?  Kelly Campbell  will share her insights and the insights and a recap of the book’s suggestions. Following the presentation and conversation, Epsilon Sigma Phi, Lambda Chapter will have it’s annual meeting. All are welcome to all or part of this event.
And yes, registration is up – sign up now and mark your calendar – https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlduqprjMjHtFo8B8ENxLeXV0xw4PilRvd 
Posted on No Comments on Professional Development Offering – Generative AI and Extension Work | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter

Professional Development Offering – Generative AI and Extension Work | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter

March 7, 2024 — 11am — Zoom
All are welcome!

Generative AI is all the buzz. What is it, and how can it be appropriate for Extension Work? Join Epsilon Sigma Phi, Lambda Chapter for professional development on this relevant topic. Learn about generative AI techniques like brainstorming with you, helping build drafts of lesson plans, and revising text for plain language. Ethical considerations are also addressed, ensuring that participants understand the responsible use of AI in extension work. We will leave time for peer-to-peer sharing as well (so bring your experiences to share).

Register: https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlce2vqzsjG9C-GRZGUF5X3aJnx7dJBgOE 

Posted on No Comments on “Hybrid Harmony: Enhancing Meetings Through Seamless Online and In-Person Collaboration” – December 14 – 1pm

“Hybrid Harmony: Enhancing Meetings Through Seamless Online and In-Person Collaboration” – December 14 – 1pm

with Charlie Pane – Outreach and Engagement Manager, CCE Ulster County + ESP Lambda Chapter member

Register: https://staff.cce.cornell.edu/professional-development-opportunities 

We are often hosting meetings for an in person and online team – but just how do we make those meetings run well?  The convergence of virtual and physical spaces is essential for fostering meaningful connections and maximizing productivity.  In this webinar Charlie Pane will share his experiences for mastering the art of seamless hybrid collaboration. The webinar will cover three key pillars:

  • Program Design Mastery: Strategies for crafting engaging agendas that cater to both virtual and physical attendees – balancing content delivery, interactive elements, and inclusive participation to ensure everyone feels connected and valued.
  • Production Setup and Technology Logistics: How do you use the technology at hand to do the job or what would help if you have a budget?      From audiovisual setups to camera placements and hybrid-friendly software, what are some secrets to a flawless technical execution?
  • Optimizing Hybrid Meeting Dynamics: Uncover techniques to facilitate smooth communication and interaction between online and in-person participants. We will also talk about tips for managing group dynamics, fostering engagement, and addressing challenges unique to hybrid setups.

Join us as we consider ways to redefine how we implement hybrid meetings…and stay if you are able for the Epsilon Sigma Phi Lambda Chapter Annual Meeting.  More peer-to-peer topics on the ESP-Lambda chapter page: https://blogs-dev.cornell.edu/esp-lambda/

Posted on No Comments on Good Practices for Hybrid Meetings + Annual Meeting | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter

Good Practices for Hybrid Meetings + Annual Meeting | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter

We have all been to meetings where Hybrid formats don’t work, we may have even been the organizer for some. Join us to hear from experts and practitioners about how-to (and how not to) welcome staff in person and virtually.

ESP Lambda Chapter’s annual meeting will follow the presentation and questions.  All are welcome to attend!

Registration link: https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUld-ytrjkuGtA5jsgnfbxhcCw9bJv6Vm2H

Posted on No Comments on Crafting Effective Learning Experiences with the Help of Instructional Design Models

Crafting Effective Learning Experiences with the Help of Instructional Design Models

Just like anyone else, I can get easily distracted, behind, rushed, and overwhelmed while trying to plan for a new program.  Learning that this feeling is not “just me” and that others that I look up to struggle and look for methods of to overcome the “too busy to plan” feeling has upped my game over the years.  Reflecting on the steps in an Instructional Design Models is one way that I do this.

A new cohort of the Program Development Leadership Cohort (PDLC) that was kicked off this week – we start the work by reflecting on what has worked for each of us in designing programs, and considering effectiveness strategies that others have put into place that we have witnessed as successful.  And then we look at how similar all of our ideas really are – and how similar the many versions of instructional design models are.  Essentially – when we take time to assess needs, develop clear objectives, design a program for the primary audience, create an implementation plan for effectiveness, and then evaluate against our objectives – we are more likely to provide an effective learning experience.  Sounds simple…but it does take practice – which is just what we do in PDLC.

I find reflecting on a program development model helps me to ensure that I’ve considered thoughts and ideas of others and research, and keeps me focused on the task at hand while mindful and curious about what could be.  While I embrace the iterative process (in a model like Dick and Carey), I tend to lean into the ADDIE model as  a simple way to think of the parts and pieces.  Documenting steps and keeping notes in a place that I can find them is really key for me.  At the moment OneNote is my go to…thought this does change depending on my collaborators and projects.

So…if you are thinking – “how can I make sure that my programs/projects move forward, address needs, and are welcoming to your audience – I might suggest using a PD Model to nudge your action steps and keep you moving forward.  Want to know more about program development models?  Check out the resources – including a short tutorial at: https://staff.cce.cornell.edu/courses/ccepdc-101/program-development-concepts-and-models 

Celeste Carmichael is a Program Development Specialist for CCE Administration.

 

Posted on No Comments on ESP Professional Development Webinars Announced

ESP Professional Development Webinars Announced

Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) – Lambda Chapter has announced a series of professional development offerings for 20223  Hope that you will consider registering, participating, and bringing along a colleague or two.

ESP is a national extension professional development organization that anyone who works for Extension can join.  This series is open to all (membership not required + no fee for attendance).

March 9 – 1pm Conversations + Collegial Connections | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter.  Did you know that collegial connections can aid in staff retention (yours, mine, and ours)?! Join us for a conversation about staff retention and an introduction to Extension professional development organizations that can help our staff (and help us) to feel connected to others.

June 8 – 1pm.  What Educators Need to Know about Open Meetings Laws | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter.   What is “Open Meetings Law” and how does it impact Extension work? What should you pay attention and what procedures are we required to follow (and when)? Join us for some basics, and to grow your foundation of knowledge to help your work.

September 14 – 1pm Conversations + Collegial Connections – Part 2 | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter  Similar presentation as March 9  Did you know that collegial connections can aid in staff retention (yours, mine, and ours)?! Join us for a conversation about staff retention and an introduction to Extension professional development organizations that can help our staff (and help us) to feel connected to others.

December 14 – 1pm Good Practices for Hybrid Meetings + Annual Meeting | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter  We have all been to meetings where Hybrid formats don’t work, we may have even been the organizer for some. Join us to hear from experts and practitioners about how-to and how not to welcome staff in person and virtually.

Posted on No Comments on Effective Meeting Practices + Tips – followed by ESP Annual Meeting | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter

Effective Meeting Practices + Tips – followed by ESP Annual Meeting | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter

How many meetings have you attended and/or coordinated and hosted?  How many times have you wished you knew a little more about the general parliamentary procedure?  It can be overwhelming.  This session will provide you with tools to determine if a meeting would benefit from the parliamentary procedure as well as basic knowledge and some easy-to-follow resources you can rely on.  You don’t have to know it all, to help assure smoother and more productive meetings.

Join us on December 8 at 11 am as our colleague and CCE Rensselaer County Executive Director, Bernie Wiesen, shares guidance and resources about parliamentary procedure.

Extension professionals spend a significant amount of their professional time planning, hosting and/or attending meetings.  Meetings are a necessity but the magnification of meeting fatigue brought on by the pandemic,  getting an engaged and robust turn out to meetings has never been a larger challenge.   If you can improve the experience someone has at a meeting, you will increase the chance that they will return to future meetings with a positive and productive demeanor.

There are many elements to a meeting that make it successful and parliamentary procedure is just one element that may help assure meeting goers have a good experience.  By definition, parliamentary procedure is a set of guidelines that are generally accepted as it relates to ethics, rules and expectations governing meetings of an organization or group.  Ideally, parliamentary procedure lays the foundation for objectiveness that results in orderly discussion and questions that will result in the will of the majority of the group.  If used properly, parliamentary procedure can help assure fair discussion, management of time, and opportunity for all to engage, and instill a sense of purpose and belonging for those present.  And it can be fun!

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn how to assess the needs of a variety of extension meeting types and fit for parliamentary procedure
  2. Become familiar with resources providing background and information for parliamentary procedure
  3. Receive a quick sheet with references and information for quick “look up”
  4. Become familiar with the context of parliamentary procedure
  5. Become familiar with how to best use parliamentary procedure to enhance the other strengths of the meeting

The first 10 participants to log on that day will receive a gift from ESP. This workshop is a part of a series of offerings being organized by Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) – Lambda Chapter, ESP is a national extension professional development organization that anyone who works for Extension can join.

Register here.

Posted on No Comments on Networking Session for ESP Members and Friends

Networking Session for ESP Members and Friends

You are invited!  And…bring a friend!

ESP will host a Networking Session during Ag Inservice | November 16 from 4:30 – 6 at the Big Red Barn – head upstairs and look for our table, sign, and chapter president Arlene Wilson.  Come stop by —  say hello, enjoy snacks, or pitch your Extension professional development idea to ESP Lambda Chapter officers.

See FB post and calendar item: https://fb.me/e/3NrO6uFTo