Seeking a member to serve as the ESP representative to the Journal of Extension (JOE) Board (EJI)

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You'd Have to Be Crazy to Host a National Conference

Submitted by Roni Baker, Montana State University Extension

When one of my Montana State University Extension colleagues calls me to say they think we should host a national conference, my first thought is “Are you crazy?”

I protest. I say things like, “I’m not certain it is the right decision.” I deflect and say I’m not the right person to serve in these leadership roles and on sub-committees. I ask questions and make statements that seem pragmatic. How do we know what might be going on in our personal or professional lives two-three years from now? It seems like a big (and long) undertaking. We are such a small state by faculty count. Are we sure hosting is the best thing?

Somehow my colleagues, whom I admire greatly, are willing to commit. At first, I am astonished that they will take on the task. Later, I am awed at their accomplishments and by extension (pun intended) our accomplishments.

Once Montana decided to bring people together, the tasks started to fall into place. Forming a clear and reasonable timeline as well as a communication structure from the beginning was key. Connecting with the ESP Board and National Office to determine the division of tasks allowed us to become clear on the expectations for our state. Finding leadership for the sub committees who were dedicated and creative in their tasks throughout the process helped to spread out the event into a reasonable time commitment for everyone. Meeting together as Montana Extension to put our own stamp on conference components, such as the opening event, native dancers and Montana Moment videos, created such pride and connection. Gathering volunteers who could sign up to be part of the team generated great energy across the state.

Once again, my questions as we hosted National ESP Conference in 2023 in Montana.

Are we sure hosting is the best thing?

Only if you…

• Want to have a project where you can connect with your colleagues and learn from their talents and strengths.

• Want to have role modeling of leadership structures and styles that will carry through your organization to numerous other events and projects for years to come.

• Want to be amazed by what your piece of this large, important network can do.

• Want to grow together in your careers and commitment.

• Want to shepherd in the next generation of Extension educators, provide mentorship, and see your system well grounded.

• Want to learn different perspectives on the work we do that can push us to adapt our programs and models of delivery.

• Want to help plan for presentations, poster sessions and speakers that inspire and provide great professional development.

• Want to showcase your state and Extension program.

• Want to connect with colleagues both new and old in inspiring ways.

• Want to grow closer as an organization, as professionals, and as friends.

• Want to finish the conference feeling exhilarated in a way that only dedicated effort allows.

To answer the question, I ask of the colleagues who volunteer to host national events, “Are you crazy?” The answer is they are, but only in the most inspiring and amazing ways.

Consider hosting the National ESP Conference. It is an opportunity you will not regret! Email of intent from the North Central Region to host the 2026 National ESP Conference are due by February 1. Don't miss out on the opportunity to bring ESP to your state!

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Do you know the “Road to 100” Campaign?

Submitted by the Resource Development and Management Committee

Epsilon Sigma Phi is looking forward to the year 2027 when ESP celebrates its 100^th Anniversary.  ESP wants to provide more educational and supportive programming to members for the next 100 years by creating an invested operating fund reserve to support the operations of our organization.  Yes, this special fund donation is tax deductible and will go toward growth and maintenance of Epsilon Sigma Phi operations, helping to keep member dues and conference fees lower in the future.

This year at our conference, a “Road to 100 Campaign” started to raise $100 per member over five years by offering the first of five stickers at $20 each.  ESP was founded in 1927 so this is recognizing the 100th year anniversary by each member giving $19.27 ($20) per year from 2023 to 2027 (5 years).  A special sticker will be given annually which can be attached to a hard paper plaque for display or placed on water bottles, iPads, or other objects to show your support.

Many members got their 2023 stickers at the 2023 conference, but don’t worry if you missed purchasing a sticker in Montana. ESP Board members will have stickers at the Extension Leadership Conference in February, or you can collect your 2023 sticker at the 2024 conference. More details about this fundraising effort will be forthcoming. 

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Financial Report of the Development Fund

for Campaign Year 2023

Submitted by the Resource Development and Management Committee

(Part of the report to the ESP National Council on September 28, 2023)

In the fundraising campaign year spanning from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, National Epsilon Sigma Phi realized notable financial achievements. The organization received a total of $17,475 in contributions from 160 generous donors, marking an impressive growth in contributions of 32.87% compared to the previous year, 2022.

Our lifetime member/chapter donations now stand at an impressive $557,270, securely held within the restricted principal of our Development Fund. This fund is meticulously managed, in strict accordance with the guidelines outlined in the ESP Handbook, under the capable oversight of the Resource Development and Management (RDM) Committee and the National Board of Directors, in partnership with our professional investment managers Patten and Patten.  We are pleased to report that ESP investment funds exhibited substantial growth during a bear market for the fiscal period, with an increase of 7.55%.

Our commitment to serving our members remains unwavering. In 2023, we proudly awarded $42,449 back into our organization through scholarships, grants, stipends, and professional development opportunities.

In alignment with the ESP’s fiscal policy, the Development Fund is budgeted to spend $46,925 from the Development Fund in 2024. These funds will be utilized to provide scholarships, stipends, and grants aimed at supporting our valued members and for enhancing ESP professional development opportunities. We had a 2.05% increase in income (spending rule distribution) from the Development Fund for 2024, driven by the performance of the Development Fund in the preceding years.

At the time of this report the Development Fund account was yielding a 9.19% return.  The market value of the Development Fund, as of August 1, 2023, was $957,812.92.  Total lifetime funds distributed back to ESP members has been $693,256.

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Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Use-Efficiency Training & Outreach Efforts in St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Submitted by Dr. Jehangir H. Bhadha, Associate Professor, University of Florida

Addressing the challenges of excess or lack of nutrients is critical to ensure global food security and a sound environment. In agricultural production, fertilizers have long been used to provide supplemental nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) for high crop yields. However, excess nutrients can potentially degrade downstream and surrounding ecosystems through the process known as eutrophication, that can lead to the collapse of biodiversity. Conversely, in some parts of the world such as the Caribbean Islands, agricultural soils are highly depleted, and there is not enough fertilizer to ensure a secure food supply. In September 2023, Dr. Jango Bhadha (ESP Global Relations) along with colleagues from the University of Florida visited the Island of St. Vincent to provide training to local growers and agricultural stakeholders. The event was co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Agency for International Development/Eastern & Southern Caribbean Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry & Labor, Government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Taiwan International Cooperation & Development Fund. The training consisted of two days of interactive presentations and one day of field work. This training was primarily aimed at further increasing the technical knowledge, skills and attitudes of technical officers, supervisors, managers, practitioners in agriculture and farmers in soil fertility and efficient use of fertilizers, thus improving on their capacities to choose the specific technology that best suit the needs of plant health and nutrition and see it through to fruition. Presentation topics included soil microbiology, soil-health, organic matter, water and fertilizer management. The training was facilitated by experts in various fields related to soil fertility and fertilizer application and the courses were designed to ensure that the participants benefited from the various topics. The joint classroom and field sessions explored soil fertility as a key catalyst of overall soil productivity.

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ESP UCDA Affinity Group - February Quarterly Live Discussion 

Date and time: February 13, 2024 at 11:30 AM CT/ 12:30 PM ET 

Registration link: https://bit.ly/FebUCDA

Description:  The Secret Weapon 

Presenter: Dr. Dianna Carmenaty

Join us for our February Quarterly Live Discussion featuring Dr. Dianna Carmenaty, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Administration at Park University. Dr. Carmenaty's journey from a police trainee with limited opportunities to a distinguished educator is nothing short of inspirational. Discover how Dr. Carmenaty transformed into the "Secret Weapon," a peer title earned through perseverance and dedication during her academic journey of earning the first Ph.D. while actively serving as a San Antonio police officer. 

Dr. Carmenaty's story is one of resilience and triumph, and she has emerged as a distinguished educator, imparting knowledge in universities across Texas, New Mexico, Iowa, and now Missouri. Her passion for teaching and commitment to aligning pedagogy with professional standards ensures a holistic and impactful learning experience for her students.