Number CLXXVI The Newsletter of Epsilon Sigma PhiSeptember 2024


 President's Message

Travis West, National ESP President

In less than 6 weeks, over 280 of us will be gathered in Virginia Beach for the National meeting. I look forward to connecting with old friends and meeting new colleagues as I wrap up my Presidential year. If you have been to the national meeting, make sure that you look up a new attendee (there will be over 80 of them) to connect with and converse about your extension programs and ESP involvement. It has been a great year with a dedicated board, and we have 2 new members joining the board to continue guiding our organization into the future, Paul Roback – WI (NC Region VP) and Jenna Daniel – GA (Southern Region VP). Tyrone Gentry – KY will be continuing on the board but stepping into the 2nd VP spot and the start of his 4-year presidential journey. 

As I reflect on the past year, I can truly say it has been an awesome year and a professional development opportunity that I am glad I tackled and there are many to thank for the encouragement to serve this organization. I can say with confidence that the national board, national office staff, affinity group members and committee members all have a strong passion for ESP and are working to make sure the organization is strong for many years to come. My last challenge as President is to encourage you to consider how you contribute to the success of the national organization while benefiting your state chapter and yourself as an extension professional:

  1. If you are attending the National meeting, attend a committee meeting or affinity group meeting. These are open to any members NOT just those that are appointed committee members and there are 2 committee meetings throughout the week.

  2. Indicate your committee interest on the sign in sheet at the regional breakfast, this will trigger an email from the national committee chair inviting you to participate in their national committee meetings throughout the year. This is a great way to communicate information back to your chapter (maybe you have a committee at the chapter level that matches the national committee) and provide input from your chapter to the national committee work. Your involvement can be as basic as joining one meeting and seeing what that committee is working on or joining that committee as an affiliate. 

  3. Affiliate membership is a relatively new role (less than 7 years old so in extension term that still meets the new category!) and is meant to allow members to formalize their involvement by agreeing to attend most of the committee meetings and contribute to the discussion within those meetings. You can find more out about Committee Affiliates at https://portal.espnational.org/National-Committees-Guidelines . The Board did make some changes to the description of affiliates further defining the intent of the role as an opportunity to “test the waters and see what this committee is all about” with the ultimate goal that affiliates would serve no more than 2 years and then submit an application to become an appointed member of that committee. Think of this logic as creating a “pipeline” of committee members coming in as affiliates to “check things out” and then moving to appointed members to “contribute to the work plan” of the committee and provide valuable service to ESP. 

As I close my chapter as ESP President, I can honestly say this has been a great experience that has moved me forward as an extension professional and only deepened the passion and commitment I have for Epsilon Sigma Phi. I look forward to connecting with some of you in Virgina Beach and others on calls, webinars or the many extension conferences throughout the year. I always enjoy a chance to share extension programs and promote the value of ESP to the extension professional. 


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 ESP Announces Exciting Lineup of Presenters for Upcoming Webinar Series

The ESP National Professional Development Committee is thrilled to announce a stellar lineup of presenters for its upcoming professional development webinar series. This monthly series, held on the second Monday of each month, will feature expert insights on a variety of topics relevant to extension professionals. Tentative times will be 1 pm ET/10 am PT.  

Webinar Series Dates and Presenters:

  • October 14, 2024: Andree Walker Bravo will delve into "Understanding the Needs and Priorities of Elected Officials."

  • November 11, 2024: Stephen Brady will explore "Expanding Your Leadership Potential Utilizing a Cultural Lens."

  • December 9, 2024: Jenna Daniel will discuss "Community Health Coalitions: Extension as an Integrated Partner."

  • January 13, 2025: Kaitlyn Peine will present on "Extension Agent Retention Research Study: Practices that Promote Longevity."

  • February 10, 2025: Surine Greenway will share insights on "Get the Dish!: Collaboration to Extend Extension's Educational Reach."

  • March 10, 2025: Jenny Lobb will explore "Book Clubs as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy."

These webinars offer ESP members a unique opportunity to enhance their skills, network with colleagues, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field. Individual webinar registrations will be released the month before each event. 

Be on the lookout for registration details coming soon to your inbox!


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ESP Members Professional Development Opportunity at the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece

From April 1-10, 2025, Extension professionals have a unique professional development opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge at the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece. One of the key benefits of this professional development opportunity is the exposure to international agricultural practices. By learning from experts in a different cultural and environmental context, Extension professionals can gain new perspectives and ideas that can be adapted to their local programming. This cross-cultural exchange fosters innovation and creativity, enabling participants to implement more effective and sustainable solutions in their communities.

Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of community engagement and education. Participants will learn how to develop and deliver impactful educational programs that address the specific needs of their local populations. This experience will enhance their ability to communicate complex agricultural concepts in an accessible and engaging manner, ultimately leading to more successful outreach efforts.

This immersive experience is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about agricultural extension education in a Greek context and work with Perrotis College faculty and staff to learn about innovative and sustainable farming practices.  A Greek cooking class, city history tour, and local farmers market will be included.  Learning tours to area farm and agricultural production facilities are also part of the immersion experience.    

The American Farm School, established in 1904, is renowned for its innovative approach to agricultural education. (https://www.afs.edu.gr/afs-at-a-glance/)  Participants will engage in a variety of educational classroom and field activities, including sensory analysis workshops with products such as feta cheese, wine, honey, herbs, and olive oil. They will also have the chance to tour the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its experimental farms and research centers1.   

Leadership Workshop with Greek High School Students

A unique aspect of this program is the opportunity for participants to teach leadership skills through a workshop with Greek high school students. This workshop will allow Extension professionals to share their expertise in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving with the next generation of agricultural leaders. By engaging with these students, participants will not only contribute to their personal development but also gain insights into the educational needs and aspirations of young people in Greece.

This interaction will provide a valuable platform for Extension professionals to practice and refine their teaching and mentoring skills. It will also foster a sense of global community and collaboration, as participants and students work together to explore new ideas and approaches to leadership in agriculture.

Overall, the professional development opportunity at the American Farm School offers Extension professionals a chance to broaden their horizons, gain valuable skills, and bring back innovative practices to improve their local agricultural programs. This experience is not only a step forward in their professional growth but also a significant contribution to the advancement of sustainable agriculture in their communities. Two off-site cultural experiences are included: hiking in the Enipea Canyon near Mount Olympus and a visit to UNESCO World Heritage site Meteora, which features monasteries built in the 11th century atop of limestone pillars.  

Trip registration information will come out in mid-late September.  Trip Cost is estimated to be around $2500-3000 which includes all program fees, all lodging, most meals, in country ground transportation (including airport shuttle), park entrance fees, translation services).  This fee does not include airfare. 

For more information contact ESP Global Relations member Steve Brady at Brady.111@osu.edu.

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Don't Forget to Add On a Tour for your Conference Registration!

There are still limited spots available to take a pre-conference tour while attending the National ESP Conference!

Don’t miss out on the exciting tours at the 2024 National ESP Conference. These guided experiences offer unique insights into Virginia’s rich history and natural beauty, including fishing the Chesapeake Bay, the Virginia Aquarium, the Brock Environmental Center, and more. Each tour is designed to provide hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and a chance to explore the local area in an engaging and informative way. Be sure to book your spot today and take advantage of these special offerings before they fill up! 

Add On A Tour Today

Call For Auction Items

*NEW AUCTION INFORMATION: Due to Virginia Alcohol Licensing and Permit requirements we are only able to receive wine donations for the auction. No beer or hard liquor is permitted. 

As in the past, we would appreciate receiving donations for the LIVE and SILENT auctions. These two auctions have been a tradition at each ESP Conference.  The funds received from the auction are used for ESP recognition awards, scholarships, and grants given to our members.  In addition, you can have “fun” outbidding your colleagues for the item you really, really want to take home. 

Please deliver your items during the registration times to the Auction Table near the Registration Desk at the conference on Monday, October 28, or Tuesday, October 29, along with a completed ESP Auction Donation Form with a description and the estimated value of your item.  The link to the form is at: ESP Auction Donation Form. Upon request, we will provide you with a receipt.

If you plan to donate item(s) for the auction, each item must be registered. Use the Donation Form for each item you donate to the auction. Complete the form(s) and turn both in at the Auction Table near the Registration Desk. Include a description and an estimated value for the item. If it is an item for the live auction, the description can help create interest among the buyers, particularly when there is a history or story about it.

If you wish to ship your donation, please ensure it will arrive in Virginia on or before October 22, 2024. Remember to include the ESP Auction Donation Form in your shipment and send it to:

Ruth Wallace, ESP Auction Co-Chair

Virginia Cooperative Extension

54 Administration Lane

PO Box 227

Buckingham, VA 23921

Questions? Please contact co-chairs Ruth Wallace at ruwallac@vt.edu or (434) 969-4261 or Jennifer Bowen at jebowen1@vt.eduor (434)738-6191 ext. 4371. 

Have You Made Your Conference Donation Yet?

We’re so excited to announce that there are two ways in which you can support ESP in conjunction with the national conference. The first is the traditional $100 donation to the ESP Development Fund to receive the conference lapel pin. The second option supports ESP’s Operating Development Fund through the Road to 100 sticker campaign. Last year was the inaugural year of the campaign as we prepare to celebrate Epsilon Sigma Phi’s 100th anniversary in 2027. For the five years leading up to the 100th anniversary celebration, members have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative sticker for $19.27 (we were chartered in 1927). Those who purchase a commemorative sticker in each of the five years will have contributed a total of $96.35 to the endowment and be given the opportunity to donate an additional $3.65 to make it an even $100 in celebration of 100 years. These donations will help to bolster our operating investment funds which help to offset operating costs and keep member dues to a minimum. There are still a limited number of 2023 stickers available if you missed out on starting your collection at last year’s conference.

There are two ways donations can be made toward the yearly commemorative pin and the special anniversary commemorative stickers. Donations can be made as an add-on when you register for the conference, or you can make the donations and receive the pin and sticker on location during the conference. Either way you’ll be supporting a great cause!

   

Official 2024 ESP Conference Pin $100 Donation

The Second Sticker in the Road to 100 Collection, $19.27 Donation

Reserve Your Pin or Sticker Today!


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ESP Life Members Reunite at Virginia Beach

We're looking forward to seeing and learning from life members at Virginia Beach in October. We’ll gather for networking at 4:00 PM prior to the opening event on Monday, October 28. This will be a great time to see who’s there and plan for additional interaction during the conference.

There are two tours planned for you. In order to avoid conflicts with the conference both are being offered on Wednesday afternoon, October 30th. Choices are either to visit the 175 acres and 53 themed gardens of the Norfolk Botanical Garden by tram and on foot OR learn about the maritime intersection of environment, industry, and military visiting the Nauticus discovery center and battleship Wisconsin. You will need to make your selection when you register! Please register early. See you soon. Karen Vines – Virginia Alpha Gamma Chapter ESP Life Member Tour Chair kavines@gmail.com

Book Your Tour TODAY!

Save the Date: Past President's Reception

All Past National ESP Presidents are invited to attend the Past President's Reception at the National ESP Conference on Wednesday October 30th, 2024 from 11:00-11:45 am. Past President's registered fore the conference will receive an email with more details prior to the conference.

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JCEP Announces Dates, Locations for 2025 conferences

The Joint Commission of Extension Professionals (JCEP) provides learning opportunities for Extension professionals. Mark your calendars for the 2025 conferences.

  • ELC (Extension Leadership Conference) will be held February 19-20, 2025 in Savannah, GA.
  • PILD (Public Issues Leadership Development) will be held April 7-9 in Arlington, VA, with April 9 reserved for Hill visits.

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Announcing the 2026 National ESP Conference Location: Springfield, IL. Official dates and details coming soon.
Thank you to Illinois Alpha Nu Chapter for hosting

Save the Date

2024 ESP National Conference October 27-31 Virginia Beach, Virginia

2025 ESP National Conference October 6-9 Fort Worth, Texas

2026 ESP National Conference Springfield, Illinois


JCEP ELC February 19-20, 2025 Savannah Georgia

JCEP PILD April 7-9, 2025 Arlington, VA

This newsletter is a publication of Epsilon Sigma Phi, Inc. - The Extension Professionals' Organization

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