Many Extension professional associations have had trouble getting members to participate in national leadership opportunities. The study reported here examined the perception of members of a national Extension professional organization (NAE4-HA) regarding specific leadership actions. It found the single act of taking on a leadership position…

The authors provide techniques for deciding how to allocate resources during financial cutbacks for extension programs. They focus on positive outcomes such as increased effectiveness and innovation. (CH)

Extension has four roles in the economic development arena: (1) providing perspective, (2) increasing the knowledge base, (3) teaching management skills, and (4) shaping institutional structure. In different states, extension will find different appropriate roles in economic development education. (CH)

The authors discuss the use and development of a working philosophy for extension professionals. (CH)

The federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership assists small and medium-sized enterprises in modernizing production. The Cooperative Extension Service could provide complementary and collaborative programming, especially in rural areas, by expanding its clientele, working with university-based technology transfer initiatives, and supporting the…

Discusses three assumptions underlying needs assessments: (1) the individual is of primary importance; (2) individuals' assessments of problems, needs, and solutions are paramount; and (3) fulfilling expressed needs equals success. Describes the positive and negative aspects of these assumptions and provides some strategies for improving needs…

The point-counterpoint technique adapted from "60 Minutes" is a way to examine multifaceted issues in depth. It demonstrates that there is often more than one correct answer, encourages creative problem solving, and establishes a highly interactive learning environment. (SK)

Cornell Cooperative Extension replaced a series of one-day seminars with a satellite broadcast, reducing travel costs, preparation, and delivery time. The audience expanded beyond New York, participants expressed high satisfaction with program quality, and videotapes of broadcasts are available for reference. (SK)

Describes Individual Development Accounts (IDA), a federal program that combines low-income individuals' savings with matching funds for such goals as home ownership, education, and small business startup. Discusses their effect on community building and how extension educators can participate in establishing IDA programs. (SK)