President's Message: The 2024 President Charity Rick Griffiths (NM), NEAFCS President
As part of the Annual Session, it has become tradition that the President designates a charity to raise money for leading up to and at Annual Session. This year I have decided to follow the lead of our recent Past Presidents by using this opportunity to highlight ways we can invest back into ourselves and NEAFCS. This year, there are three different opportunities for you to choose to participate in; I encourage you to participate in the way or ways that seem most relevant to you.
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What YOU Need to Know NOW in NEAFCS! National Office Staff
This feature of the newsletter highlights current reminders of member benefits, programs, and approaching deadlines to keep you in the know.
Email Rick at [email protected].
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Progress on Nutrition Security from the USDA
This spring, the USDA is celebrating their second anniversary of the USDA Food and Nutrition Security Initiative. As part of the celebration, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack celebrated the progress the department is making on tackling food and nutrition insecurity. Food and Nutrition service also published some top accomplishments.
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Eastern Region Update Jesse Ketterman (MD), Eastern Region Director
Spring is starting to settle in in the Eastern Region. With that comes the planning of summer affiliate meetings. It is a great time to reconnect with your colleagues throughout the state. It sure is good to see people face to face again. Members in the region have been busy with conferences. Several attended ELC and PILD. Others mentioned conferences like the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Conference and the Extension Risk Management and Education Conference. It is also time to start planning for the Regional Business Meetings at Annual Session.
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Time to Get Active in NEAFCS Michelle Wright (TX) - Appointed VP of Member Resources
Have you ever wondered about the powerful impacts that are often associated with becoming more active in NEAFCS? If not, hold on to your hat because I want to share a few with you!
Continue reading ways to get active in NEAFCS:
Professional Development for and by NEAFCS Members Marcia Parcell (IN), VP of Professional Development
Currently, the anticipated 2024 Annual Session, “Under One Sky” is taking shape as educators confirm presenting their concurrent session or poster. Thank you to all the educators and teams, who submitted proposals for the 90th Anniversary of NEAFCS to provide professional development for our members. These sessions are only part of the professional development provided.
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PILD Conference & Why Impact Statements are Important Chris Zellers (NJ), VP Public Affairs
This April I had the pleasure of attending the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference in Washington DC on behalf of NEAFCS. The PILD conference is an opportunity for Cooperative Extension professionals to visit Capitol Hill and share our impact with representatives, but it is so much more. I had the opportunity to visit cross-disciplinary concurrent sessions and learn about what other states are doing not only in FCS but also in 4-H and Agriculture. There were network opportunities as well, but I think the thing that left a mark on me was that despite being a second-generation Extension professional, PILD gave meaning to things I didn’t even know I didn’t know. It allowed me to better understand the big picture of Cooperative Extension and feel a part of the greater good.
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COMING SOON: Becoming a 2024 NEAFCS Ambassador Jessica Trussell (MO), Ambassador Committee Member
Are you ready to step up and shine as a beacon of positivity, professionalism, and passion? The NEAFCS Ambassador Committee is on the lookout for outstanding members like you to represent your state, association, and profession at the upcoming Annual Session in Tucson, Arizona!
As an Ambassador, you'll be the face of NEAFCS, dedicated to supporting and assisting speakers, exhibitors, and fellow attendees throughout the event. But it's not just about putting on a smile – it's about making meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impression.
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Celebrating Our Past and Future in NEAFCS Melinda Daily (KS), Endowment Committee Member
As I look back through my years as an NEAFCS member, I remember Jean Clarkson-Frisbie, a past NEAFCS National President in 1999, promoting the NEAFCS Endowment everywhere she went. I don’t recall anyone else promoting it as much in my state as Jean did. And with good reason -- the endowment has great opportunities that provide scholarships and grants to our members as well as funding special projects.
Now, think of your future in NEAFCS and how the endowment can work for you. First of all, this is our organization’s 90th year. I can see our younger generation coming up with new and inventive programming in the future. What better way to celebrate the 90th year with everyone donating $90.00 to the endowment and then looking for opportunities to receive grants or scholarships through the endowment. Read More:
Voices from the Past - Present - Future Christine Kniep (WI), Past President & Historian
On June 29th, 1933, in Milwaukee, WI, during the annual meeting of the American Home Economics Association, The National Home Demonstration Agents’ Association became a reality. Present were twenty-one home demonstration agents from 13 states: Alabama, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia and Wyoming.
The 90th Anniversary Committee has asked each of these 13 states to collect stories of their work and membership in NEAFCS from a retired or life member, the affiliate president, and a “new” member – the start of an ongoing narrative history of NEAFCS. Between now and our 100th Anniversary, stories will be collected from all of the affiliates. These stories will be included in our newsletter, posted on our website, and included in our historical records. Read More:
Spreading the NEAFCS Message Mindy McCulley (KY), Marketing and Public Relations Subcommittee Chair
$1,663,430,722!!! with a B! I don’t know about you, but that number is hard for me to wrap my head around. Can you imagine how much larger that number would be if EVERYONE in NEAFCS who is conducting financial management programs reported their programming numbers?
The goal of the Marketing and Public Relations Committee is to share the message of the great works performed by NEAFCS members in a relevant and relatable way. When you report the work that is being done in your state then you have done half of our job for us . . . you have gathered the data, now we just have to put it in a format that is easy for you to share! Read More:
Latest Leadership Experience Class is Chosen Joy West (AR), Mentoring and Leadership Committee Chair
Of the many opportunities NEAFCS offers, participating in the Leadership Experience may be the most beneficial. This program helps you develop the skills and confidence needed to improve leadership skills.
The Leadership Experience program was developed to grow leaders from within the association through Professional Development and Mentoring. It enhances the opportunities and skills for Mentees by providing guidance, support, encouragement, and empowerment needed for a successful career. This is done by focusing on developing skills in self-confidence, self-esteem, job satisfaction, work-life balance, and more. Continue Reading:
NEAFCS Member Resources: Membership Committee Jackie E. Ogden (GA), Membership Committee Member
In 2024, NEAFCS, your professional organization for Extension Family and Consumer Sciences is celebrating our 90th Anniversary! I encourage you to visit the NEAFCS website to review and complete your Member Profile under the “My Features” tab on the NEAFCS website. Then you can select and join one or more of the NEAFCS 13 Committees.
The Membership Committee extends an invitation to you to join this committee to participate and engage in promoting NEAFCS membership in the categories of Active Member, Associate Member, Life Member, Student Member and Partner Member. This committee meets quarterly by Zoom, in-person at the NEAFCS annual conference or as new opportunities develop throughout the year. Read More:
2024 Annual Conference Silent Auction: How you can help! Awards and Sponsorship Support Committee
On behalf of the NEAFCS Awards Sponsorship Support Committee, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who donated and purchased items at our Silent Auction in Portsmouth, RI. Your generous contribution helps to fund the resources needed for quality awards and recognition activities.
The 2023 efforts were profitable, and fun, and create a great opportunity for collaboration and team building. A heartfelt thank you to the members who donated their time in Rhode Island to support the Silent Auction. Because of your hands-on support, the Silent Auction was a success.
Again, we are most appreciative of everyone’s generosity and support of NEAFCS! Read More:
Additional News & Opportunities for NEAFCS Members
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