2024 JCEP Public Issues Leadership Development Conference Scholarship Recipient Reflections

Courtney Aldrich, Michigan   
The JCEP PILD conference provided me with an experience I would recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to attend.  Networking with others from around the country is always an enriching experience, and PILD was no exception.  The visit to the National 4-H office helped to connect what we do in county offices to something so much greater. As someone who primarily works in programming, I am aware of Extension funding but do not have detailed knowledge of federal budgeting cycles, budget line items, or the status of the Farm Bill renewal.  During the two days of conference sessions, I had an opportunity to learn more about the history of Extension, the funding of Extension, and Extension advocacy.  By the time the Hill visits arrived on Wednesday, I was ready to tell my story in myriad ways, depending on the interests of the legislative office I was visiting.  At times I was pushed outside of my comfort zone and found I could speak with clarity, answer questions, and deliver my message with confidence.  While I am not ready to trade in my programming for advocacy work, I understand that we are all advocates, and I now can embrace that part of my role with greater confidence.

Alisha Barton, Ohio    
What began as a journey filled with anticipation and curiosity while attending PILD transformed into a chapter of professional growth and enlightenment. From the moment I arrived in the nation's capital, I was immediately struck by its palpable energy and historical significance. The iconic landmarks and bustling streets served as constant reminders of the city's pivotal role in shaping the course of American history. Walking past the majestic Capitol building, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of reverence for the ideals and principles that Washington DC represents. My time in Washington DC was not merely a tourist's excursion but a transformative journey that deeply impacted both my professional and personal growth. Through conference sessions and networking opportunities, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the heart of the political arena, gaining invaluable insights into the intricacies of governance and public policy. These experiences not only expanded my knowledge but also ignited a fervent passion for effecting positive change in society. I enjoyed meeting with several elected officials to promote the work we do in Extension while hearing about their personal and political interests.  I return from PILD with a strong desire to further tell the story of Extension and the work we do.

Ontenncia Boclear, Mississippi
The conference was very informative, I learned a lot and met a lot of great people from other states.  The sessions were very good and there are many things that I am going to take back to my state and discuss with Agents and Specialist.  I am grateful for the scholarship and for NEAFCS for providing this opportunity for me to attend this conference.  Thank you so much and I look forward to attending this conference in the near future.

Ivelisse Colon, North Carolina
As my State Vice President of Public Affairs, attending the PILD Conference helped me grasp the complexity of Extension funding and made me realize how vital it is to raise awareness of Extension FCS not only in the community but also among our elected officials. I hope to return next year!

Anna Goff, Arkansas  
I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the 2024 PILD Conference.  It was an informative and rewarding experience to participate in PILD as a first timer.  This was an outstanding opportunity to learn gain useful skills in advocating for our Extension programming.    Between learning during the sessions, meeting professionals from across the United States, learning about how the funding works at a federal level and participating in the congressional visits, it was a culmination of the remarkable experience.  I have spoken to our NEAFCS-AR association to share information from this opportunity and encourage more members to have a better understanding of the funding that we provide as Extension educators with our Land Grant University. Thank you for this opportunity.

Laura Graves, Texas
What an experience!!! This conference was incredibly eye opening and interesting in terms of the way Extension works and the intricacies of federal and state involvement. Definitely feel blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of it.

Cheryl Lively, Oklahoma
Thank you NEAFCS for the opportunity to attend the Public Issues Leadership Development Conference.  Participating in PILD for the first time was an amazing experience.  The knowledge I gained was extremely helpful in advocating for Extension programs.  I now have a better understanding of how Extension is funded on the national level.  No matter if you are from Oklahoma or Michigan, we all face the same issues in our communities.  Each Extension system looks a little different in each state but we are all working for the betterment of our clientele on the local, state and national levels.  My favorite part about this conference was the opportunity to network with other extension educators about programming and hearing their success stories.  Once again, I would like to thank NEAFCS for their willingness to invest in FCS Educators.

Caitlin Mellendorf, Illinois
Maybe you hear what I hear, that Extension is a best-kept secret. One way we support awareness of Extension is through events like Public Issues Leadership Development Conference (PILD). The conference gave me insight into how I can advocate for Extension in my local area and state - and how each of us doing this in our state supports Extension at-large. Like a lot of local, state, and federally funded agencies, we have to remind our governing bodies why we make a difference (and to keep giving us money). I've avoided attending PILD in fear of the Hill visits, but I found that talking with legislative aides - and the occasional congressperson - similar to meeting with local partners. It's a conversation where I got to talk excitedly about educational efforts I'm passionate about and answer their questions. For the Illinois team, visits were done together and we helped each other craft our stories. I encourage you to carve out opportunity to learn, advocate, and become a leader for your state, FCS, and the Cooperative Extension System.

Rebecca Reid, Kansas              
The Public Issues Leadership Development Conference (or PILD) was an educational experience that helped me better understand the priority and opportunity for advocacy for Extension’s efforts. The opening keynote presented by Dr. Ethan Orr provided an overview of the political process, purpose, and perspective. This presentation emphasized our need to tell the story that supports extension as an investment in a solution (not throwing money as a problem).   I appreciated learning more information about the formula funding that supports basic capacity and directed programs. Discussions focused on intentional communication, trust, relationships, and ongoing engagement.   I enjoyed the opportunity to learn specifics about federal government advocacy. There has been many years since my high school government class, so it was helpful to have a review of the overall legislative process.  I attended the Food Systems ECOP Program Action Team breakout session and was encouraged to discuss opportunities.  At the closing session presented by Jay Akridge, I was challenged to think about my success stories. We are working on issues that are important as a national network. Listening to understand partners is vital for the future of Extension. I also need to know my stuff - can I answer my partner’s questions; what difference does Extension make; what is the return on investment; what evidence do I have (quantitative/qualitative), who has a lived experience that can share the impact of Extension’s programs?  I’m motivated continue evaluation and share success stories that promote Family and Consumer Sciences and Extension!

Katie Seelhoff, Colorado         
I am very grateful to have received the JCEP PILD scholarship this year. This was my first national conference and I learned so much! I was intimidated by the idea of meeting with my legislative representatives, but through the pre-conference webinars and information presented in D.C., I felt confident by out day on the hill. I plan to continue communicating with them and even begin inviting them to attend our local programs, so that they are aware of the variety of opportunities and expertise we offer. In addition to learning about how to advocate for extension with our local governments, I also found the Health Equity and Wellbeing presentation very enlightening. I look forward to hearing more from the team on how we can work to combat the social determinants of health to have an even greater impact on local health than we already have. Finally, there were many great networking opportunities. I met specialists from all across the country who have been working on similar projects as I have. They have not only shared some helpful resources, but have even offered to assist! Overall, this was a great conference and I have brought lots of information back. I feel that I will be a better specialist because of the knowledge I gained and the people I met. Thank you for the opportunity.

Susie West, Minnesota
What better backdrop than Washington, D.C. to host a gathering of Extension professionals from every region of the country and explore what it means to be a year-round advocate? We aren’t simply advocates for our own cause (or funding), we are advocates for addressing complex issues, for evidence-based information and for the communities we serve. Being in our nation’s capital, I was reminded of the phrase on our seal, E Pluribus Unum, “out of many, one”. A phrase that has long represented that no matter how varied our approaches or how different our challenges are, we still come together as one. In Extension, our impact stretches far beyond where our individual work happens-it accumulates nationwide and is part of a greater whole. After soaking up the wisdom of keynote speakers, panelists, and presenters, I felt more ready than ever to head to Capitol Hill to share about my work-our work-with my representatives. In a setting steeped in historical significance and the seat of government, Washington D.C. always gets me thinking about the future. How will Extension continue to meet the needs of communities? How will our work adapt to the changes that come our way? What is the story our work will tell? The same story it always has, that our shared mission of translating research into action creates powerful, community-driven solutions across the country.