Public Affairs Engagement and Impact Subcommittee

This subcommittee focuses on policy awareness, legislative education, and supporting members during events like the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD). This subcommittee also coordinates the collection, editing, and distribution of member impact statements used to share success stories with stakeholders, NIFA leaders, and lawmakers.

Major Efforts 

  • Development of national NEAFCS Impact Reports and templates.
  • Implement a yearlong NEAFCS-Impact Hero effort that focuses on highlighting individuals/teams and impactful programs on the national NEAFCS website, Facebook, and LinkedIn page.
  • Provide training and education on developing powerful impact stories.

NEAFCS Impact Reporting Efforts

Each year, NEAFCS impact reports show the value and reach, demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) through powerful impact stories of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). 

  • Important Deadlines- Impact data submission: November 1- January 31

Purpose of the Reports

  • Demonstrate Program Value: They highlight how Extension professionals and volunteers improve community well-being using evidence-based education.
  • Advocacy on Capitol Hill: They are used as educational materials during the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference when visiting members of Congress.
  • Secure Funding: Local and state offices use them to show stakeholders and legislators why continued public funding is necessary.
  • Share Data with Leaders: The reports are shared directly with groups like the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) FCS Program Leaders. 

Core Impact Report Areas 
The impact report comprises eleven FCS-centric areas. Those areas are:

  1. Childhood Obesity Prevention
  2. Community Health & Development
  3. Diabetes Prevention and Management
  4. Disaster Preparedness
  5. Family Stability and Vitality
  6. Financial Management
  7. Food and Nutrition
  8. Food Safety
  9. Healthy Aging and Education
  10. Healthy Homes and Environment 
  11. Workforce Preparedness and Leadership (new addition)

Impact Report Preparatory Resources

1:1 Impact consultations
Have more questions for us? Use the following schedule and join for a one-on-one consultation. 

All times suggested below are set in Eastern Time. 

  • November 2: 2 pm- 3:30 pm
  • November 12: 2 pm- 3:30 pm
  • December 7: 2 pm- 3:30 pm
  • January 4: 2 pm- 3:30 pm
  • January 14: 2 pm- 3:30 pm
  • January 25: 2 pm- 3:30 pm

Link to all the sessions: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81784670253 / Meeting ID: 817 8467 0253 / Passcode: 998690

Click here to view past year’s Impact Reports. 

NEAFCS Impact Hero Efforts

The "FCS Impact Heroes" spotlight FCS peers who make meaningful programmatic efforts to drive positive change in their communities. We will feature three outstanding impact stories each month on our NEAFCS Facebook and LinkedIn to amplify your incredible work and provide compelling, real-world examples for our advocacy efforts with funders and policymakers. Submissions must focus on ONLY significant impacts.

All members are invited to submit this entry, including those who submit impact statements. You can either use this webpage directly for submission or while completing your impact statement. All submissions undergo a scored, peer-review process, and therefore you are free to include these peer-reviewed entries in your promotion or performance dossier.

Link to Impact Hero Submission Form.

“We will tag you and your institutions to let them know of the great work you do!!!”

Impact Hero Resources


Public Engagement and Impact Subcommittee Timelines

Impact Statement Submissions 

November 1-January 31

Submission Window

  • Impact data should be submitted by your chapter Public Affairs Officers/team leads/specialist/Program Leader, etc. 

  • Work with your state chapter to learn the process of submission. 

February 1- March 15

Impact data compilation and report generation

  • Appointed impact statement judges compile and author Impact Statements for each focus area.

March 16-April 15

Infographics, handouts, and Template Generation

  • Handouts, infographics, and templates generated. The handouts are printed for distribution during the PILD conference. 

Impact Hero Efforts

November 1-January 31

Submission Window

  • Impact Hero should be submitted by your individuals/chapter Public Affairs Officers/team leads/specialist/Program Leader, etc. 
  • Work with your state chapter to learn the process of submission. 

April 1- May 31 

Submission Judging and Social Media Calendar

  • The judges will digitally score the submissions.
  • The social media posts will be scheduled for the entire year. 

June 1- following year May 30

Publishing Cycle

  • Once a month, three Impact Heroes will be published on social media

Following Spring (PILD)

National Winner Recognition

  • All Impact Heroes are officially celebrated during the Association Meeting at the PILD Conference.