The Who of Extension

Being an extension professional is a rewarding and dynamic role that involves connecting various stakeholders within a specific field, such as agriculture, education, or community development. Extension professionals act as bridges between researchers, experts, policymakers, and the general public. Their primary goal is to disseminate accurate and up-to-date information, best practices, and innovations from research and academia to practical applications in real-world settings.

An extension professional typically works within a university, government agency, or non-profit organization. They collaborate with experts to understand the latest advancements in their field and then translate this complex information into easily understandable content for the target audience. This may involve conducting workshops, seminars, webinars, and training sessions, both in-person and online.

One of the key aspects of this role is building relationships and trust within the community. Extension professionals often interact with farmers, educators, local businesses, and other community members. They listen to their needs, challenges, and goals, and tailor their educational efforts to address these specific concerns.

Flexibility is important for an extension professional, as they might need to adapt their communication methods and strategies to suit different audiences. Additionally, staying current with trends and research in their field is crucial to provide accurate and relevant information.

Overall, being an extension professional is about facilitating knowledge transfer and driving positive change in various industries and communities. It requires effective communication skills, adaptability, a passion for helping others, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Extension Professionals’ Creed

I believe in people and their hopes, their aspirations, and their faith; in their right to make their own plans and arrive at their own decisions; in their ability and power to enlarge their lives and plan for the happiness of those they love.

I believe that education, of which Extension is an essential part, is basic in stimulating individual initiative, self-determination, and leadership; that these are the keys to democracy and that people when given facts they understand, will act not only in their self-interest, but also in the interest of society.

I believe that education is a lifelong process and the greatest university is the home; that my success as a teacher is proportional to those qualities of mind and spirit that give me welcome entrance to the homes of the families I serve.

I believe in intellectual freedom to search for and present the truth without bias and with courteous tolerance toward the views of others.

I believe that Extension is a link between the people and the ever-changing discoveries in the laboratories.

I believe in the public institutions of which I am a part.

I believe in my own work and in the opportunity I have to make my life useful to humanity.

Because I believe these things, I am an Extension professional.

(as published via Epsilon Sigma Phi – http://espnational.org/about-us/the-extension-workers-creed)