The Forsyth Cooperative Extension staff incorporates a total staff cooperative effort in all aspects of program planning, implementation, evaluation and marketing. Interdisciplinary staff teams have been coordinated to address 10 of the Cooperative Extension Major Programs (CEMPS). Teams consist of 3-4 agents and program assistants with one staff member serving as coordinator These teams work very closely together to plan, implement, evaluate, and market our educational programs.
A major total staff effort has been the production of a monthly, 30 minute, magazine-style television show, titled, "Forsyth Extension Focus". We started this show in March of 1994 and have produced a show each month since. Five to six staff members appear on each monthly show with an educational presentation. All staff members are involved in this project.
Staff committees of 4-5 members plan major staff projects such as staff retreats, Farm City Week Recognition, Heritage Days activities, Volunteer Recognition Programs, Advisory Council activities, etc. Staff groups also submit individual program budget requests for county funding and special grant funding requests.
Inter disciplinary staff teams have worked together on special programming efforts including our Children, Youth and Families program, Mentor Education program, Inner City Gardening and Community Development Program, and many 4-H youth programs.
Program impacts from the past year include:
- 7,600 citizens gained knowledge of home gardening and lawn care through participation in educational presentations and individual contacts.
- 750 farmers and commercial applicators recycled 2,300 empty pesticide containers and 690 farmers and commercial applicators gained knowledge of oil recycling and opportunities. 2219 pounds of unwanted pesticides were collected for proper disposal.
- 1,528 family members increased awareness and adopted positive nutrition and health habits to reduce risk of chronic disease.
- 389 participants in EFNEP developed skills to feed their families more nutritious food for less money. 97% of these families made positive dietary improvements upon graduation
- 108 public housing residents improved knowledge of community services, community development, and developed skills to participate in community decision-making.
- 1197 4-H members improved their leadership, communication, decision-making, and problem solving skills through participation in 4-H activities.
2001 ESP Awards
Xi Chapter ESP
