And the survey says?

By now, most Teton County residents with postal service have received a needs assessment and customer service survey from MSU Extension.  It is hard to believe, but I have been serving the county through Extension since 1998.  In that time, there have been three partner agents in Teton County with responsibilities in agriculture, 4-H and youth development and community development.  I’ve been spending some time this year reflecting on the educational programming we’ve offered during that time.  My assignment has been to serve in the areas of family consumer science, 4-H and youth development and community development. 

Part of what prompted me do a county-wide needs assessment was a class I took from Cynthia Crawford of the University of Missouri last May about evaluating Extension programming.  I have wondered, “Are we responsive to needs? What Extension impact stories are there in our county? Am I offering programming that meets state needs and not local needs?  What are the emerging trends in the county?  How can I improve my job performance?  How can we serve you better?”

Over the years, we’ve used a variety of methods to direct our programming, including class evaluations.  Using class evaluations only gather opinions from  people who are already engaged in Extension offerings, but do not capture those who are not attending Extension classes.  Of course, we’ve also used other informal methods of assessing needs.  Sometimes a person will come up to me at a community event or walk into my office or email me and say, “You know what Extension should really do?” These unsolicited suggestions have often resulted in the most popular offerings.  Some have been so popular that they’ve moved beyond our county to be offered at state and regional events, spreading the impact.  Just because we are asking for your input now through the survey, remember, we are happy to receive suggestions at any time.  We may not be able to address them immediately, but we do appreciate the suggestions.

Wow ... 1998 was a long time ago!

When I look at the photo that accompanied my column the first year here, it is obvious there have been many changes.  The changes are not only reflected in my photo, but in the face of the way we operate.  When I started in Extension, communication was mostly done in person, by phone or mail.  Yet, this year, we’ve been assisting clients through video chat, when that serves the purpose. There was a time when the majority of consumers didn’t use email routinely or own a cell phone.  We feel we’ve been adapting all along to these changes, but sometimes it is good to check to make sure we are on track with the people we serve.   There is a section of the survey that asks questions regarding how you would most like to engage with services we offer.

A large section of the survey is dedicated to asking you what you think are the most pressing needs that Extension can address in Teton County.  This section will take a little more effort as that section is a blank slate for you to fill.  Even though we sent a paper copy to every postal customer in the county, we do have an identical electronic survey available.  Just look for the survey link on our website at www.msuextension.org/teton.  The advantage, to us, for the electronic surveys is that they have an automated tabulation feature.  If you live out of county, but we are your Extension connection, you are invited to give your feedback.  Feel free to complete either the paper or e-surveys by May 1. 

We look forward to your input, evaluation and suggestions.

Strike It Rich with 4-H!

Three Teton County 4-H youth were among the 185 people who recently attended the Montana 4-H Rec Lab in Livingston, Montana, March 27-29.         

Delaynie Beadle, Michaela Gunderson and Brigid Miller attended the training accompanied by Extension Agent, Jane Wolery.  The 4-H members learned a variety of recreational games and mixers that can be used when they lead group events.  The first night they were welcomed by Todd Kesner, Interim Director of the Montana 4-H Center, who spoke on opportunities available in 4-H where members can find their bonanza.  Bonanza, the event theme, is a situation which creates sudden increase in wealth, good fortune or profits – like 4-H! 

 

4-H members work to build and program a robot cowboy.

4-H members were able to take a variety of classes and the Teton County delegation participated in Cashing in on Your Personality Style, Laser Maze Bonanza, Making Food Fun, Tall Tales Are Pure Gold, Learn to Zentangle, Fill Your Loop Making Rope Baskets, Quick Draw Cooking, Robot Cowboy, Crochet Headband and more. 

Cowboy robot maze.  Did they build and program correctly?

In addition to games, dances and classes, two excellent keynote speakers shared their messages.  Deidre Combs, from MSU, spoke on positive thinking, dreaming, planning and living well.  She shared many lessons from her own life and research as well as some great opportunities for youth.  James Brown, Montana 4-H Alumnus and current Cargill US Dairy Product Line Manager, spoke about how to strike it rich in your life through persistence, networking and goal-setting.    

Building rope baskets.

Gunderson said that one of the key components she took away from the conference was to be more aware of and open to opportunities.  Beadle relayed that she enjoyed the personality workshop and the benefit of recognizing a variety of strengths among people and using those strengths on team projects.  Miller really enjoyed meeting new people from across the state and was excited to learn how to make rope baskets.  Wolery remarked that statewide 4-H events, such as Rec Lab, offer 4-H members a chance to learn a wide variety of skills, practice their leadership and build their confidence.  

Filling Your Loop!