The Goals of the JCEP Conference

National Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Conference 2015 Report

Penny Tank (President), Jackie Johnson (President Elect), and Chris Viau (NAE4-HA Board) attended the National JCEP Conference in February in Las Vegas on behalf of WAE4-HYDP. This was an excellent two day conference that any extension professionals can register to attend. The President and President Elect are encouraged to attend each year, and the national planning committee invites additional colleagues to participate if interested. Funds could be applied for through the Professional Development Funds Grant Committee of WAE4-HYDP and/or regional directors.

The goals of the JCEP Conference:  Enhancing the professional’s leadership skills  Offering Extension professionals an opportunity to share successful leadership programs, skills, and techniques  Training association members for leadership positions and roles  Networking with Extension professionals from across the country

Highlights from the conference follow:  National updates from USDA, NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture), and others  Breakout sessions including programs such as: authentic leadership, turning challenges into successes, establishing networks, leading facilitated discussions, social media marketing, The Energy Bus, and providing culturally sensitive educational programs.  Keynote speaker – David Horsager, a former MN 4-Her, author, and nationally known speaker. He wrote The Trust Edge and discussed the 8 pillars of trust: clarity, compassion, character, competence, commitment, connection, contribution, and consistency.  NAE4-HA Update - 75 people attended National JCEP from NAE4-HA o We as an association need to have a discussion about how we want to see Regional Dollars spent o Two new specialty awards-Excellence in Communication and Expressive Arts as well as Excellence in Healthy Living Programming. o The Power of Youth Award was changed to Greg Yost Memorial Youth Leadership Award o During this year, Jody Rosen Atkins resigned as NAE4-HA Executive Director. In the interim, the ESP & JCEP Executive Director – Bob O. agreed to serve for 90 days as the management for NAE4-HA. The Board is working through many items to hire a new management service. o 70th anniversary of NAE4-HA o Any members can get involved in NAE4-HA committees and/or task forces. o Organizational Stewardship is looking for applications for NAE4-HA Board positions (some of which are RD and VP for membership and finance). The application deadline for nominations is May 1st. o April 30th – watch for more information about a Volunteerism & Diversity NAE4-HA virtual professional development opportunity o A call will be coming out for anybody that may be interested in helping plan the next regional breakfast for the National Conference in Portland. o NAE4-HA Conferences: o October 25-29, 2015 Portland o 2017 Indiana o Oct. 9-13, 2016 New Orleans o 2018 Ohio  National 4-H Council Update o Working on a National Brand Campaign targeting GenX Alpha Moms, Millenial Alumni, and 4-H Youth and their Parents o You have access to the 4-H Professionals News & Notes weekly newsletter from National 4-H Council. Be sure to sign up for this publication if you are not already receiving. o Working on a marketing online resource center o Starting July 2015, Council will offer educational seminars online every other month. Examples of topics may be: telling a compelling 4-H story or planning media friendly events