The National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) Steering Committee Meeting was held December 3-5, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendance included more than 30 participants representing 18 states and 22 universities.
The group reviewed 2018 accomplishments including Regional Caucus meetings held in each of the five ECOP regions and greater support and understanding of the importance and unique work of urban Extension professionals from state directors. The 2019 priorities from the NUEL Urban Extension Implementation Plan include creating national partnerships, sharing best practices across states, and state directors designating one person from each state to serve as an urban coordinator.
Attendees participated in a thought-provoking and insightful discussion with Wake County, North Carolina government officials regarding improved partnership and marketing opportunities. Takeaways from the discussion included: Align county Extension priorities and office plans of work with county government priorities; Be bold! Step outside of the lines and take chances to improve our communities; Partner with county government to address community needs; and Show up! by participating in activities such as tabling events and attending local government and community meetings.
What’s next? The National Urban Extension Conference will be held in Seattle, Washington on May 20-23, 2019. The hotel registration is open and conference registration will be available soon. The Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) 2019 Conference will be held October 14-17, 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The OSU Chapter is Alpha Eta. ESP now has an urban affinity group which ESP members can join (ESP membership is $40).
Report submitted by Nicole Debose, Ohio State University Extension, NUEL Steering Committee/North Central Region Caucus Chair