Are you interested in leadership issues? Do your clientele request programming around leadership? Are you aware of others in Extension who are working on or conducting leadership programming?
As of May 1, I assumed the role of Extension field specialist, community and organizational leadership development. In this new role, I will be working to identify potential programmatic relationships with faculty and staff throughout OSU and with partner organizations. Some of those will include the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (OFSWCD), County Commissioners’ Association of Ohio (CCAO), Ohio Tourism Association (OTA) and Ohio Township Association (OTA). I will also try to identify and address new opportunities for community and organization-focused engagement involving leadership.
To begin, I’ll be conducting an inventory of existing leadership programming around the state (seeking input from county Extension personnel and state specialists). I’ll also reach out to other CFAES departments and partner organizations. I’ll be in communication with our CD and other Extension colleagues as the position begins to unfold; and I’ll seek opportunities for partnership at all levels.
My new position also includes a partial appointment in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership where I’ll engage students in applied research and community service as well as participate in resident instruction. I will be co-located with the Greene County Extension office; but you’ll likely find me on campus and across the state as well! Again, please be in touch with ideas and opportunities!
(Submitted by Brian Raison, Assistant Professor & Extension Field Specialist, Community and Organizational Leadership)
My thoughts and opinions about CD were formed at an early age; growing up with parents actively engaged in their community in Perry County (my mother a school administrator and father a community development practitioner). When I think about Community Development, “self-help” and “collaboration” come to mind. In the past and still today, community members cooperate in building schools, churches, parks and other community institutions. They believe that working together is necessary to make community improvements. Then and now, folks invest in their own community to improve infrastructure, address gaps in services and meet local needs. And since its earliest beginnings, OSU Extension has been a key component of these community partnerships.
Extension’s Community Development programs aim to engage people in strengthening their organizations, communities and ultimately social, economic, civic and environmental conditions to improve the quality of life in Ohio. A sampling of these efforts is captured in the recently published 
