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- Info
Role of extension specialists as educators in urban areas
| Author: |
Marion, Wayne R.; Freiling, DeeCee |
| Date: |
1987 |
| Periodical: |
In: Adams, L.W.; Leedy, D.L., eds. Integrating Man and Nature in the Metropolitan Environment: Proceedings of the National Symposium on Urban Wildlife; 1986 November 4-7; Chevy Chase, MD. Columbia, MD: National Institute for Urban Wildlife |
| Abstract: |
Traditionally, Extension Specialists have dealt with agriculture and related problems at the county level through the vast Cooperative Extension Service network. This network has prided itself on responding in a timely and practical manner to special needs identified by one-to-one interaction with local landowners. Times are changing and the Cooperative Extension Service is assuming a greater role in urban areas. The linkage is still there with rural landowners and problems, but the network and scope has expanded to include urban areas and needs as well. Planning, working with larger groups, and evaluation of impacts are focal points for Extension Service activities. Extension Specialists are involved with expanded roles in both rural and urban settings; they, too, are being encouraged to work with larger groups in a proactive (rather than just reactive) manner. The needs and challenges have never been greater for Extension Specialists to assume a greater leadership role in public education. Extension Specialists are linked to one of the largest communications networks in this country (the Cooperative Extension Service) and this should be used to advantage in reaching groups of educators, planners, and developers. This paper suggests some positive ways in which Extension Specialists can begin to meet the challenges of their continuing and expanding role as public educators. These include working in the urban setting, attempting to upgrade the image of extension by responding to non-traditional programming needs, improving communications, cooperation between agencies, planning, and accountability. The role of Extension Specialist has greatly expanded in variety and extent. Extension's role once seemed to be a source of information mainly for rural communities. Cooperative Extension's traditional "image" of providing technical assistance in just Agriculture, Home Economics, and 4-H programs also needs to change in many parts of the country. With about 75% of the U.S. population living in urban areas or suburbs, and with a growing trend toward urbanization, Extension must expand its role as an educational and informational system. |
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