Extension has developed a strong evaluation culture across the system for the last 15 years. Yet measures are still limited to the private value of programs, looking at problems in a linear way and at isolated efforts. Across the country, Extension evaluators and administrators need to step up to help answer the "so what?" question about…

A framework for community action leadership development has four components: (1) holistic philosophy of community, vision, learning, and action; (2) action-based values (visioning, leading, learning, building community, developing energy, acting, communicating); (3) the role of leaders in promoting community action; and (4) method and content. (SK)

The author suggests that citizen involvement can be influenced by two major factors: (1) the extension agent's personal orientation as a programer and (2) the programing situation. (CT)

Describes "4-H in the Schools," a cost-effective alternative for reaching youth at a time and place where their numbers are significant. Schools offer opportunities to reach a wide variety of youth or to target specific groups. (Author)

Extension professions can bring specific expertise to solving community housing problems with local organizations: community knowledge, housing knowledge, volunteer development skills, and organizational development skills. (SK)

Clarifies the concept of free space--a setting in which people can meet for public talk and contribute to solving public problems--and the need to integrate it into extension leadership and public policy programs. Offers two case studies and insights about how lessons learned from them can be applied to extension education. (JOW)

Using video to communicate between two opposing groups lets each side work through the issue's emotional aspects and outlines possible solutions. (Author/JOW)

Extension needs to find its future niche in the urban area where people now are with the same success that it currently enjoys in rural areas. Opportunities for extension programing include at-risk youth and families, environmental quality, and community revitalization. (JOW)

Education is one of several approaches that will be employed in addressing the energy issue. It is not, however, the only vehicle for influencing change, and it will have to be linked in a complementary fashion to technological, economic, and regulatory approaches. (LRA)

The Internet offers new opportunities to the Cooperative Extension Service, for example, in facilitating community access as part of outreach, publishing extension documents electronically, enhancing youth club activities, and ensuring that local resources and information are available online. (SK)

Community right-to-know legislation is increasing access to information about hazardous substances and community health and safety. Extension educators can help citizens obtain and interpret this information and take appropriate community action. (SK)