Public Issues Leadership Development 2010

The Cooperative Extension System has been faced with unprecedented financial challenges the last two years, along with the rest of our economy. These challenges have forced us to think in new ways and to conduct our business differently. We are also experiencing exciting changes with the establishment of NIFA, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which is designed to move Extension and agricultural research forward in ways we are only beginning to recognize.

Change equals opportunity and this year’s PILD Conference will allow you to focus on new opportunities in your Extension programming and volunteer work. Examples of new partnerships, discussions on emerging issues, roundtables with National Extension Program Leaders and sessions specific to the JCEP-member organizations and volunteers will spark new ideas for you to use when you return home.

All politics is local, but the opportunity to experience the political world of our nation’s capitol will increase your knowledge and effectiveness in working in your local political arena. You will learn about the federal structure that supports Extension, and have the opportunity to visit your Members of Congress and/or their staff; or federal agencies of interest.

The 2010 PILD planning committee has been at work since the end of last year’s conference to bring you a unique and worthwhile professional development opportunity. We hope that you will join us April 26-28, 2010 and take advantage of this premier public issues training conference in our nation’s capitol.