If you’re an extension educator looking to elevate your impact, the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference is an event you cannot afford to miss. Held annually in Arlington, Virginia, this national conference is a unique opportunity to connect with elected officials and showcase the significant contributions of the extension community.
At PILD, you will delve into essential topics such as effectively communicating your program’s outcomes and impacts. The conference serves as a platform for sharing innovative practices and success stories from across the country, fostering collaboration among extension professionals. Understanding how to measure both the outcomes and impacts of your programs is crucial, and PILD provides the tools and insights to enhance your effectiveness.
One of the highlights of the conference is the opportunity to engage directly with federal partners. Attendees can learn how the federal government and extension professionals collaborate to address public issues. Meeting with elected officials at the Capitol allows for meaningful dialogue, enabling educators to influence policies that affect their programs and communities.
PILD also features a rich agenda filled with concurrent sessions led by experts in the field. For instance, last year, Dr. Ethan Orr shared insights on “Building Partnerships and Increasing Funding from the Government.” His experience demonstrated how effective communication and strategic partnerships can significantly enhance funding for cooperative extension programs.
Additionally, the conference promotes networking and collaboration through roundtable discussions with national leaders in various areas, including urban agriculture, health equity, and youth development. These interactions not only expand your knowledge but also equip you with the tools to advocate effectively for your programs at the local level.
If you’re considering presenting your own work, keep an eye out for the upcoming call for proposals. Moreover, if you’re new to PILD, the national ESP organization offers $600 scholarships to help cover your costs, making it more accessible than ever. The application for these scholarships is due December 1.
In summary, attending PILD is a transformative experience that should be on every extension educator’s bucket list. Join your peers in exploring innovative ideas and strategies to elevate the impact of your work within the extension community.
Take the time today to go to the JCEP website (jcep.org), look at the PILD Conference link. If it is something you think would be valuable in your extension career, go to the ESP website (espnational.org) and search for PILD scholarship and apply TODAY. If you need help in accessing or completing your application, feel free to reach out to me and I can help you take advantage of these great opportunities!
Beth Claypoole, ESP Lambda Treasurer
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