This fall, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) invites you to be part of something more than a book club—an opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow through the voices of our own educators.
Join us for the Fall 2025 Book Read: Catalyzing Change: Profiles of Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators from Greene, Tompkins, and Erie Counties, New York—a powerful collection edited by Scott J. Peters, Daniel J. O’Connell, Theodore R. Alter, and Allison L. H. Jack. As you may know, Dr. Scott Peters is a professor in the Department of Global Development at Cornell University and a nationally recognized leader in the civic engagement movement in higher education.
In three virtual lunchtime discussions (9/23, 10/28, and 12/2 Noon – 1pm), we’ll explore the personal narratives, professional journeys, and community-rooted commitments of CCE educators. These stories reveal how Extension work is not only about sharing knowledge, but also about building trust, adapting to change, and sparking transformation—within ourselves and in the places we serve.
Why should CCE staff join the book read?
- Reflect on Our Shared Purpose: These profiles highlight real-life examples of how Extension educators navigate complexity, deepen relationships, and cultivate change—all while staying rooted in local knowledge and community priorities.
- Build Connection Across the System: Whether you’re in your first year or your fortieth, participating in this book read connects you with peers who care deeply about CCE’s mission.
- Fuel Your Work with Fresh Insight: The stories provide practical inspiration and honest reflections that resonate across program areas—from agriculture and youth development to nutrition, natural resources, and community development.
- Engage with Thought Leaders: Dr. Andy Turner, Director of CCE, will facilitate our sessions, and Dr. Scott Peters—one of the editors—will join as a special guest for at least one discussion.
Details at a Glance:
- Book: Catalyzing Change: Profiles of Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators from Greene, Tompkins, and Erie Counties, New York
- Download the book here
- Register for the book club here
The Extension Book Club series is co-sponsored by Epsilon Sigma Phi, https://blogs.cornell.edu/esp-lambda/, a staff development organization of CCE. Let’s come together to celebrate the everyday leadership, creativity, and courage that Extension educators bring to their communities—and discover how our own stories might continue to catalyze change.
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