The Extension Connection

February 20, 2023

In early February, I had a chance to experience a wonderful feeling of connection at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Winter Conference. About 400 of our colleagues from around the commonwealth joined us in Blacksburg for several days of professional development, celebrating accomplishments, and reinvigorating our sense of connection.

I think we all like to feel this connection, as that is one of the things that draws many of us to careers in Extension — this chance to serve a community and be connected to something larger than ourselves. Being part of a system that has a more than century-old mission that spans every county in the country. Throughout the commonwealth, we are connected not only to our fellow county and city faculty but also to faculty doing research in our shared topics of interest at both Virginia Tech and Virginia State University.

However, our connections are also through all of you, your volunteers, and partners to help improve the well-being of all Virginians. We reach nearly 200,000 youth per year through 4-H. We build trusting relationships and strong connections with our local producers. We have thousands of volunteers who have built connections with all of you and the people in your communities! This connection that allows us to help them meet needs for their businesses, their families, their interests — and you can be sure these same folks have been there for us time and time again.

We sometimes forget that there is an intentionality to forming those real connections by breaking down barriers to communication and building trust. It is not only showing up, but also engaging, actively listening, and following up.

You showed me that VCE is more than just the programming and outreach — it is a clear sense of community, and dare I say, family. As a family, we are comfortable with each other and feel safe putting ourselves out there. That is why some of us stood up and led a sing-along with many of you at Winter Conference — to make that connection with you all. If you sang along or laughed with us all, then I count that as a success!

I look forward to furthering this connection in your offices soon!

Mike