Editor's Page

Perspectives on How We Think and Act

This issue of the Journal is highly introspective. The To the Point section, the eight feature articles, the Futures article, and the Forum contribution all address aspects of how Extension functions as a change-oriented organization. These articles aren't so much about how we work with clientele as how we work with each other. The integrating themes that cut across these otherwise diverse articles provide insights into how we conceptualize what we do, how we think and act as individuals and as an organization, and how what we think and do affects our clientele and programs.

Donald Nelson opens this issue by asking in To the Point: "Is Extension Changing Too Rapidly?" He questions the supposedly innovative strategies of today's "enlightened" Extension leaders. He risks being considered a naysayer by raising fundamental questions about such sacred topics as issues programming. Two state directors, Ann Thompson of Alabama and Irv Skelton of Alaska, respond.

In Forum, Conone questions whether Extension programming and resource allocation are really based on paying attention to what people want and need; her experience with strategic planning in Ohio has made her dubious.

Four feature articles present findings from studies of Extension staff. Casey and Krueger interviewed outstanding field staff in Minnesota in search of factors related to producing successful programs-they found five. Miller and Smith interviewed field staff in Maryland to find out how they decided whether to participate in a state issues-based program on water quality-they conclude with recommendations for improving the state-to-county communications process. Tondl investigated the climate for change in Nebraska-she found some significant gender differences. Shih and Evans studied where field staff get information in Illinois- hint: it's not from electronic sources.

Four features explore new directions for Extension: getting serious about strategic alliances (Astroth), new programming for rural entrepreneurs (Johnson and Fisher), concept mapping as a planning tool (Duttweiler), and controversial issues as opportunities (Fiske). In Futures, Sandmann and Kroshus describe Project Future-a vision-based approach to community development that requires a new Extension relationship with communities.

On July 1, Ellen Ritter became the new editor. She brings to the editorship four years as an Editorial Committee member reviewing manuscripts as well as extensive experience as an Extension communications specialist in Texas. Her appointment runs through June 1994.

There's no reason to believe that the next three years will be any less tumultuous for Extension than my three years as editor have been. In other words, we shouldn't have a shortage of important issues for you to write about and publish in the Journal. The best way to support a new editor is by deeds and words-words on paper in the form of articles that expand Extension's knowledge base.

MQP