Extension educators provide resources to community coalitions. The study reported here adds to what is known about community coalitions and applies an assessment framework to a state-level coalition-based Extension program on healthy relationships and marriages. The study combines the Internal Coalition Outcome Hierarchy (ICOH) framework with four…

As community gardens expand across the U.S., Extension professionals can support them not only in horticultural education but also in planning and organization. Knowledge of community garden management is helpful in this regard. Existing research focuses on outcomes and criteria for successful gardens, but is less clear about how community gardens…

Wheat and soybean producers pay a small amount per bushel produced as a check-off. Funds are used for research, outreach, and crop promotion. Commodity organizations and Extension joined forces to develop multi-state educational outreach on spring wheat and soybean production. Participatory planning involved producers in developing these…

Longitudinal evaluation of KIDS' TEAM, which developed community coalitions for youth at risk, found that the focus of most coalitions has expanded beyond the original goal. Those that still thrive have outside funding, committed members, and public recognition. Other success factors include valid needs assessments, broad participation,…

Discusses a survey of 178 gardeners from Newark, New Jersey, and describes Extension's role in improving the life quality and socioeconomic well-being of individuals, families, and neighborhoods through community gardening in an urban environment. (Author)

Utah State Extension collaborated with community groups and local cable providers to broadcast programs for parents on teen sexuality and substance abuse. A survey of cable subscribers yielded 638 responses (4.5%). Of the 103 who watched programs, most were positive, but better ways to advertise the programs were needed. (SK)

Edible Connections brings together the media, the public, and food system stakeholders to increase awareness and understanding of the local food system, strengthen connections among stakeholders, and address food system problems identified by a given community. Extension educators have successfully used it to educate about food access, hunger,…

Extension educators broadened their capacity to educate more Latino families about lead poisoning through collaboration with community agencies. Agencies were provided multicultural curriculum materials and staff training to carry the program into the community. (SK)

The Illinois Rural Recreation Development Project seeks to develop diversified funding and community partnerships for long-term recreation services in rural areas. The project relies on professionally trained recreation directors and citizen support and participation in planning. (SK)