Meeting Participants:

Martha Johnson, AL	Lynda Harriman, OK
Sarah Anderson, AR	Teresa Nieves de Guriia, PR
Diana Edlow, FL	Princetta Jones, SC
Nayda Torres, FL	Brenda Thames, SC
Don Bower, GA	Pat Ganter Sobrero, TN
Janet Kurzynske, KY	Margaret Hale, TX
Carolyn Carter, LA	Carolyn Nobles, TX
Gina Eubanks, LA	John Dooley, VA
Raygene Paige, MS	Gladys Vaughn, CSREES
Judieth Mock, NC	Myron Johnsrud, NASULGC
Dorothy Wilson, OK

Officers:

Chair--Margaret Hale, Texas
Secretary--Gina Eubanks, Louisiana
Incoming Chair--Gina Eubanks, Louisiana
Incoming Secretary--Dr. Carolyn Carter, Louisiana

Administrative Advisor:

C. Clark Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension

PLC Representatives:

Nayda Torres, Florida (term ends--1999)
Carolyn Nobles, Texas (1998-2000)

SUMMARY:

The Southern Region FCS Program Leaders participated in a workshop session led by Dr Pat Sobrero that addressed the question "As FCS Program Leaders what steps will we take to insure political viability and maintain a strong position of leadership?" As a result of the workshop discussion, the FCS program leaders identified areas for future development throughout the administrative group in our region. Teams have been formed to develop the recommended strategies for addressing the identified topics.

Dr. Gladys Vaughn, CSREES, Families, 4-H, and Nutrition provided an overview of current and future program support by our federal partners during the meeting. Information was provided on Program initiatives that included Child Care, Healthy People, Healthy Communities and the National Diabetes Education Program. During her presentation Dr. Vaughn identified the following issues that will impact Extension in the next century:

Aging
Education
Health
Race/Ethnic Diversity
Safety and Security
Technology
Economic Development

Dr. Gladys Vaughn and Dr. Myron Johnsrud, NASULGC, led a discussion that addressed the question, "What will make the Extension FCS Program Leaders politically viable in each of our states, in the Southern region and nationally?" Dr. Vaughn suggested that we need to market and package CES differently and more effectively. She also recommended that we need to move from short-term episodic activity to long term sustained and sustainable programs that result in concerted efforts toward specific outcomes. Dr. Johnsrud provided an array of suggestions for marketing and interpreting Extension programs. He also recommended the "1:1:1" rule to have every key decision maker see one program for one hour. Through the testimonials of clients, decision makers are able to understand the differences that are being made as a result of program efforts.

The Southern Region FCS Program Leaders have requested a Food Stamp Nutrition Program pre-conference be held prior to the National FCS Program Leaders conference scheduled in February, 1999. As a result of this request to CSREES, the Southern Region FCS Program Leaders will coordinate plans for the pre-conference. The pre-conference will provide the opportunity for FCS program leaders to share effective strategies for utilizing food stamp nutrition education resources and address issues of mutual concern which includes accountability expectations.

Plans were developed for the Southern Region FCS Program Leaders to participate in quarterly teleconferences throughout the next year to increase communication, identify opportunities for collaboration and address issues of administrative concern.