Family and Consumer Sciences Committee
July 6, 2007
July 6, 2007

Present:
Margaret Hale
Carolyn Nobles
Laura Stephenson
Glen Muskee
Jorge Atiles
Ellen Murphy
Shirley Hastings
Thelma Sanders-Hunter

The meeting was convened by Thelma Sanders-Hunter.

Margaret Hale (TX) inquired about an email that had been sent by Dan Cotton with regards to the states identifying potential Communities of Practice. It was recommended that states be tied in with the national CoP.  Hale also inquired about surveys pertaining to priority program areas.  No response was given.  She indicated that James Wade of NASULGC sent the survey.  Hale indicated that she has asked for participation from her state.  This may be a topic for SR-PLN to submit.  She alluded to Carla Craycraft and Craig Woods being contact people.  She stated there is a need to look at where we stand in terms of eXtension.  The nutrition group is not fully involved as need be. Hale reported that they had a fly in meeting in June and there were discussions on bio-energy.  They want representation from FCS, i.e., housing, consumer components, etc.  Each director was asked to identify individuals to involve in this.

Carolyn Nobles (TX) reported having a good legislative visit cycle.  Her institution will hire a nutrition specialist.  Their EFNEP funding will allow for paraprofessionals to be hired.  They had a joint 1862/1890 training that went very, very well.  Their diabetes project was funded.  They are working jointly with Alcorn State University on a "Body and Soul" program. They are targeting African-American churches to alert them about cancer awareness.

Laura Stephenson (KY) shared that their legislature funded their career ladder for in-service for 4-H agents.  What it will do is to allow bonuses for career agents.  They received $500,000 for their physical activities education to hire five specialists.  They will re-open their search for a weight management specialist.  They have two candidates for the health and safety specialist position.  They have been unable to fill the family life specialist position.  Plans are underway to reopen it.

Glen Muskee (OK) reported that they had a good legislative session.  They received funds for an experiment station and to hire an extension specialist at the state level.  They hired a new gerontology and family specialist.  At the end of August, there will be a nutrition specialist.  They are beginning a new impact cycle.

Jorge Atiles (GA) said they had an interesting legislative session.  They did not gain too much.  The governor lined veto parts of their budget.  They were able to get money for a dining room at the 4-H campus.  They are doing more hiring through county dollars where state dollars are missing.  They have a new dean for Family and Consumer Sciences, Laura Jolly from Knoxville.

Shirley Hastings (TN) shared that the state gave a three percent increase across the board.  They are experiencing some good news in terms of budgeting.  There is a small pool for merit funding.  They are looking at funds for bio-fuel programs.  Their Food Stamp proposal has been submitted.  Preparations are underway for their in-service training that will be held in July.

Thelma Sanders-Hunter (TN) reported plans to hire a health specialist and a specialist for leadership/organization.  Report was also given about the EFNEP funding that was received which will allow for the hiring of additional personnel.  Sanders-Hunter told the group about the AEA/ARD Joint meeting held in Baton Rouge the week of June 25. A progress report was given regarding the accomplishments of the FCS groups (nutrition and family life).

Margaret Hale for Judy Warren (TX) reported that their state legislature gave two percent to be used to employ new positions.  The governor line item vetoed a $1.5 million request.  They have had to regroup.  Plans are to do some equity adjustments.  Gaps continue to widen in terms of attracting people.  They are adding a one percent merit pool for top performers.  Judy has extended an offer for a position for wellness in the work site.  They have a major pilot program with the master wellness project.  They primarily are targeting urban areas.

CECP - Jorge Atiles: Training is in progress on how to transition modules from CECP to eXtension.  Two trainings will be in Nashville, TN: August 13-14 and August 15-16 (these will be divided into two sessions).

Ellen Murphy (LA) stated that their legislative session just ended.  Higher education did quite well.  They are working on raises for faculty and classified workers.

Virginia (Ginny) Vincenti's request for the results of the survey that Lynn Russell compiled was discussed.  Hastings and Murphy agreed to ascertain more details in terms of what Vincenti is requesting.

Other Items for Discussion:

consideration to talk to our group at the Joint PLN Meeting in August about feedback on EFNEP-FSNE and fiscal literacy collaboration. Sanders-Hunter indicated that she would forward Judy's email to the group.

August FCS Meeting Agenda :  Sanders-Hunter said that she had not received the final agenda from the SR PLN Chair, Nina Boston.  Margaret Hale stated that the PLN agenda has been set for Tuesday, August 28 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday, August 29 all day and the morning of Thursday, August 30.  Ellen Murphy asked whether there would be a joint meeting with 4-H.  This should be part of our Plan of Work.  She suggested planning a meeting that would be significant in terms of what we do.  The issue of obesity is a glaring hole when looking at eXtension.  However, debt and obesity are critical issues.

Margaret Hale recommended convening a small group to work on the agenda.  Thelma Hunter indicated that she would contact individuals to do this.

Ellen Murphy said there should be someone on the program to look at the Appleseed Foundation.  She stated that Louisiana is working with minorities, i.e., African Americans but not Hispanics.  She indicated that this could become a Southern Region initiative.

The meeting was adjourned.