Networking

Authors: Brilliant Asamoah - Colby Silvert

This publication addresses best practices Extension and outreach educators can use to engage stakeholders in their program planning and evaluation efforts. The authors emphasize the importance of applying different techniques to involve stakeholders, from initial planning and design all the way to the point when recommendations are finalized and implemented. To help educators identify target stakeholders, the article describes brainstorming and analysis tools that can map and define relevant individuals and groups. A central tool described is the Power Versus Interest Stakeholder Analysis Grid, used to classify stakeholders based on the power and interest they will likely bring to an existing or proposed program. Educators can employ the structured processes in the article to help ensure that key stakeholders are not overlooked and community leaders buy into new programs. Both face-to-face and virtual engagement techniques and participatory evaluation models are highlighted, and a list is provided of resources for educators to deepen their knowledge on stakeholder engagement strategies within program planning and evaluation. Authors: Brilliant Asamoah and Colby Silvert; Title: Engaging Stakeholders in Extension Program Planning and Evaluation Efforts (FS-2024-0741).

Authors: Shannon Dill

Starting a farm or adding a new farm enterprise can be an enjoyable and attractive business decision. This factsheet lists contacts and resources to explore as you consider a new or expanding farm enterprise. Resources from government agencies and organizations provide production information vital for starting and operating a successful farm business. Author: Shannon Dill; Title: Starting a Farm Enterprise in Maryland (EBR-2022-0648)

Authors: Jamie Morris - Neith Little - Alexander Chan - Andrew Kness - Jesse Ketterman

A recent innovation in faculty retention has been to encourage tenure-track faculty who will be going up for tenure together to form a cohort that will work together throughout the tenure process. This cohort serves as a support network and a professional community of practice. The 2021 Cohort of University of Maryland Extension and authors of this brief found that the initiation of the cohort and the dedication and commitment of the cohort members are both necessary to make the cohort model a success. This fact sheet documents the group's plan of action through year 1, provides lessons learned and helpful hints and a highlight for year 2. It is intended to help future tenure track cohorts navigate a similar path and perhaps lessen the stress along the way. Authors: Jamie Morris, Neith Little, Alexander Chan, Andrew Kness, and Jesse Ketterman. Title: A Tenure Track Cohort Case Study (FS-1103)