This paper presents findings from a survey of 34 food policy councils (FPCs) in California. The survey addressed organizational structure and functions, policy priorities and achievements, and the use of research or other information. We find that most FPCs have formed in recent years, operate with small budgets and limited or no staff, and…

Since its establishment through the Smith-Lever Act, the Cooperative Extension Service has sought to use non-formal education programs centered on community needs to provide research-based information. However, the onset of the information age has transformed the way knowledge is shared and as a result altered the way people access information.…

The University of Missouri Extension needed to develop an annual program review process that collaboratively engaged county-level stakeholders. The results from the first 2 years highlight the results, challenges, and implications of the design process. The annual review process needs to be adaptive, responsive, and reflective from year to year…

The author suggests that citizen involvement can be influenced by two major factors: (1) the extension agent's personal orientation as a programer and (2) the programing situation. (CT)

Discusses various factors/activities to be considered in developing effective extension programs: consider multiple inputs to the planning process (including the needs of the people at the grass-roots level and legislative action), design a program considering these diverse factors, and implement the program in such a way that the clientele have…