As our world becomes more interconnected on international, domestic, and personal levels, our need to be more culturally competent increases (Samovar, Porter, & McDaniel, 2007; Ting-Toomey, 1999). Recognizing this need, Washington State University Extension sought to increase skills of its personnel by developing a set of cultural competencies…

The Locating, Orienting, Operating, and Perpetuating (LOOP) model is a structured way for Extension educators to guide volunteers. Use of LOOP allows Extension educators to link volunteers with organizational mission, project goals, personal interests, significant accomplishments, and recognition. (Author/JOW)

Suggests that those planning policy for the future of extension education need to cultivate diversity in thinking and creative approaches to accommodate unexpected events. (CH)

Looks at a study of 36 extension officers that found that 89% of the agents had specific plans, but only 8% of the programs were implemented as specified. Suggests reasons for the discrepancy and suggests a flexible planning model for more effective programming. (JOW)

Suggests a need to examine the assumptions of the program planning model and explore new ways of meeting social needs through extension education. Argues that the reductionistic program planning model is useful but only in certain situations; new ways of approaching complex social issues need to be considered. (Author/JOW)

"Research-transfer" and "adult education" program models are barriers to closer working relationships among extension and other agencies; an interdependence model that combines the perspectives of extension held by the other two models should improve cooperation and collaboration and build support for extension. (Author/JOW)

The Parenting and Consumer Education project identified effective models for training welfare-to-work facilitators. Premises were the importance of process, learner responsibility, and improvement of social networks. Effective training was learner focused, inspiring, and motivating; demonstrated productive behaviors and effective life skills; and…

The hourglass model approach to public policy issues in extension education includes (1) selection of mega-issues; (2) formation and reporting of study groups; (3) a symposium; (4) synthesis and revision of symposium and study group outcomes; and (5) extension/outreach to broader audiences. (SK)

This author-specialist tries to identify a model for use by all specialists in developing State-level programs. This article details the dilemmas found in program development in adult education. A diagram of the program development model is included. (JC)