WINTER 2000

In this issue • Families find strength in grant-funded program • Task force takes on youth and family issues • Des Moines Initiative offers new learning opportunities • Fight fire with fire -- for better firefighter training • Journey into new agriculture ventures • CIRAS works on quality control in agriculture • "Speaking of skin cancer" -- A cooperative success • Conferences examine transitions in agriculture • Dairy laboratory is "center of excellence" __________   The Extension Connection Winter 2000 homepage __________ Previous issues Fall 1999 Summer 1999 Spring 1999 Winter 1999 Fall 1998 __________ ISU Extension homepage

Des Moines Initiative offers new learning opportunities Des Moines is a center for business and government, but it also is a city full of potential students. Given this, Iowa State University, with the help of ISU Extension's Extended and Continuing Education Program, has enhanced its visibility by offering more learning opportunities as part of its Des Moines Initiative. One new project is the Nonprofit Management Institute, co-sponsored by ISU and the United Way of Central Iowa. "This was set up to be a noncredit program specifically for people wanting additional training," said Tim Borich, assistant dean for the ISU College of Design and a program coordinator. "We've been very pleased with the response and even had to close enrollment in some classes because they've filled up so quickly." Participants in the Leadership in Nonprofit Agencies workshop play a game to demonstrate leadership styles and group dynamics, including issues of trust and risk. The workshop is part of the Nonprofit Management Institute. Institute participants can choose among 13 different classes covering a range of topics, including leadership, grant writing and marketing. Speakers from around the state, experienced in nonprofit management, are featured and professional certification also is offered. "Continuing education credits are earned with every class, so once someone has eight credits they receive a Certificate in Nonprofit Management," Borich commented. The Des Moines Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is proving to be another successful component of ISU's Des Moines Initiative. Monty Van Wart, MPA director and ISU faculty member, believes the program allows ISU to exhibit good citizenry and work on relevant, local issues. "The instructors have been very enthused about the quality of the classes," stated Van Wart. "Students in Des Moines come from varied backgrounds, but most of them have a lot of hands-on experience when it comes to government issues." Jeff Mitchell, an aide to the majority leader in the Iowa House of Representatives, is one of the students. "It's nice to attend classes in Des Moines and actually have face-to-face interaction with the professor," commented Mitchell.