 |
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| 1 |
If Extension could
provide more field specialist to the area, they tend to be located
more heavily in some areas of the state and leaving some areas with
little field specialist support. Maybe there could more field
specialist and fewer CEEDs, since the field specialist do the
program delivery.
|
| 2 |
Dealing with large hog
confinements and quality of life for citizens.
|
| 3 |
We need to find a way to
make our town a place that 19-25 year old people want to live. Small
town life is no fun for that age group.
|
| 4 |
I believe the family
life field specialists could do a lot for the communities if they
could assist in educating a community on balancing work, school,
church and family. School, church, scouts, 4-H can all be scheduled
on the same night. As an example, how can a community work together
to have church on Monday, scouts on Tuesday,
etc....
|
| 5 |
leadership development
for volunteers and new citizens
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| 6 |
I think the questions
above covered it pretty well.
|
| 7 |
Have a booth at the fair
telling of all the opportunities of your programs
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| 8 |
Our community and Iowa
is growing in the Hispanic population.
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| 9 |
Reduction of
environmental impact and improvement of economic and social equity
are the primary issues of concern in all areas of Iowa's economy,
and in particular in agriculture.
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| 10 |
I think the majority of
Iowan's are unaware of all of the services and information available
through the extention office. I think it would be helpful if county
extension offices were more visible in smaller communities and not
just in county seats and at county fairs. Also, making people aware
that the extension office offers services and information to people
living in cities and towns, not just to those involved in
agriculture.
|
| 11 |
support local foods;
stop making county directors spend so much time fund-raising and let
them do their jobs!
|
| 12 |
More workshops or series
of workshops on financial issues: budgeting, saving, investing,
etc
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| 13 |
helping to keep youth in
our community
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| 14 |
More programs for
immigrant communities
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| 15 |
I would like to see the
ISU Extension department more involved in providing opportunities
for our youth to become involved in leadership training and problem
solving.
|
| 16 |
Extension has been very
helpful in the areas of economic development, value added
agriculture, horticulture and 4-H development. I don't know why
extension does not offer ISU classes at their offices over the
web.
|
| 17 |
I'd like to see more on
tree health and education on Iowa trees
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| 18 |
That the dairy industry
is a most vital resource in NE Iowa for economic
development.
|
| 19 |
Is the housing
affordable,and available.
|
| 20 |
Many of my peers
(college students and recent graduates) would benefit from
extension's information on handing "real life" challenges as we
start out on our own -- nutrition, money management, support
resources like the Concern line, stain tips, family issues, etc.
However, we never hear about these awesome resources except for
those of us who work/have worked for extension. Most extension users
seem to be older Iowans and farmers; my generation of 20-somethings
doesn't realize all that extension has to offer and so does not use
these resources.
|
| 21 |
Our extension office
provides vital support for our area. The extension workers are
always very helpful.
|
| 22 |
Our local extension
office does a wonderful job. They are always very
helpful.
|
| 23 |
The community in general
would greatly benefit if more people knew what different service
agencies had to offer. The word just isn't getting out to everyone
who can benefit from the services.
|
| 24 |
Iowa needs more talented
teachers.
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| 25 |
Need to help seniors 50
& over when down-sized or lost job, they are not eligible for SS
yet and fall between the cracks. Very hard for them to get
re-trained or fine pt to full time jobs.
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| 26 |
Continue to educate. To
keep communities informed about the lastest developments. Be timely
in getting out the new information.
|
| 27 |
Help baby-boomers
prepare for later life. Too little saved.
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| 28 |
I believe that the
community needs to know more about what the extention already offers
and what they can already do for us. I know that many of the farmers
in the area use the extention, but I don't farm, what do they offer
me currently?? Where are they and how are they involved in our
community??
|
| 29 |
Daily access to a local
extension office and county agent are absolutely necessary,
especially in small counties and communities.
|
| 30 |
Need to partner with
Community Colleges on projects and education.
|
| 31 |
ISU Extension is very
important to Iowa communities.
|
| 32 |
I would like to see
assistance in the area of increasing diversity of opinion as well as
understanding between those of different race, religion, and sexual
orientation.
|
| 33 |
The community I live
closest to seems to be their own worst enemy. They refuse to let new
business opportunities develop because it is feared that a new
business will be competition. I am also concerned about the county's
largest employer closing down and moving to another country. There
is also a big drug problem in the county and this employer does very
little to assist its employees in fighting the problem. I am
concerned about child safety in many ways and the lack of community
involvement.
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| 34 |
I have not accessed the
ISU extension services for any reason however, I am familiar with
the service.
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| 35 |
this may sound like a
silly request but my children just entered the 4h rabbit competion
and i really wish that there was a program for those that were
interested in just regular rabbits and not show rabbits...i mean
pets.
|
| 36 |
Teach youth about money
management. As part of parent education (a HUGE need), teach how to
discipline appropriately and about child development.
|
| 37 |
I think ISU should get
fresh fruits and veggies to older Iowan's - instead of always
helping folks in other countries - many elderly folks are "starving"
for food help and go without eating because they don't have funds to
buy the right kind of food - it's way to expensive for their low
income.
|
| 38 |
I don't feel that it is
communicated in our area what is available to use from you that
would be very good resources to use.
|
| 39 |
Encourage individuals to
participate in programs to improvement themselves. How to take an
active role in improving the State of Iowa. Educate individuals an
the negative aspects of shopping at Sam's Club and Super Walmarts
and how it hurts the local economy in small communities. What will
be the delivery model to encourage people to participate in the
education and training to make their communities stronger. Very few
wish to particiapte in programs offerred by Extension which would
improve their local communities. That will be your challenging task.
Do people even know about the local extension
office???
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| 40 |
ISU Extension can
continue to be active in community coalitions that promote violence
prevention
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| 41 |
i feel that more help
should go to parents on fip and teach them skilled jobs, encourage
school. help more with daycare so parents could work and have enough
money to pay for their bills.
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| 42 |
Materials and resources
should be easier to find. If you don't understand Extension or the
land grant system - many would not understand what resources are
available.
|
| 43 |
Face to Face Education.
There is overuse of the internet for training. More money for
schooling and assistance as young as possible especially for
disabled children
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| 44 |
Our Extension Service
needs to work closer with the public by providing more
programs.
|
| 45 |
Empowerment needs to
hook up with ISU for some common sense and
direction.
|
| 46 |
It's helpful to have a
place to phone for information about how things work, such as in
nature/our yards, the products we buy. It's a lot of common sense
stuff that people don't seem to know. You have real people, local,
to talk to who know these things, and they're generally available to
listen and make suggestions. You're invaluable. Thanks.
|
| 47 |
I am always surprised at
how little Iowa State University experts (professors) participate in
their own community (Ames).
|
| 48 |
I have found that
getting informatoin from the extenions usually results in being
asked for money. In the few times have wanted to make inquiries, I
do not have the contact point to do so. For the extension to be of
greater value it should be made moe avilable for the
communities.
|
| 49 |
Families continue to be
under great stress, both economic and time related. To me, improving
mental and physical health of individuals, keeping the environment
clean, and providing communities with great recreational and family
support systems will help keep talented young Iowans in our
state.
|
| 50 |
We are a diversified
community. We need to help those Americans who have lived here all
of their lives understand the backgrounds and social customs of the
minorities moving into our lives.
|
| 51 |
YOU HAVE COVERED A BROAD
RANGE OF AREA
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| 52 |
I think there are
communities that need the services more than Ames.
|
| 53 |
Keeping young people in
our communities and not going to the BIG cities where pay is
ususally higher.
|
| 54 |
help small towns like
Garwin find ways to grow
|
| 55 |
The ones you listed seem
very comprehensive.
|
| 56 |
I would like to see
extension lead the movement for using local producers of
agricultural products, in conjunction with various conservation
practices. I would also like to see extension support local
production of other products that are uniquely appropriate to Iowa.
Iowa has unique qualities that I would like to see emphasized rather
than overrun by development that mirrors that found on the coasts
and in larger urban areas.
|
| 57 |
We love the gardening
information and Master Gardener program, information on forestry and
alternative land uses for marginal land, 4-H and the 4-H camp
(attended a women's retreat there).
|
| 58 |
Help citizens learn to
live "justice for all."Diffuse the polarity among people with
varying ideas. Build listening skills. Foster an attitude of respect
for others.
|
| 59 |
More recreational/social
programs for teens
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| 60 |
needs to understand
demographics & why people choose to live in this
community.
|
| 61 |
Assist community in
understanding the diversity of populations that exist in the
community and the many talents they offer.
|
| 62 |
Help young beginning
farmers. To much help is given to large established
farmers.
|
| 63 |
Need to emphasize land
management when planning additions and land fills
etc.
|
| 64 |
Early Childhood training
and assisting minorities are the two most needed priorities in our
counties.
|
| 65 |
Extension in Boone and
the immediately surrounding area is hampered by ineffective and poor
public information sources such as the newspapers which supposedly
serve the area. But the work is extremely important and deserves all
the attention it can get.
|
| 66 |
Susan Klein has done a
wonderful job in leading the Healthy Polk Initiative and being an
advocate for health, wellness and prevention in one of the state's
most vulnerable counties.
|
| 67 |
Easy, accessible
resource on all quality of life issues for Iowans.
|
| 68 |
How to be less
consumption oriented
|
| 69 |
Ogden has a group called
Citizens Helping Ogden Thrive or CHOT. I think they are in the best
position to address the needs.
|
| 70 |
We have a great
community..our extension is a great part of that.
|
| 71 |
It is important that
County Extension Offices be maintained to provide access and
personal contact with Extension staff and programs.
|
| 72 |
Information about the
needs of older adults who want to remain in the workforce or want to
enter the workforce would be important.
|
| 73 |
The master gardener
program is a very beneficial program both to individuals in learning
about horticulture but also to communities in the service hours that
the trained master gardeners invest each year - please continue to
support this program in Iowa.
|
| 74 |
There is such a need for
the youth to have something enriching to do... esp the suburban
kids... I was a 4Her in rural Iowa, and I see the skills I have and
the lack of skills my suburbanite friends have, and i grieve for
their lack. Can 4H programs be marketed to suburban kids so skills
they desperately need can be taught?
|
| 75 |
Need more educational
forums for information distribution on forestry/land mgt for small
acreages, not just large land conservation
programs.
|
| 76 |
ISU should also utilize
the various professionals in the communites to add and enhance the
programs they are implimenting such as a FACS professional, interior
designer,a credit bureau,speciality farmer etc.and that would assist
the economic development as well.
|
| 77 |
More positive and fun
opportunities for teens is needed, especially summer
programs.
|
| 78 |
I think schools are
seeing more children with special needs due to drug use of parents
during their pregnancies. More prenatal care is
needed.
|
| 79 |
Opportunities for city
youth especially young men with out a father in the home, to gain
skills and knowledge in areas like welding, woodworking, automotive
repair etc.
|
| 80 |
My community needs more
commercial tax base, being close to Des Moines that is a very hard
endeavor
|
| 81 |
Here in Ottumwa, there
is a small group (namely my wife and I and a steering committee)
trying to acheive many of the similair goals regarding youth and the
development of a teen center. We have broad community support but
the extension school could probably help and add necesary
resources....
|
| 82 |
Whether the community
has mostly retired or older Iowans makes a difference on the needs
of the community for ISU Extension to find out.
|
| 83 |
Devise means to assist
retail businesses to become a more cohesive group with a common goal
of revitalizing "main street" Jefferson.
|
| 84 |
I based my answers on
what I know is happening in Marshall Co. A great deal is being done
for after school programs for youth by the school system, lots of
leadership training is being done thru IA Valley, and MEDIC is a
chamber group working on economic development. The community is now
approx. 25% Hispanic. Some things are being dow such as a group
called Latinos de Action coordinated by CCI but lots more needs to
be done in terms of leadership, adapting to IA culture,
etc.
|
| 85 |
I believe extension
needs to provide more in depth training for these areas. Many times
training seems no more than what one has heard or read many times
before. Also deep need to how to get people to take advantage of the
taining and education ISU extension would provide. If used properly,
many of these should be rated a 5,but as in the case of value added
for farm products,generally the coop is seen to take the value.
Farmers don't see it. The community needs to see how all of the
above would actually have a value for them that would be able to be
measured.
|
| 86 |
As with many small Iowa
communities, the local government puts too much energy in
maintaining the status quo and not developing the base for the
future. Many businesses have closed in the last 12 months with none
to replace them. Instead of activly pursuing new industry, the
community leasers are putting their energy into legislating resident
ordinances. It would do ISU well to go to a few council meetings and
here the petty issues being addressed as opposed to true leadership.
|
| 87 |
More emphasis on
economic kinds of training
|
| 88 |
Economic development
with rural emphasis. Seems that there is a great deal of emphasis
for the "urban" ares.
|
| 89 |
Small business
development, support and funding is needed in every small community.
We have many people willing, but few, if any, resources for the
small business owner on a small town square.
|
| 90 |
All these questions
should have a comment box.
|
| 91 |
there is still a need
for the traditional role in production agriculture
|
| 92 |
We need assistance in
helping spur businesses to build in other communities besides
centralizing in communities that serve as county
seats.
|
| 93 |
We need an extension
director with an ag background.
|
| 94 |
Assist local businesses
in finding or developing a pool of part time unskilled
laborers.
|
| 95 |
Personally, I would
really to see a Master Canner's course come back again. I have
talked with others across the country who have taken it and say it's
a wonderful program. I really feel canning is still strong and is
being passed down through the generations.
|
| 96 |
If you can find a way to
involve the people who badly need these services (4,7,20,21,22)these
would be great - just offering them doesn't seem to be enough.
Perhaps involving them on planning teams would be a start - the
challenge being how to identify and get them to come. Perhaps
working with the social services agencies might be an identification
source.
|
| 97 |
current needs and
concerns of adults 60+ and will the concerns change/increase with
the growing population of older adults
|
| 98 |
Communities thrive when
there is local production of goods and services. Iowa is an
agricultural treasure! Extension should Promote crops, livestock,
and related industry! Extension should Work to correct damageing
misinformation.
|
| 99 |
Creation of quality,
reasonably well-paying jobs in rural areas is the most important
thing needed. With jobs will come people, & with people will
come other businesses, and school enrollment will be maintained to
support schools. Job opportunities can be local or within a
reasonable driving distance. Some towns that simply will never
attract significant employment can instead focus on being a good
bedroom town that provides quality housing &
education.
|
| 100 |
we need more programs
for women. especially fiance. things to know and do if a spouse
dies
|
| 101 |
What more could we ask?
ISU Extension is doing a great job. We just need to get more people
in the community involved.
|
| 102 |
Need more jobs with pay
that is comparable to working outside of our
community.
|
| 103 |
Iowa has very diverse
needs. What works for Polk County, doesn't necessarily work in Sac
County. The needs of Northwest Iowa differ from those in Southeast
Iowa. I would encourage ISU Extension to support local offices and
Extension Boards. They know the needs of their communities the best.
Dictating policy from Ames to all 100 Extension offices, sometimes
doesn't "sit well" or apply to all counties. Many local Extension
offices are a real source of information and support. Many people in
the rural areas of Iowa still don't have access to / or refuse to
use the Internet. The local Extension office serves as a very
important resource to many people. Please don't consolidate any more
programs/personnel. Too many Extension staff are covering too much
territory and spending too much time on the road. As a long time
4-Her, former County Council member, former fair judge, I benefitted
so much from the many talented Extension workers who taught and
mentored me. I fear that many people who would be excellent
Extension employees are now turned off by the long hours, travel and
being spread too thinly. Extension is in for some changes in the
next few years. My hope is that decision makers can see beyond
Ames/Iowa State and make decisions that will be good for ALL
Extension consituents.
|
| 104 |
Not only do we have the
need for "prevention" programming for youth, we have the need for
support for youth already considered at-risk (eg.
pregnant/parenting, alcohol/tobacco use, involvement with law
enforcement)
|
| 105 |
The more people know the
more Iowa will grow.
|
| 106 |
How to interact and
connect with other communities to compete in new ways in the global
economy, making Iowa a unique and vibrant part of
it.
|
| 107 |
Provide information on
alteritel fuels and how to make use of them on the
farm
|
| 108 |
Interaction of quality
of life factors with economic well being. Help in evaluating this in
the context of a sound environment.
|
| 109 |
Currently have big
disagreement withing school board about needs relating to school
facilities. City and county government law enforcement have split
and are disagreeing on management, etc.
|
| 110 |
Encourage and help for
entry into the Conservation Security Program.
|
| 111 |
The issues of life
planning are critical - we must move beyond retirement planning to a
system of life planning. Youth vs. Elders seems limiting and puts
the issues in boxes. Youth need to be aware of and considering the
process of aging, which is not a pathology, but requires careful
consideration and planning for all stages of life.
|
| 112 |
1. The 4-H program in
each county needs ISU Extension 4-H Youth Directors as professional
staff to facilitate its programs. In other words, we need ISU
Extension to supply our county with a professional or funds to hire
a professional to work with the 4-H program. 2. We also need a
County Extension Agent. 3. Extension needs to continue as a resource
for people to learn accurate information about food, agriculture,
health, safety, families, etc.
|
| 113 |
I think ISU should know
what a wonderful place Dubuque is. Help our leaders to improve on
the community services we have. Demand parenting,
cleanliness,cooking financial classes for all on
welfare.
|
| 114 |
Drug use
prevention
|
| 115 |
Where will the
consolidation in jobs/agriculture go?? What careers will be there
for american workers to have balanced home/work life & earn
living to raise a family
|
| 116 |
I became a wheelchair
user 3 years ago at age 50. As my generation ages there will be many
more like me. It would make sense whenever new construction of homes
and businesses is being done to make wider doors, put automatic
doors in and allow more parking for "us". My ramp comes out the
passenger door and I need the wide spaces. I have been blocked in a
few too many times. Enough but I think any planner should "wheel a
mile" in my shoes.
|
| 117 |
Educate and train small
Iowa communities to expand and build new housing developments. Many
towns have no annexing or expansion plans. New housing is critical
in many towns. Old homes are very difficult to get financed for
young people. they are forced to live in larger towns just because
of this. Small towns are dying because of this. Western Iowa must
have four lane super high-ways into the Omaha and Sioux City huge
labor markets. All Eastern Iowa labor markets have high speed 4lane
hi-ways supporting the communities there. Western Iowa needs
help!
|
| 118 |
Help us understand,
appreciate, and continue the vibrant history of Iowa, its tradition
of good, hard work ethic, values/morals, strong families/marriages,
and the role of the Christian faith in Iowa's strength and
success.
|
| 119 |
I think there is a lot
of things Extension does for the community that no one knows about.
And I think this envolves letting more people know about what they
do offer.
|
| 120 |
ISU Extension needs to
keep a presence in each county. Having a county office and a
director available for the citizens is the most important part of
this organization.
|
| 121 |
Many of the questions
listed above are services already provided by other agencies and
organizations. Is Extension looking for a new purpose in life? The
communities need new ideas and support to put them in place.
|
| 122 |
Just a note -- I live in
Greene County but work in Guthrie so my anwers were based more on my
work area.
|
| 123 |
Find jobs for those that
are forced off the farm or retiring.
|
| 124 |
Most communities in Iowa
depend on a strong ag economy both directly & indirectly.
Extensions support of agriculture is also supporting most
communities in Iowa.
|
| 125 |
get moreindustry into
the smaller towns so people come to live in the small towns and keep
our schools going also, and raise the wages so people can afford to
live comfortabely and get better medical insurance rates and
medicines prieces lowered so people can afford to pay for the
medical bills and also there medicines. there needs to be something
done about all this. things just can not keep going higher and
higher people will not be able to go to the doctors any more or
afford medical insurance if something is not done about this
immediately, also this part d program thats coming up for medical
persons is not an affordable insurance for the people either over 65
now. something better must be offered.for every one and the amount
people make needs to be rasised so they can get a discount too. this
all need help very much.
|
| 126 |
We appreciate the ext.
office. They do a great job.
|
| 127 |
having immigrants do
everything that we have to do to obtain voting priveledges, drivers
licenses etc...
|
| 128 |
Of all the problems in
our local communities, I believe the biggest one is the
disengagement of our people, the feeling that nothing will change
and we will always be a poor county with no prospects for the
future. We need committed people who will be leaders in our
communities and I don't see that or hear of it from other
people.
|
| 129 |
Keep to
ag.
|
| 130 |
Provides valuable
information and services -- the resources available at the office on
a wide variety of topics is very helpful. Nutrition and plant
information very helpful. Need to help community use their resources
-- need to let people know what is there.
|
| 131 |
Knowledge of
conservation and our environment and our responsibilty to wisely use
and protect these resources.
|
| 132 |
Get the word out. Many
people believe that ISU Extension is just 4-H and agriculture, I
myself didn't realise that there was this much more to extension. I
think that once people know that these services are available more
and more will start using them.
|
| 133 |
Build on more team
work/cooperation within all the clubs, community to work towards the
common good of the entire county and/or state. Teamwork by combining
clubs for a large community wide project (ie: spring/fall cleanup
for elderly residents or known sick residents(illness or accident)
of clubs local community to work towards a county reconition Club
award(s) (trophy for Club and t-shirts for club members
achievements) to be awarded during fair for the good of the
community showing "4-H makes a Difference!"
|
| 134 |
Need for stronger
non-profit leadership, need for governance skills and strong
board/council members. For Extension to be strong ISU Extension
management must be strong and consistent. Often there are mixed
messages and conflicting information from one area like ag vs
families; and from each administration dept like personnel vs
finance.
|
| 135 |
I don't think we always
see what extension is doing in our community. We need more
resources.
|
| 136 |
prairie restoration as
part of ecological health of state of Iowa. Help citizens who are
not farmers with pets and companion animals.
|
| 137 |
When I go to the state
fair, all I can think about is how badly Iowans are in need of
assistance to get their weight and health under control! Your booth
always has such intriguing helpful information. Find ways to get
this more mainstream into each community!
|
| 138 |
If business are
prosperous, several of the items listed will take care of
themselves. We also need to help farmers find opportunities to boost
income. How to cooperate with others in order to strengthen them and
allow them to compete with the corporate farming. Hogs have went
that way, I'm afraid everything else will also.
|
| 139 |
We appreciate all the
help they give to the residents of Wayne County. A great Agency to
work with.
|
| 140 |
Iowa is a great place to
raise a family and get an education, anything you do in addition to
that only makes it better. The people in the community should know
where the Extension office is...most people don't know where it
is.
|
| 141 |
Many of the questions
above indicate at least a knowledge that local leaders in most small
communities are not educated on economic issues. Generally they are
elected to office because they were mad about something. The general
population- voters and leaders must be shown the importance of
proper planning and follow through. Voters must also know how to
choose the correct leaders- not based on wanting to fire the Police
Chief but on what is good for the community. Look as Missouri Valley
as an example of terrible local leadership- leaders that have done
nothing to grow or improve their community.
|
| 142 |
My biggest concern is
making sure that services are coordinated with other state providers
and not duplicated.
|
| 143 |
Provide information to
help educate voters. Educate people on opportunites to work in
Iowa.
|
| 144 |
To help find
knowledgeable people to understand what needs to be done to manage
and maintain towns infrastructure problems that are ignored and left
for the next generation to fix. Almost every town in harrison county
has infrastructure problems with no plans to fix them until they
break.
|
| 145 |
Extension enriches the
lives of the youth in our community
|
| 146 |
It would be great to
provide some common-sense parenting classes like those offered to
potential foster care/adoptive parents for all pre parenting
people.
|
| 147 |
I really don't
understand how these questions will affect anything in the state. If
people don't know what ISU Extension is - how do they know to use
it.
|
| 148 |
I feel that ISU
Extension does not do much for the community. It seems it is a place
to go to find information on gardening, food preparation and so on.
I do not feel that the extension has helped in community or family
needs that I have noticed.
|
| 149 |
While poor and
disadvantages children and their families need supports, so do ALL
children. Youth development opportunities for ALL is important to
continue and increase.
|
| 150 |
My community is mostly
retired and hispanic. so we are face with low income residences,
noce with much energy or interest in improveing things. We need a
fire lit under us!!!
|
| 151 |
4-H is
important.
|
| 152 |
Kossuth Extension needs
more financial support, as the community is against raising taxes
for the benefit of youth programs. Kossuth is the largest county in
Iowa (area, not population) and could use some support to reach
those up by Minnesota and the outlying county
areas.
|
| 153 |
I realize many of the
above training opportunites have been avilable to our county through
the local extension service, but I support the continued education
in these areas. I especially support our economic
development.
|
| 154 |
how to convince members
of the city council to work together for the betterment of the whole
community.
|
| 155 |
The Extension tries to
make a positive impact on just about every aspect of life for
Iowans. This is a very broad task. However, a person should be able
to know that s/he can contact the office for information on
*anything*. You are a first, knowledgable point of contact for
anyone who needs anything. It's really amazing what you do, and that
you can do it with such little funding and out of such a small
office. I would like the Extension to have a more pronounced,
visible, and spacious "home base". You deserve it and you need
it.
|
| 156 |
plant safety for
children, adults and pets
|
| 157 |
A small businessperson
told me once that they can no longer hire a graduate of a two year
program (at a salary which will allow them to retire their college
loans) and still make a profit. Another small businessperson told me
that local building contractors were having their workers wire homes
as they built them. They were always there to pull the wires, just
in time, so the rest of the crew could drywall. They no longer
needed to wait for an electrician. Are these workers knowledgeable
about the National Electrical Code? Probably not. Do these people
have a long term investment in their work?????????? SOLUTION
Apprenticeships coordinated and managed by Associated Building
contractors in partnership with tradespeople. The IBEW and NECA
already have apprenticeships! So what else is new? These
apprenticeships are sponsored by the union and available only to
unionized electrical contractors. The majority of work done in Iowa
is and will continue to be done by non-union companies. So what does
ABC get out of the deal? Another reason building contractors should
join and promote ABC Greater productivity from workers when they
wire Greater rural electrical safety, better knowledge of NEC.
Greater interest in local careers which are not outsourceable to
India. People who have knowledge of electricity and NEC right out of
high school. Contractors, who can hire people at less salary, can
build for less. Decrease in building costs spurs economic
development that creates more jobs and greater need for construction
projects. If Iowa is to move ahead, we need to be innovators. The
community colleges are already training young people? Yes they are.
Community colleges, because of the political environment in which
they operate, are forced to require course work of electrical
graduates which have little or nothing to do with electrical careers
or the national electrical code. In the past we could easily afford
to hire people who were “well rounded”. In today’s global
marketplace well trained must replace well rounded. Just in time
education is the only education our economy can still afford. If I
hear nothing from you, I will know that the time for this idea is
not right. Unless we have futurist involved who want the concept to
succeed the status quo will not allow it. Most sincerely, John F.
Nennig jnennig@indytel.com 319-334-2142
|
| 158 |
Wayne county - so few
jobs in our town, (not from here originally, married a farmer) told
several people have tried to rent some of the store fronts to start
new businesses and owners have intentionally made rent to high to
drive off new businesses. Population is mostly elderly. Need to
bring in decent jobs for those of us with college degrees - hard to
justify staying around or moving in for a $7.50 job with a college
education. It's a great place to raise a family tho if you can
afford it.....
|
| 159 |
ISU Extension can best
provide to the needs of our communities by cooperating with other
agencies, I'm afraid you will spread our resources to thinly and not
accomplish the goals you set out to do.
|
| 160 |
One third of all the
food in the world is dependant on pollination, and honeybees are the
most efficient pollinators of all the insects and birds. Iowa used
to have 250,000 bee hives in Iowa in 1958, and now we struggle to
maintain 15,000 bee hives. The numbers of beekeepers has also
greatly decreased. The Iowa Honey Producers have struggled for years
to educate Iowans on the importance of honeybees within our economy
for both pollination and honey reources. Beekeepers have struggled
due to recent infestations of the tracheal mite, varroa mite and
various diseases. We need ISU to help us with problem solving,
pesticide and antibiotic application education/certification,
budgeting issues, community ag asistance and educating the public
and new beekeepers about options and organizing our businesses.
|
| 161 |
I think we need more
people like John Holmes and Todd Vagts I find them to very important
to my farm.
|
| 162 |
Professionally, I need
continuing education courses for engineers that are affordable and
available locally. The tuition and distance education fees are way
too high to afford.
|
| 163 |
I could not answer some
of the questions because they did not pertain to the the use of our
school and ISU. I would like to say that the people that I have
worked with for grants and healthy lifestyles have been a great
support and are always very helpful and
knowledgeable
|
| 164 |
Should pay attention to
resource mapping and know what is being offered (may have to ask
instead of guessing) and by whom before just writing grants and
duplicating services.
|
| 165 |
MORE JOBS and come up
with ways for poor families to get an education and a decent paying
job so they can get off welfare.
|
| 166 |
They have helped provide
training for our staff on computers at a reasonable fee,Also helped
provide staff with other early cbhildhood training.
|
| 167 |
City govt. budget cuts
have caused the library and art museum to cut programs and hours -
city leaders need to be educated about culture and quality of life
issues. Historic structures are being demolished rather than being
recycled - I think Extension could do more in the areas of reuse
& recycle when it comes to things as small as a water bottle (no
five-cent refund) or as large as a 3-story building.
|
| 168 |
Our community appears to
have a lower economic status than most of the surrounding areas and
I believe it would benefit employers and business owners to have
training in economic diversity so they can better serve the
citizens.
|
| 169 |
I believe that the ISU
extension office needs to be able to find out what other agencies
are doing in the community and co-ordinate with them versus doing
what they are currently doing and walking on the other agencies'
toes. I think the extension office tries to take on too much and may
need to look at specifically focusing on one or two things. Example:
do 4H, let substance abuse agencies take care of education on
alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.
|
| 170 |
What suggestions can you
make or what can you do to help us re-open a grocery store in our
town. (Swea City)
|
| 171 |
Extension service is
doing an excellent job with agriculture. Joel DeJong is highly
regarded in this area and is a very useful tool for producers to
use. Keep up the wonderful support.
|
| 172 |
Protecting children from
sexual predators and education about meth and other drugs. We seem
to have a lot of young people using meth ages 15-35. Alot of young
women are using for weight loss.
|
| 173 |
That there is a wide
variety of diversity in my community. Not just ethnic diversity, but
also religious and socio-economic.
|
| 174 |
na
|
| 175 |
I live in a small
community. The Extension Service should notify very small Iowa towns
of their services as they are most in need of those
services.(Perhaps they already do and I am not aware of it.) I have
received excellent help in child care from the Extension rep in our
area.
|
| 176 |
The 30 questions are all
very important - as I have indicated. My employer is Hawkeye Valley
Area Agency on Aging. The elderly have many needs relating to health
- nutrition, exercise, mental health, finances, help staying in
their homes, caregiver needs. Our elderly population is growing and
so too the services necessary to help them.
|
| 177 |
Assist agencies (e.g.,
Easter Seals) in locating activities and work for Iowans with
disabilities such as mental retardation.
|
| 178 |
we have a high
percentage of Laotian residents as well as Mexican residents and i
think the rest of us need some education in what their cultures are
like and what different expectations they have, i.e. what lack of
eye contact means could be very different than what our cuture may
see it as meaning -- that sort of thing. also, I think the other
cultures that move to our communities need help figuring out how
their culture can integrate within the US, keeping the integrity of
their culture but now living in the US and specifically our rural
Iowa communities and the norms of those
communities.
|
| 179 |
I would like to see a
chart of students who have graduated and where they are now? Are
they in Iowa or some other state?
|
| 180 |
Work with small farm and
acreage owners to manage their crops and livestock
better.
|
| 181 |
The community needs
increased availability for mental health and substance abuse
treatment. The community also needs additional options for parents
who need help in learning how to better parent their
children
|
| 182 |
We have lost a large
percentage of our population. Extension should continue to help
communities with economic development.
|
| 183 |
Continue to support
family oriented programs that improve our communities and make
better citizens.
|
| 184 |
Considering 1 in 4
Americans are caring for someone over age 60, I think additional
resources should be directed to aiding Iowa's families. Also,
assistance with locating grandparents that are caring for a
dependent child,would be of value.
|
| 185 |
Focus mainly on youth.
They are the future-not the older generation.
|
| 186 |
Bicycle safety is an
issue. A lot of people ride their bicycles in town, but bicycles
don't have a designated area and have to be on the streets with
vehicles, who can't or don't always see them. Both for individual
health and environmental health, I think bicycle riding should be
encouraged. Currently, it's dangerous to follow the law and bicycle
on the road with cars.
|
| 187 |
Provide programs to help
persons on welfare acquire skills so they can get jobs and be more
self sufficient. Just as important to help them find
employment--maybe partner with businesses to help them get first
job, etc. Our system doesn't actively encourage this or help people
enough --too easy for them to just stay on welfare & it becomes
their lifestyle or standard, too discouraging for them to grow &
make it on own.
|
| 188 |
College bound teens and
credit cards. Training on using credit wisely is essential since the
teens are getting credit card offers in the mail.
|
| 189 |
I think with the economy
as it is, Extension needs to be careful to not duplicate services
provided by other agencies. This is not cost or time effective.
Working with youth seems to be very effective, and adult programs to
help with finances and health are good, but many other areas are
served by other entities and should not be
duplicated.
|
| 190 |
More support for the 4-H
program in Iowa.
|
| 191 |
Recently I viewed 'The
Open Road America Looks at Aging' on Iowa Public Television and
found it quite interesting and perhaps an opportunity for retired
individuals as they enter this phase of their life. I believe Iowa
needs to be on the cutting edge to utilize/benefit from the
volunteer efforts of the baby boomer generation and believe
Extension can facilitate this opportunity.
|
| 192 |
How do small farmers
make a profit with low grain prices, high input costs? How do you
afford to buy land?
|
| 193 |
Jobs, jobs, jobs, and
jobs
|
| 194 |
Need to achieve
diversity in the type(s)of industry located here. Need to fully
integrate the Latino population into the community.
|
| 195 |
Our community really
needs more opportunities for building family relationships. If we
want to fix what is wrong with this country, we need to fix the
family first.
|
| 196 |
Improved housing is
needed in all comunities in the area.
|
| 197 |
It seems to me that
training and education in all of these areas are worthy goals. An
important question that may appear later in the survey is "Who or
what institutions can/should deliver these/" And another is how to
reach those who might best be served?
|
| 198 |
We have a large
industrial base for the town of our size. We also have farming
within our county. How do we meet the needs of both would be a good
place to start.
|
| 199 |
Agriculture research,
extension, and information is Iowa through ISU has dropped to an
almost embarrassing level - we aren't a lot more focused on
agriculture today than U of Kentucky; however, it is not too late to
change the current trend. We don't need any more social programs
from Ames. Stop focusing on inner city issue - we have a host of
government programs for these needs. Focus resources on improving
agriculture through research, developing emerging technologies, and
helping ensure the livestock industry remains strong in this state.
I hope my taxes go to support the original mission of the land grant
charter - rural education and research. Please make changes that
will allow us to be proud of ISU recapturing it’s leadership role in
agriculture.
|
| 200 |
ISU extension needs to
be readily accessible to everyone. Not everyone knows of your
services. An ad campaign would bring recognition to the general
public about the help you have available.
|
| 201 |
more youth oriented
work
|
| 202 |
Extension should NOW use
their expertise and publicity abilities to talk about ethanol. There
is so much. The SAAB that gets equal milage whether running ethanol
or gas but has more power. The Minnesota research into ethanol and
fuel cells. The old oil company myths need a good airing - more
energy to produce than received, cars not built for it, etc. We need
some E85 stations that are economically successful. People should be
buying ethanol cars instead of hybrids. You might even tell farmers
that letting Brazil import ethanol into the US is fine. The market
is large, let's build an ethanol economy. A larger supply would
stimulate the market. Wind energy is another useful topic crying for
Extension research and education. I am not sure that hooking
windmills to the electric grid is all that great, but they could
sure be used to produce hydrogen. In producing hydrogen, the
intermittent character of wind energy would matter less - make
little difference in fact. General Motors expects to have a hydrogen
car on the market in 5 years. Iowa farmers need to be ready to
supplly hydrogen either through wind or ethanol conversion to
hydrogen as the car drives down the road through the use of a
catalyst or something.
|
| 203 |
Iowans and Americans
continue to need education and information on participating in
government and what individuals can do for our democracy to
work.
|
| 204 |
Grinnell needs help in
the downtown area or it will die. It needs to come up with a catchy
theme or group of retail markets to draw people from other
communities. Also the area as well as the State needs to realize
this is a great agricultural State...there are numerous kids and
young adults that would love to continue that tradition...there
needs to be opportunities for people to continue being independent
farmers and less of the huge coporate farming. I am very discouraged
by the amount of time wasted in the Des Moines Register lately
talking about creating more "Recreational Lands" which only means
less "Agricultural Lands"...people need to be educated that we still
need Agriculture and there needs to be more opportunity for people
to make a good living in agriculture.
|
| 205 |
doing
good
|
| 206 |
Regarding 12.
above...but not illegal aliens! Help create new and additional
industry for existing resources. (ex..wind). Help establish
additional processing, etc. for existing products.
|
| 207 |
Quality health care at a
reasonable cost.
|
| 208 |
Improve Attitudes of
politicians and aging farmers to help young farmers or beginning
farmers to get started in agriculture. Someone helped them get
started, don't let all the govt. funding go to anymore buffer strips
that could be hay or pasture land that beginning farmers could rent
at considerably less than $150/A. paid by govt. it still would be
environmentally friendly and good for communities.
|
| 209 |
Teach English to
spanish-speeakig people get rid of our welfare mentality teach our
young people that physical labor is not bad and not everyone needs a
college education
|
| 210 |
Have not observed many
of these so cannot evaluate
|
| 211 |
ISU extention employees
should spend more time volunteering in established community groups
- chamber of commerce, united ways, etc and support programs with
similar goals rather than always developing their own
programs.
|
| 212 |
ISU Extension has always
been a very usefull educational tool that I have used many times in
the last 12 years.
|
| 213 |
We question the
extension services ability to be recognized as a useful resource by
community and business leaders. Politics and special interests seem
to dominate comunity decision making.
|
| 214 |
Expand the services for
more adult topics
|
| 215 |
have an informational
session(s) to better inform the community what they do
offer
|
| 216 |
Building successful
collaborations
|
| 217 |
I think it is important
that ISU determine what other entites are already providing training
and expertise in some of these areas locally instead of duplicating
training and services that already exist.
|
| 218 |
From what I see, they do
what they can. I'm not sure of everything they are involved in
though. But what I've seen has been good. Thank
you.
|
| 219 |
Due to state cutbacks
ISU struggles to maintain a place in each of Iowa's counties.
Legislature for State funds needs to continue to be a
focus.
|
| 220 |
Continue to use new ways
to reach families. Not all families are reached with mail, internet,
radio, etc. Innovative ways to get families info regarding programs
and opportunities are always needed!
|
| 221 |
Concentrate on
leadership, business training, and ways to make available affordable
housing.
|
| 222 |
Work with schools to
raise the level of required classwork and homework so that graduates
have more skills to function in our society. Help teachers show
students how to apply all educational requirements in their daily
lives so that students understand why they need to study,learn, and
stay in school. As an employer, I find it very disappointing to see
how many young people can't read well, understand or follow
directions, can't do simple arithmatic, have no sense of
responsibility to do a good job much less show dependability (show
up when scheduled to work). Can you help teachers to develop a life
skills class that stresses the above points?
PLEASE!
|
| 223 |
Re: Survey. While it is
hard to say that any of the above could possibly be "bad" things to
do ... it does not seem to be informative enough to just check "5".
Greene County Extension has a knowledgable staff - and they do great
outreach!! The ISU Extension staff has been so supportive, this
survey does not begin to address the support for value added ag. I
could go on and on, but the seven minutes for this survey does not
seem to me in any way allow you to know how your extension is
helping the public in Greene County. I'd be happy to talk to you in
person or via email. Chris Henning chhhc@netins.net
|
| 224 |
keep up the great
work.
|
| 225 |
After school affordable
care in Bettendorf Public schools is needed a lot!!
|
| 226 |
Yes
|
| 227 |
There is currently no
childcare available for children with disabilities. Many of these
children have needs which go beyond the typical daycare setting, and
as they get older, they continue to need daycare services during the
summer, snow days, long holidays when parents have to work, etc.
Many parents struggle to find someone who is trained and willing to
care for their children. An example is a 10 yr.old with mild mental
retardation and autism who occasionally has aggressive behaviors
toward self and/or others. Or a child who has medical needs
ie:wheelchair, feeding tubes, etc. These children may access the MR
or Ill and Handicapped Waiver programs, but there is not a child
care component to these services. Respite cannot be used when the
parent is working, so the parent has to take time off from work, and
risks losing their job.
|
| 228 |
helping families to be
financialy and socialy stable both internaly and externaly is core;
everything else addresses symptoms.
|
| 229 |
Transportation is a key
issue for people who are poor, immigrants, elderly, etc. to get to
health care and other needs. Your survey questions above cover a lot
of needs--I had no idea Extension dealt with so many and such varied
areas.
|
| 230 |
There may be programs or
opportunities already available in communities for some of these
topic areas. May be able to partner with existing programs to
strengthen existing resources.
|
| 231 |
We need more things in
the community for children after school and on the weekends to do.
The skatepark and the swimming pool are the only things for kids to
do. The pool is great for the summer months. The skatepark never has
over 4 kids using it on a routine basis. Something for children of
all ages with their families to do would be great!! Good
Luck!!
|
| 232 |
How extension can reach
people from other cultures and back grounds, and expand their
wonderfull services to people that came from anther
countries.
|
| 233 |
One needs to research
why businesses don't want to come into a community so they can
change it to accomodate them to create jobs.
|
| 234 |
To learn more about the
community, Extension should work closely with tourism, economic
development, and other county entities.
|
| 235 |
I think the child care
and family development that Extension provides is critical as it is
not available from other resources. Families our so critical to our
future we need to work to strenghten them!!
|
| 236 |
Oral health needs of the
community, access to care for low income citizens,
|
| 237 |
ISU could help people to
be aware of dangers in their environment in their
communities.......such as, plant emissions that are potentially
harmful, ground water issues, large confinement businesses and their
hazards, etc
|
| 238 |
I really like the
children and youth opportuities that ISU offers, however I think ISU
needs to get out of their box when it comes to agriculture.Help the
farmer to learn how to get back to basic land management and
increase yields without buying into the "paid for" ISU information.
|
| 239 |
Great for ag and the
community.
|
| 240 |
I think ISU does a great
job :)
|
| 241 |
ethical relationships
with animals
|
| 242 |
We work with a growing
number of Hispanic immigrants who need to learn how to navigate our
medical, social service, and financial systems. The sessions with
Mark Grey have been good and useful. Affordable preschool for all
children is another need of the community. Early prenatal care for
all mothers--insured or not--is also a need.
|
| 243 |
That we need more
program facilitators that are minorities and bilingual
|
| 244 |
develop gambling
education brochure.
|
| 245 |
Focus on the
children!
|
| 246 |
The isu extension needs
to get out more in other areas besides children and in the schools.
Everything that I marked as 1 are areas that nothing is done in this
area. It needs to get out and be seen more. I work for major
business in this area, never have a seen them around. You may want
to take a look at those that run the programs in the areas besides
youth and evaluate if they are truly do their jobs. Nothing is ever
seen in the communtiy regarding these. You pay them good money and
are suppose to get out. You see the Youth field specialists out and
strong in the 4-H programs and in schools, you dont see any of the
others anywhere.
|
| 247 |
assist in
non-agricultural business oportunities
|
| 248 |
We Currently have very
little programming based out of or ran through our county extension
office, we don't even have an opportunity to get our pressure gauges
checked. I don't understand why we haven't been offered equal
opportunities as other counties have been offered. At this time I do
not believe Extension to be a good value for the $170,000 plus of
tax dollars going toward the non-existant programming. The
perception in my county is that ISU Extension is politically
motivated enough that nothing will be done to improve the 'good ole
boy' system!
|
| 249 |
Ways to help Hispanics
assimulate into this curture.
|
| 250 |
Our community is blessed
to have an excellent 4-H Youth Development program, and I feel that
it should be fully funded so that it can continue its excellent
work.
|
| 251 |
Needs of our community:
character education, get rid of bullying in the schools, help with
suicide (especially for teen males through their 20's)
prevention.
|
| 252 |
I would like researched
based information on many of the above items to be easily accessable
on the internet.
|
| 253 |
Economic/environmental
interactions
|
| 254 |
Have been very helpful
staying up with the regulations of swine industry and making
decicions for the future. thanks
|
| 255 |
ISU Extension needs to
continue a CEED presence in every county.
|
| 256 |
I believe the youth
programs are extremely important. If we don't get youth excited
about Iowa (especially rural Iowa), then it will be hard to get them
to stay here as adults.
|
| 257 |
ISU extension does not
need to help give a competitive advantage to dutch immigrant dairy
farmers over US born young dairy farmers, like
myself.
|
| 258 |
As a coop manager, I see
more to extension than just the ag, but ag is my main focus. I hear
dozens of very positive comments about my county extension agent, he
is very helpful, and even more about Clark McGraff, the agronomist,
and the training and agronomic expertise he shares. Cattlemen also
speak highly of the extension livestock man from Oakland. I would
have to say that in our area, at least in ag, ISU is seen as very
strong, very effective, and willing to ask questions and offer
help.
|
| 259 |
Can't think of
any.
|
| 260 |
Hog production is a fact
of life and a benefit to the economy of Iowa. People not directly
involved in hog production need to understand more about modern hog
production in order to counter the newspaper induced bias that it is
a blight on the state. Positive pr for pork producers would help
reduce community tensions. I put a high value on the teaching of
parenting skills. There are so many children raised in broken homes,
from families with multiple, ineffective parents. I think the young
people can see there are better family situations than those they
have survived, but they have no mentors, no examples to follow to
learn how to have successful marriages and families. Raising
children may be the most important task we have on this earth and
the skills to make us successful are never taught -- we must rely on
our experiences, which may or may not have been
positive.
|
| 261 |
ISU can help enable
family farmers and family businesses in entrepreurial
pursuits.
|
| 262 |
if you can do these
thrity things your doing enough.
|
| 263 |
I feel that Extension
could be of great assistance in helping our smaller rural
communities determine what would attract people to move to these
communities, then help the towns develop plans and stratagies to
implement these plans.
|
| 264 |
I have/had very limited
knowledge of what was provided through the
extension
|
| 265 |
It would be beneficial
for our community to develop programming for young adults to help
them transition from the support of the school to real life
situations. This could include job training, skill development,
and/or community involvement nad support. We see a cycle of young
adults who end up in the same habits of their parents and end up
having children of their own at an early age who also fall in to a
lifestyle including dependence on habits including substance abuse,
financial assistance from government agencies, and unemployment. The
age group of 18-25 year olds is critical, as they are expected to
take on adult responsibilities, but have not yet developed all of
the skills that are needed.
|
| 266 |
Help the imigrant
communities become a part of the whole community.
|
| 267 |
There are millions of
grant funds--teach people where to find them and how to write
them.
|
| 268 |
The categories I raged
as "1" are because I believe they are already being provided by
others. I did this to express my concern that any programs you
develop are not duplicative of what others are doing.
|
| 269 |
Expand services to urban
areas.
|
| 270 |
Looking at the original
mission of Extension and comparing it to what takes place in a
typical county office is cause for head-shaking. In rural Iowa,
livestock and crop agriculture is the key to wealth creation.
Feely-touchy meetings about poverty or child care do not meet the
mission. Most of Exetnsion's resources have been directed to the
irrelevant topics, making Extension itself irrelevant. I think it's
important you know that movers and shakers in most communities do
not reply on Extension for anything anymore.
|
| 271 |
I think we should add
more consumer horticulture information and staff. This is a gap in
the Extension system. We need to figure out how to get information
to people who don't come to meetings and may not have access to the
internet. Parenting classes are needed, but it's hard to get people
to attend meetings.
|
| 272 |
In order to provide the
types of services that our communities need, I believe ISUE needs to
take a look from outside in to restructure its programs and
staffing. Doing business the same way it was done inthe 70's appears
to be the norm for ISUE, and I would hate to our land grant
institution be nothing but on the cutting edge.
Thanks
|
| 273 |
I didn't answer any of
these questions because I'm just not sure what all the ISU Extension
service does. I used it years ago when I had a million gardening
etc. questions.
|
| 274 |
I think ISU has good
programs but I do not think that the community as a whole knows all
the things they have to offer. There needs to be a way to have more
people know about them.
|
| 275 |
I believe that ISU
Extension has the ability to be very helpful to developing
communities, but these communities must be aware that the resources
are there and USE them and believe what the Extension has to
say.
|
| 276 |
Which of the above
thirty items wouldn't be useful to any communities in
Iowa?
|
| 277 |
Youth need assistance
with life skills
|
| 278 |
Many organizations are
working on many of the objectives listed in this survey. ISU
Extension needs to not duplicate their efforts, but find a niche to
focus on.
|
| 279 |
how to find grant money,
matching funds, tax credits, etc.
|
| 280 |
There are private
consultants and businesses that help communities with their
strategies and growth efforts. Please don't compete with them. I am
one of them!
|
| 281 |
We are growing more in
housing than in farming. I believe that #29 is very important to
Iowa. The Extension Service I deal with seems very knowlegeable and
will provide me with whatever information I need or a contact.
Extension Services are a big help in today's quickly changing and
busy world.
|
| 282 |
My community is in dire
need of revitalization and a strategic 5 and 10 year plan for
development and growth. The need is to rally every citizen to the
cause of thinking beyond tomorrow. We must focus on the common good
to grow entreprenuers and small businesses and actively work
together to promote our community. The old mindset of the status quo
and that a single corporation can sustain our economy must be
re-educated to seek expansion starting at the grass roots level and
building. I worry that once my community slips under the 3,000
population mark, we will soon find we are nothing but a zipcode.
|
| 283 |
If there is any way they
could educate the general public about the meth epidemic happening
in the southern parts of Iowa.
|
| 284 |
Presently working with
community development in suburban setting. Find ourselves going to
Chicago to work with former ISU grad on Conservation Design/Smart
Growth issues. Any of these capacities available through ISU? Would
be great if they were/are/can be.
|
| 285 |
I am very grateful for
the services provided by ISU extension. They are an invaluable asset
and contribute greatly to our overall quality of life here in Iowa.
|
| 286 |
Stop trying to be all
things to all people. Many of the items in question 2 are best
addressed by others. Do what you do best.
|
| 287 |
Be more visible - try to
attract a wider audience - many Extension programs result in
'preaching to the choir' and don't receive wider demographic
acceptance. Keep up the good work.
|
| 288 |
Advetise more, so the
community knows the information is out there.
|
| 289 |
The Woodbury County
extension is a great community partner to the Community Action
Agency of Siouxland Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. They
provide many resources for us.
|
| 290 |
I can't answer this
because I am not aware of their services
|
| 291 |
The needs peculiar to
non-English speaking families.
|
| 292 |
Recent 4-lane highway
development has "gone around" small SE Iowa towns, destroying
existing businesses and impairing the development of new ones. ISU
extension should focus on business development in these
communities.
|
| 293 |
The question is worded
"would be". I answered in my opinion how it COULD be. The problem in
many areas is letting people know that the help is available for
them.
|
| 294 |
I am not relly up on
everything they do now.
|
| 295 |
I think all areas are
available to the general public it's just that the public doesn't
know they can get information that would be useful to the community.
Our local area paper the Globe Gazette, Mason City, does not
routinely carry information for the Cerro Gordo office. They put
other county's information in the paper before the local county's
extension. Most people also can access the web themselves to find
answers.
|
| 296 |
Assist college-bound
students in finding ways to financially afford college. Iowa can't
expect college students to stay here if they leave college with
$40,000 in school loans and can't find good paying jobs. It doesn't
help Iowa's economy if graduates can't afford to spend money because
they are so saddled with debt.
|
| 297 |
A geater presence of
Extension Staff at the local level (county
offices).
|
| 298 |
I am well acquainted
with some of ISU Extension offerings but not so knowledgable re.
others. Our (urban) community needs worthwhile learning,
recreational, and work opportunities for youth.
|
| 299 |
If in #29 'land use'
relates to the woeful lack of crop and livestock divirsification,
then programs that help to shift the Iowa countryside back toward
more diversified crop rotations and livestock enterprises should be
a very important priority that would enhance many of the other
'family, community, environmental, etc. aspects of ISU Extensions
programming.
|
| 300 |
I think ISU extension
should be involved in helping Iowans to become educated about/use
more conservation minded practices. We are largely agricultural in
this state, and the sustainability of that practice needs attention
so that Iowa can continue to prosper.
|
| 301 |
i think there are a lot
of rural residents that are not aware of everything available at
Extension.
|
| 302 |
They probably should do
more newspaper articles, perhaps a quarterly newsletter to provide
greater visibility relative to what resources are available. I may
not be a very good judge of what all they do but I have some idea in
some areas of their involvement. Letting citizens know more
completely what all the programs are would probably create greater
awareness and more utilization of the Extension Office as a
resource.
|
| 303 |
Frankly, as an ISU alum,
it offends me when ISU Extension steps into communities doing
consulting work that those towns would hire my firm to do. Why do I
constantly have to be in competition for work that my alma mater
educated me to do to provide income to keep me and my business
viable?
|
| 304 |
I don't think it is
appropriate for Extension to get involved in Quality Child Care,
Care for the frail elderly, or supporting families in poverty. There
are other programs addressing those issues, so Extension would be
wasting time and money by duplicating services.
|
| 305 |
None. ISU Extension is a
valuable partner to schools.
|
| 306 |
Emergency and Disaster
Planning
|
| 307 |
Extension needs to
remain proactive in keeping the public informed in regards to the
services it provides, sometimes the city dwellers thing it's only Ag
related issues, but my experience has been extension has so much to
offer the general public at a very reasonable
value.
|
| 308 |
Keeping our youth living
in the small towns after them complete their much needed education.
Small towns are very good for children to grow up in.
|
| 309 |
Wouldn't most anybody
answer 5 to all of the questions above? Who would argue with any of
the above?
|
| 310 |
Partner with other
states about issues that affect like problems.
|
| 311 |
Child care issues when
parents commute long distances to work. Aging farmers still living
on the farm need health and safety information to stay in isolated
homes in the country as long as possible.
|
| 312 |
There is an extreme need
for dentists who accept t-19 patients. There is also a great need
for a larger mental health instituite.
|
| 313 |
Help people plan for
retirement
|
| 314 |
mostly elderly and low
income
|
| 315 |
How to get a physician
to want to work in rural Iowa.
|
| 316 |
Families facing poverty
have many barriers that keep them stuck on welfare: transportation,
affordable quality childcare for all shifts, a higher minimum wage,
affordable housing, clothes, legal services, domestic abuse and
substance abuse issues, mental health problems, education, informal
support services, and formal support systems, community resources,
poor public transportation system, lack of parenting skills, and the
list goes on. Without addressing all their barriers, they will never
be able to leave the welfare system successfully.
|
| 317 |
ISU extensiion is
awesome...
|
| 318 |
Housing is a major issue
in Linn County. There is not enough affordable housing available to
low income families. It is difficult to work on other important
issues such as parenting, education, nutrition, employment, etc when
families do not have a roof over their head. The more organizations
involved in the housing issue, the more likely it will be dealt
with.
|
| 319 |
My intuition is that ISU
Extension has lots of opportunities but most of them being for the
big business person. I also think that not enough information is
being made to the general public about the opportunies that are
available. Advertise Advertise Advertise!!!!!!!!!!
|
| 320 |
That there are WHITE
people that need support and assistance. There needs to be another
CHILD CARE CENTER in Storm Lake-preferably located towards the west
end of town and one that would also have staffing for children that
need a little "extra" such as ADHD, etc. Expand on what we already
have in town, but we need a Kohl's or Penney's, and SOMETHING
BESIDES WALMART. On issuses such as AWAYSIS, BOTH sides need to be
farily represented in advertising, soliticing, etc so people
understand better the pro/cons.
|
| 321 |
Stop dangerous illegal
drug useage & alcohol abuse. Everyone is so dead-set against
smoking but chooses to ignore alcohol abuse. 85% of all boating
& motor vehicle fatalities are alcohol related. Driving down the
road smoking doesn't cause motor vehicle accidents but drinking
does. Society is screaming about the health cost of smoking but
choosing to turn their heads about the health care cost of alcohol
& other drug useage. HELP! fight drugs & alcohol &
decrease crime in our communities / state.
|
| 322 |
I think its
great!!!
|
| 323 |
Our extension agent has
worked to help find funding sources for projects, and I think this
is important, especially for those who don't know there may be
sources available. (grants)
|
| 324 |
the great diversity in
population and cultures might be a big asset if researched for ways
to intermingle them
|
| 325 |
We need to teach basic
life skills -go to work everyday, be a team player, be prepared to
competer globally not just locally, and understand the drive for
continuous improvement.
|
| 326 |
There are agencies
already in my community doing those things I rated low< I don't
see how the extension could add to those areas.
|
| 327 |
Help urban youth
understand and appreciate the importance of agriculture and help
rural youth understand the unique challenges faced by urban youth.
Having grown up on a family farm, now raising my family in the city,
I see a huge "disconnect" between the two groups of
youth.
|
| 328 |
Could you work with
county services that are trying to write a grant for nutritional
problems concerning obesity in the elderly and the young? Dawn
Beaver is our local contact at 641-828-2238 or
828-6070.
|
| 329 |
Helping the entire
community adjust to the boom in diversity would be very helpful to
our community.
|
| 330 |
They should partner with
more agencies to avoid duplication of services.
|
| 331 |
We don't use ISU
Extension enough.
|
| 332 |
Early childhood
initiatives are needed, assistance to schools.
|
| 333 |
They do a great job
helping us farmers. We need them.
|
| 334 |
we need more bilingual
(Spanish/English)professionals.
|
| 335 |
Provide parenting
sessions for adolescents. There is a great demand for these types of
services and there are not any in the local area unless court
ordered and these are paid for by the State and not open to the
general public.
|
| 336 |
Cedar Rapids needs
opportunities and encouragement to engage its citizens in civic
discourse. Too much of the polarizing attack politics at the
national level is influencing the ways we discuss and disagree on
city issues. Maybe Extension Services can help communities value and
cultivate dialogue with residents and other stakeholders.
|
| 337 |
Continue being involved
in the community - you are an excellent resource.
|
| 338 |
Do some research of
communities to find out what resources are currently in that
community before adding new programs. This would stop duplication of
services and bring about a more collaborative
environment.
|
| 339 |
There is a huge problem
in our country of overweight people. Although the government has
done some things and the Extension has done quite a bit, I think the
government needs to go to the county level to make a diffference. I
really believe a time has come for the local extension office to be
staffed with a family and consumer science professional that can
deliver healthly eating programs in every county in this country.
Years ago this approach to solving large problems was very
effective. Although there is a lot of information availalbe to
people about nutrition and diet, we need a real hands on approach to
turn the trend around. I think the taxpayers dollars would be very
well spent with this approach. The long-term effects (costs) of poor
health resulting from obesity are something we need to prevent now.
Another problem in Iowa is the lack of qualified teachers in the
family and consumer science profession. I think the state needs to
conduct a very active campaign in our schools to promote this are to
young people. Maybe there even needs to be some incentives for young
people to enter this profession. Many people in our county are
questioning what the value of Extension is at all. They see many
private and public companies able to offer many of the same services
Extension offers. Somehow, Extension needs to prove its value to the
country before it completely disappears. I think this would be a
very big loss to our country. You need to conduct a
state/national-level promotional campaign to educate all Americans
on the value that Extension brings to our country.
|
| 340 |
I have directed poeple
to the resources that you can obtain from the extention. I think
more advertising regarding what the extention can do for individuals
would be helpful.
|
| 341 |
ISU is a vaulable link
between agribulture and urban societies. The service assists urban
dwellers with better understanding agricultural needs and concerns
and vice-versa. It was an invaluable resource during the farm crisis
in the 80's and now continues to be a valuable resource to assist
farmers/ranchers with trying new products and seeking new outlets
for their products. The service is a vital link for our young school
age children to explore the opportunities in agriculture.
|
| 342 |
What ever is decided
upon, do not duplicate services already being provided. More ICN
educational sessions. On going Parenting workshops on discipline,
recognizing drug use by your child, parenting with courage and
strength, drug exposed children,
|
| 343 |
The cost have gotten to
be too much for low income individuals. Perhaps scholarships or
grants could be offered.
|
| 344 |
We have an obese,
inactive, blue collar community. The local schools just cut PE hours
in the last few years. We need to expand the role of the extension
home economist.
|
| 345 |
THE MG PROGRAM HAS BEEN
EXCELLENT IN JONES COUNTY AND NEEDS TO CONTINUE!
|
| 346 |
I think ISU Extension
needs to take a long, hard look at the field specialist position and
see how viable they are to the counties they serve. Also, the area
directors serve what purpose?? Close down the area offices and you
can save a great deal of money. This is one middle man position that
could be eliminated!
|
| 347 |
I think many of the
areas of interest above are best left to other government and
business organizations. Should Extension try to be all things to all
people or concentrate on a few areas and do them well?
|
| 348 |
ISU is the best way to
transfer research knowledge to Iowans.
|
| 349 |
Nothing else comes to
mind.
|
| 350 |
Finding the need first,
then directly addressing it seems more profitable than deciding what
program to offer then trying to find people to attend. So often,
when done that way, Extension is competing with other organizations
to provide the same educational experience.
|
| 351 |
Develop stratigies to
assist in the development of alternative crops agriculture including
production, marketing and value-added processing. This should be
done as an economic development project.
|
| 352 |
Many program are
available but hard to access. We need more PEOPLE reaching out to
PEOPLE. The work force is not big enough to manage the needs seen -
daily!
|
| 353 |
I had the opportunity to
attend one of Mike White's workshops this summer on grape production
in Iowa. It was very helpful for me.
|
| 354 |
how to keep the local
mom and pop stores in business vs the discount places (WalMart) that
are taking over our small IA towns. Why so many super WalMarts
within a short distance of each other? Illegal drugs are wrecking
rural Iowa. More education about this in our schools, in 4-H, to
youth Practical ways to implement the new Food guidelines,
Pyramid
|
| 355 |
Empower citizens of Iowa
communities to get more involved in shaping the direction of their
community.
|
| 356 |
can't think of
anything
|
| 357 |
opportunities are there
but not always accessible to all people.
|
| 358 |
INERNET
SAFETY
|
| 359 |
THEY DO AN EXCELLENT
JOB.
|
| 360 |
I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD
FOCUS ON THE YOUTH AND GET THEM MORE INVOLVED IN THE RURAL
COMMUNITIES SO THAT THE TALENTED ONES DON'T LEAVE. MAYBE MORE HANDS
ON TRADE SKILLS PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH TO TRAIN THEM FOR JOBS IN THE
FUTURE.
|
| 361 |
TEACH PEOPLE THE EFFECT
OF THEIR DAILY LIVES ON THE ENVIRONMENT (LIVE WORK AND PLAY). TEACH
WHAT THEY CAN DO TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE OUR
ENVIRONMENT
|
| 362 |
MAKE MORE HOUEING FOR
PRPLE THAT DES NOT HAVE MUNNY AND HAS KIDS
|
| 363 |
I have often thought
about attending several classes but the times offered and the
thought that I would be the only 20-something year old didn't sound
appealing so I haven't taken advantage of it. I would love
photograpy, flower/landscaping classes type classes among others.
Basically the classes that I didn't have time to take in high school
or college would be cool.
|
| 364 |
The damage that can be
done by urbansprawl. Not only taking farm groung out of production,
but losing next generation farmers. We must educate current land
owners about how important keeping rural america, rural
america.
|
| 365 |
I am most concerned
about the quality of child care in our state and support for
families where both parents are working. Also, for supports to rural
communities that are struggling to survive.
|
| 366 |
All of the items above
are of importance to communities and to Iowa families; however,
other entities -- in some cases -- are more experienced and better
equipped to handle the problem. ISU Extension, in my opinion, should
deliver services in which its staff is most proficient.
|
| 367 |
I believe economic
development in rural areas (small towns and cities), including value
added ag, is vital to the survival of rural Iowa. The large
(population) cities and counties should have the tax base to support
their own efforts. But the smaller towns and counties need
support.
|
| 368 |
I have found the ISU
Extension programs that I have been attended to be very helpful,
supportive and well presented. I have no knowledge of some of the
questions in the survey. Our community is working to become more
knowledgeable of the diversity here and finding ways to work
together to utilize the special contributions we all can make to
better Muscatine. The ISU Extension service has served the community
well in the past and I'm sure they will continue to work to meet the
needs of Iowans.
|
| 369 |
With the rapid expansion
along the I-380 corridor, more planning and erosion/ecological
studies could insure a environment of residential, commercial
development with the preservation of green spaces and ecological
niches that will provide for human habitation.
|
| 370 |
Our communities need to
be more aware of the cultural and social changes that are taking
place and be better prepared to respond to those changes. We need
increased awareness of the social needs of those who are econmically
disfranchised. But in the process of increasing awareness, we need
to be cautious of loosing a strong character and value
base.
|
| 371 |
We need more good paying
jobs. There are lots of jobs around here, but most of them pay
poverty wages.
|
| 372 |
Not sure if this is an
ISU future venture or not. I see the need of a city's board of
supervisors to not be afraid of welcoming new businesses to their
city.
|
| 373 |
Most of what we see in
our area has to do with agriculture and 4-H. Some of the other
programs are available elsewhere, and may be here, but I am not
aware of them.
|
| 374 |
I live in an urban area
and I feel the people here need to be educated on what they are
ruining by putting a building on every piece of green earth we have.
Do they even have any concept that we feed the
world?
|
| 375 |
I am only know the
extension office through 4-H activities. I am not a farmer and work
as a delivery driver. So I may not be the best person at doing this
survey. 4-H has educated my child about day to day living, and being
involved in the community activities.
|
| 376 |
Extension should take
charge of their educational activities and work within the framework
of Iowian's opportunities for a better Iowa. Education through Iowa
State University should focus on the individual and more on
group-making skills in teh community. Extension should show
ferarless leadership in education to survive the changes in society.
State Extension leaders should support strong agricultural and home
needs for families.
|
| 377 |
I use ISU Extension
primarily for 4-H so I was some what neutral on many questions just
because of my use of the services. I believe Jones County is in need
of an Area Youth Specialist because the Southeast Area and Jones
County is lacking in overall above county level participation in the
beneficial programs available. The Area Youth Coordinator would be
beneficial in the collaboration of ideas between
counties.
|
| 378 |
Neeed for encouraging
more people to take an interest in volunteering to work on projects
for the community.
|
| 379 |
Rural communities are in
need of social services which relate to mental health and parenting
skills as well as prevention services.
|
| 380 |
Extension needs to focus
efforts on one or two things and do those well.
|
| 381 |
Continue the efforts to
increase quality child care..especially for infants and young
children. Also, consider the new demographics regarding grandparents
raising grandchildren and perhaps address the need for support here.
Also, become aware of families of deployed parents and work with the
military to provide support until this war is
ended!!!!!
|
| 382 |
A big problem I see is
the kids who are not involved in the school extra curricular
activities because they are not good enough. After school activities
to help these children develope their strengths, values, and
encourage and teach positive behaviors are huge. The risky times are
between 3:30 and 6:30 when parents are still at work.
|
| 383 |
I think that with the
recent media attention about sex offenders the public needs to be
better educated about sex offenders and the fact that most are
people in their family and close friends, not necessarily the person
off the streets.
|
| 384 |
I think they cover a
wide area already
|
| 385 |
I think that certian
areas of the state need much more assistance than others. Our County
(Cherokee) struggles while others close to us (Plymouth & Sioux)
are doing very well. We really need assistance with providing new
jobs. We have good schools, great quality of living, and ample
Housing. We need more jobs. ( I am a realtor) Thank you. Iowa State
is a great asset to our state!
|
| 386 |
We need the extension
services in our communities to generate new ideas and make the
resources available in our small rural areas, this may help in
making our small communities look more inviting for young families.
Big city advantages for small town living!!!
|
| 387 |
need to provide more
assistance to rural families with young children
|
| 388 |
I think it is very
important to keep supporting 4-H and Iowa's youth. Iowa's youth are
our future, and that is one of the most important things to
consider. I also like all of the help available through the
extension service.
|
| 389 |
Education on solar and
wind energy recources.
|
| 390 |
They need to be
proactive in working with the local Chamber, Main Street and
Economic Development committees. Also, they need to work to bring
the local agriculture and business communities together. Make sure
they toot their horn when they have accomplished projects so that
the local community is aware of their input to local projects.
|
| 391 |
I am a Sac county
resident, and the economy of Sac county is pretty bad. I have been
actively involved in 4H programs, but see it increasingly a vehicle
for a few leaders to push their children into the spotlight. I
should be a valuable resource for ALL kids and has that potential,
but doesn't. There is a huge need for "wrap around" services for
families. There is little economic progress that would attract my
children (U of Iowa and UNI students) back to the area) What could
they possibly do if they came back???? The politics of bigger is
better just don't apply very well in an ares like this. Schools
shouldn't be worried about consolidating, but rather on quality of
education and celebrating that they have manageable class sizes
|
| 392 |
Although we are on the
outskirts of Des Moines Metro Area - Agriculture is still very
important to us. However, it would be nice to add programs that help
small businesses like you help Agriculture.
|
| 393 |
Extension should
concentrate on the business and economic needs of Iowa. Developing
leadership and citizenship skills would also help with the economic
and business needs of Iowa. Extension should not become a social
services program. We already have a social services department for
the state.
|
| 394 |
some of the needs are
being met by programs in our community but for example not ALL
families can be served due to funding restraints and lack of
manpower. Members of our community out in the county need more
programs serving (0-6)children with special needs, especially summer
programming.
|
| 395 |
Help make communities
more accessable to blind and low vision people.
|
| 396 |
The Extension office has
also provided services, such as the expert gardeners, that enhance
the quality of life for Iowans.
|
| 397 |
Demographics of our
diverse population. Educate locals on new and improved products from
value added initiatives. Support local ec.dev.
projects.
|
| 398 |
Just do ag and do it
well. There are other agencies doing community work. You are
duplicating efforts.
|
| 399 |
Our local extension
service seems to be purely ag related. A small percentage of people
know what they do.
|
| 400 |
Women in Kentucky and
other states gain information, confidence, and leadership experience
through their University Extension programs focused on women. In
Iowa this task apparently was turned over to Farm Bureau which, in
my county and several others with which I am familiar, has failed at
maintaining interest.
|
| 401 |
These are all worthy
projects
|
| 402 |
With farmers aging and
their children not returning to the farm, how can we keep these
older Iowans on the farm and leading healthy, long and productive
lives on the farm when they are retired.
|
| 403 |
Encourage gardening for
all social classes
|
| 404 |
All the items listed
above are desirable - had difficulty rating them. I like the broad
approach Extension is taking. Thanks a lot.
|
| 405 |
I think the ISU staff
does an excellent job responding to community needs, especially like
the Growing Strong Families program.
|
| 406 |
DAllas County could use
assistance in developing skills when creating events that enhance
their existing business and help there businesses
grow.
|
| 407 |
none at this time, thank
you
|
| 408 |
Help baby boomer women
who are uneducated, remarried, dealing with issues of remarriage and
struggling due to remarriage and differences in finances with
current spouses, underinsured regarding health. In an age group that
has worked hard all their lives with mediocre jobs and pay, divorced
and remarried to individuals who look at finances as yours and mine.
Females who are undereducated, underpaid, reaching the age of
retirement and health problems, who can not afford decent medical
care, the cost of prescription medication. Work in jobs caring for
other unfortunate individuals but cannot afford to take care of
themselves because they do not qualify for current programs - have
fallen between the cracks for several of the years that they have
been in the work force.
|
| 409 |
Doubt that Scott County
community needs are typical of other community's in the
state.
|
| 410 |
These are all good
ideas. Something needs to be done about the cost of education should
be evaluated. I was a graduate student in a neighboring state. Every
January we feverishly wrote grants to assist single parents. The
funds from the grant went to pay the professor's salary not to
assist single families. It was just greed. I saw a lot of greed as a
graduate student on the part of administration and
instructors.
|
| 411 |
Does Extension partner
with government, industry, and community leaders at all levels
regulary(monthly) to discuss the needs and wants of their county,
region, state. By partnering, ideas and limited resources can be
pooled to create a better outcome.
|
| 412 |
Not enough registered
DHS child care providers.
|
| 413 |
Provide more parent
education
|
| 414 |
Youth
Programs!!!
|
| 415 |
I think the extension
office is a great resource that may be underestimated and
underutilized. If anything, I think that fewer people actually know
what the extension does than what one might assume since it's been a
mainstay in the rural Iowa landscape for over 100 years. For
example, I grew up in rural Iowa and never knew what the extension
did besides the county fair. It wasn't until I began to work with
the extension through community-based professional ties that I began
to understand the wealth of resources extension
provides.
|
| 416 |
I really would watch for
to much duplication of services.
|
| 417 |
work to keep the small
business and schools open in our communities
|
| 418 |
Programs to assist
grandparents as parents, when they take over the care of their
grandchildren. Also, more services/trainings to address social
emotional development and mental health of young children Training
to create more collaboration among community services, so that all
realize that we are not competing against each other for territory,
but all in this together to create a better community. Work to make
regulation/law changes that do not work against collaboration and
sharing of information.
|
| 419 |
We are one of the
oldest, poorest counties in the state. We need help in retaining our
young people and bringing economic development opportunities to our
area. We also have a state park with a 1/2 finished interpretive
center that due to lack of funding is going to diminish if we don't
act quickly. We need help with fund raising strategy to get the
project completed.
|
| 420 |
This county has
experienced the largest percentage of population decline in the
state of Iowa. Jobs are extremely scarce. Quality jobs are rare.
|
| 421 |
I would like to see the
Extension Service broaden their programs to include more "town"
workers. The emphasis seems to be all agricultural, which is fine,
but there are a lot of non-ag people out here, too!
|
| 422 |
I am an educator in
Dallas County so my interests would be geared toward education at
public schools. Dallas County extension office has been very helpful
in guiding me over the past years and has been an excellent resource
for me. I HOPE that they will continue their excellent support of
public eduction to Iowas teachers and thus youth. I think we have a
gret partnership. I also am a Master Gardener and have gleaned great
information from this program as well. I have beeen involved with
4-H groups and think this is also a very good use of public funds. I
have also attened some programs sponsored by Extension for the
community. Such as training for Child care providers and money
management workshops. These are also great opportuites. I would like
to see the wonderful resources that extension has to offer better
advertised so more people can use what extension has available. Jo
Ann McConeghy, Adel , Iowa
|
| 423 |
Help educate and
encourage alternative agriculture as an option for small family
farms who can no longer compete with huge factory farms. Also help
educate and ease the shift towards women-owned and operated
farms.
|
| 424 |
I have been working in a
collaberative manner with ISU extension office through after school
programs. I know their groups are very highly thought of and well
recieved
|
| 425 |
I would like to see the
ISU Extension work to help the town people understand the work of
the farming community, and what the town person can do to improve
our environment.
|
| 426 |
We do not know enough
about what could be offered. It is very disappointing when there are
good programs and peoople do not respond. I do not have a
solution!!
|
| 427 |
Iowa in general, and
Kossuth county, specifically, must get over the romance of "farm
life" and find ways to become economically productive in other areas
besides corn, beans, and pigs. Land can be used to raise other food
products - grapes for wine, herbs and more unusual vegetables, etc,
could be very appealing to people from other areas. Then, businesses
could develop in rural areas turning these raw crops into foodstuffs
that could be canned, frozen, etc, and sold nationwide. In addition
- we need to find ways of keeping young, energetic Iowans IN IOWA!
Let's have more entertainment that appeals to younger crowds, more
options such as bike trails in all communities, things to keep kids
active and busy, and out of trouble.
|
| 428 |
The education
opportunities are no better than the education directors working in
the community. Our local Extension needs a marketing
director.
|
| 429 |
There are several areas
in which our county could utilize ISU Extension, particularily the
agricultural sector. I haven't seen much involvement from our County
Director in any area of agriculture, or community education. He is a
nice person, but is limited in his understanding of
agriculture.
|
| 430 |
I think Extension should
stick to its mission and not try to be all things to all
people.
|
| 431 |
Attracting and retaining
people and business to Iowa
|
| 432 |
I feel that at the
current time the extension director in our county is over extended
to the point that there are so many things to do, that none are done
well. Maybe I show my age by saying that the "old" days of going in
and talking to the extension director about farm, garden, etc are
gone. Another reason for the problem may be the fact that we are
under staffed. The last vote of the extension tax failed, and I
think part of the blame there goes to the Extension Council which
from what I can learn did nothing to push for the
referendum.
|
| 433 |
Communities are very
needy in most of the above areas. But there is limited financial and
human resources to address these issues currently. I also believe
that school reorganizations to force small schools to close is
necessary.
|
| 434 |
Extension and others
help a great deal in transitioning immigrants to the community.
Someone or some agency needs to assist or support specific job
training for these new residents as most come willing to work with
with few marketable skills.
|
| 435 |
Most farmers now have a
second job.
|
| 436 |
To expand on the options
for youth. There is very little for youth today to fill their time
with useful activities. Help teach them the value of
volunteerism.
|
| 437 |
Iowa's small communities
are wonderful places to live, but are seen as dead-end and boring
for our youth. We need a way to market our communities as places to
settle and raise a family.
|
| 438 |
Come on Extension what
good are your Field Specialist, most are busy running from one
meeting to another or one county to another. If Extension were a
private business it would be plain to see where the real load lies.
Eliminate the middle staff, save money!!!!
|
| 439 |
Need to provide
information and support for kinship care providers who are not
receiving any support for costs associated with the care of their
relative child.
|
| 440 |
I think that extension
and its personnel are capable of doing most of the things in the
survey at some level; however, I think that with limited resources
there is a need to prioritiize and then make clear where that
support is coming from because the expectations of old and the $$$$$
support of today don't match.
|
| 441 |
need more
diversity-related education and programs
|
| 442 |
There is a shortage of
affordable after school activities for children and youth.
Activities need to planned that go to the kids where they are
(schools) rather than have kids travelling to the activity. Would
like more focus of increasing technical skills of youth
(specifically in computer programming)and financial
skills.
|
| 443 |
sorry-don't
know
|
| 444 |
They need to know how to
mesh people form different cultures into a unified community with
community pride and intergrity.
|
| 445 |
All these goals are
excellent, and surely every community could benefit from any one of
these things. The question is, with diminishing revenue, can you
folks do all this?
|
| 446 |
Our community has a
large population of Hispanic families. It seems for them to be
successful in our community, we as a community need to better
understand what their needs are and how we can best work together to
aid them in being successful.
|
| 447 |
#25 is a wrong choice as
even though technology is stepping up, not everyone has PC's and
access to them. Bulk mail is still more eye appealing and would get
more than tossed in the recycle bin of those that do have
PC's.
|
| 448 |
More things for youths
to do.
|
| 449 |
More easily accessible
information on Low-Income housing and assistance availble for
current & prospective Low-Income home owners. Possibly a direct
and simplified brochure of where to start and what's available along
with a list of contacts and qualifications for
each.
|
| 450 |
That ISU Extension isn't
just for 4-Hers. It's there for young and old alike and non
4-Hers.
|
| 451 |
Ames in some ways is an
overeducated community...everyone thinks the have the knowledge and
authority to decide issues for the rest of us, ie. the Mall
issue.
|
| 452 |
expanding of
intergenerational relationship opportunities
|
| 453 |
Quality recreation
options Health care option coordination in rural
areas
|
| 454 |
Make sure whatever
educational opportunities are available is widely advertised. Too
often residents outside of Ames miss opportunities because they
don't hear about them. Direct mail is probably the most effective
way to communicate.
|
| 455 |
Think 30 years out - not
just current development issues. Fight the growth of urban
sprawl.
|
| 456 |
I feel all these areas
would benefit a community, if promoted well and use the resourses of
the community to promote special features, such as Chamber of
Commerces, clubs & orgs, community colleges
etc....
|
| 457 |
I live in Monona County,
we are in desperate need of jobs, industry, and businesses that can
provide these things. It seems that the state does not do much west
of Carroll, unless you are a Sioux City. We have a business in
Castana that my pull out because funds have not been made available
to this business as it has been made to other businesses in the
state.
|
| 458 |
the part the that they
play in networking with such services as Community health. Suxch as
grant writing and the wealth of information and expertise they
have.
|
| 459 |
Educate youth regarding
healthy choices such as abstaininf from sex or protecting oneself
from unwanted STDs, teen pregnancy, or HIV/AIDS.
|
| 460 |
What a loss when the
majority of publications are no longer free or inexpensive! It seems
as if more of a focus on increased visibility of your web site would
be helpful. Collaborative partnerships as happened in the past are
so important. I know so many dedicated & skilled professionals
working in the field. Here's hoping there will be no further cuts
curtailing much needed services!
|
| 461 |
Extension is an awesome
program! I hope to be a professional within the system some day
soon!
|
| 462 |
the extension is also
helpful in providing master gardener courses for the state inmate
population and assisting with prison garden production saving
thousands of dollar in food costs
|
| 463 |
ISU Extension has proven
to be invaluable in our community health needs assessment completed
through our public health office.
|
| 464 |
Expanding resources for
single-parent households is an issue that I'd be very interested in.
I am newly divorced and the mother of three school-aged children. I
could use some help!
|
| 465 |
We need value-added
agriculture and potentially a biodiesel or ethanol plant or other
facility that would provide jobs.
|
| 466 |
Services and funding for
elderly (IA is #2 in age 85+ population. They suffer from improper
nutrition, debt management, prescription drug costs to name a
few.
|
| 467 |
Our local ISU office is
a very valuable source to our county!!!
|
| 468 |
The extension service
could work towards building a closer working relationship with the
City Manager/Council, Clarinda Economic Development, Clarinda
Chamber of Commerce and the Page County Board of Supervisors.
|
| 469 |
We need to build the
skills of our citezens to that they can be attractive employees for
new and expanding businesses. We also need to encourage and assist
in the emergence of the small farmer with marketing and farm
management skills. We need to get more active in tourism centers to
increase the state's income from out of state
visitors
|
| 470 |
ISU Linn County does a
fantastic job of supporting the work we do at The Workplace Learning
Connection. Janet Martin & Ann Tobert are
awesome!
|
| 471 |
Keep the community aware
of any hazards in the environment and scams that are going through
the area.
|
| 472 |
We are becoming a very
hispanic populated area and that is effecting us, just not sure what
to do about that or what would help with that
|
| 473 |
It appears that you have
moved beyond the boundarie of what I believe Extension was developed
to provide to Iowans. I'm curious why you believe you have a role in
child care and/or elder care and the quality of such care. I'm also
curious as to why you believe you can impact the skills of business
and their workers.
|
| 474 |
Needs of community are
diverse, and the internet can provide a wide range of services,
available when convenient to the public. Often, working with a group
is the way to go, so costs must remain reasonable and training sites
accessible. ISU has a strong reputation for providing outreach to
individuals, communities, the state of Iowa and beyond. It will be
vital that those services continue.
|
| 475 |
Need access to
transportation for those who can not afford it. Need sick child care
so that the parents do not loose their job staying home with a child
who is ill(most childcare providers will not take kids with
chickenpox which could last over a week - parents can't afford to
stay home and loose wages. Services for parents whose children are
seriously ill (with life threatening illness) who are in the
hospital for an extended period of time. Need community leaders to
better understand the problems of the poor both brought up in Iowa
or those who come from another state to live here. Need more help
for single parents whose ex-spouse's do not want to have any
responsibility for their children. Get a "Grandparents" program
started to connect youth with elderly adults who may not have
families in the area maybe expand this into the Big Brother/Sister
program. Teach children more values so that there are less struggles
for these childeren in the future.
|
| 476 |
Our community doesn't
accept change. Helping people understand that improvements are a
good thing.
|
| 477 |
I'm mainly involved in
working with ISU Extension through the 4-H program. Through 4-H,
kids get to experience many things and learn life skills that would
normally not be able to experience without 4-H.
|
| 478 |
There is a great need
for health insurance for those of us who are not in child bearing
age group but not yet eligible for Medicare benefits. We have no
insurance and cannot be covered by any state programs.
|
| 479 |
Small communities need
assistance to keep their schools alive and increase their
population.
|
| 480 |
You are a resource of
reliable factual information driven from educational expertise.
Would like to see more linking with the business expertise rather
than two seperate identities. 2. Don't try to be the jack of all
trades, master at none.
|
| 481 |
We are a rural
community, including many who commute to metropolitan areas within
30 miles.
|
| 482 |
More programming that is
more visible in the papers, radio, etc. promoting programming in
community. More visible.
|
| 483 |
Get more youth involved!
Do more fun things for kids who aren't in 4-H or even ones that are
that don't really do a whole lot in the program realize that it's a
good expierence and how fun it is!
|
| 484 |
pretty much everything
above is covered.
|
| 485 |
Assist local government
to better serve the public.
|
| 486 |
Education on the misuse
of pesticides and the dangers of pesticides.
|
| 487 |
The State of Iowa is on
the leading edge of the second green revolution, energy and
specialty food production. Please, please, please educate our young
people of the tremendous opportunity at their doorstep. Your
infrastructure to reach out to our future is already in place. Use
it.
|
| 488 |
We need good drinking
water without nitrates and bacteria.
|
| 489 |
Extnsion should keep
help the youth throught the 4-H program and school progams that they
offer
|
| 490 |
My priority is for
children and young families; I see a great need for Parent Education
on a consistent basis. In the past I have seen Extension provide a
great deal of such education. This service, like many others, is
subject to the availability of funds/money. Extension and other
community groups could/should work together more to leverage
money/seek sponsors for the funding of parent education,
etc.
|
| 491 |
Teach ethical practices
and concepts, such as recognizing conflict of interests. This skill
is being lost.
|
| 492 |
I answered all of the
questions above, however, I really felt their should be a box for
unsure or unable to evaluate.
|
| 493 |
With budget cuts many of
the programs offered by our extension office in the past are no
longer available.
|
| 494 |
I would love to see the
community in which I now live make a come-back (wiped out by
Wal-Mart arrival and railroad pull-outs), but it won't happen
without *lots* of help. Thanks!
|
| 495 |
We need reasonable cost
access to higher education- Post graduate. We have one of the best
educated populations in the state, second only to IOWA CITY. We're
not exploiting that to it's full extent. We are also one of the
prettiest of Iowa towns, and we keep it a secret. We need to be a
weekend destination community and we need better leadership to make
it happen.
|
| 496 |
Need more spanish
classes or info to help area businesses and citizens.
|
| 497 |
I think ISU Extension
should have a marketing campaign. Do people realize you exist and
are there to help all people, not just those that live in rural
areas.
|
| 498 |
Generally I don't mark
all the answers the same, however as community success is cyclic,
all of these are needed for a healthy and successful
community.
|
| 499 |
How to keep main streets
in small towns from dying.
|
| 500 |
Have had excellent
experience with the Extension in a variety of projects. Appreciate
the expertise and resources greatly.
|
| 501 |
Would like to find the
Director in the office more often. He seems to spend a lot of time
at meetings that may be educating him but more time in the office
would educate the community.
|
| 502 |
There is a Community
Health Assessment completed Feb 1 05 on IDPH site for the county.
Offering licensed personnel local trainings in their field and for
CEUs is important to reduce travel expense.
|
| 503 |
Helping community
partners learn how to collaborate.
|
| 504 |
top priorities should be
in keeping today's young adults in Iowa and education on
parenting
|
| 505 |
Small communities need
to be able to compete with the large discount stores that are local
a few miles away. The money made in the small communities finds its
way to the discount stores and the main street are becoming ghost
towns. The elderly have no way to travel out of town for food and
clothing they need and the services. Many of the small communities
only have a convenience store with the gas pump as a source of food.
Big isn't always better!
|
| 506 |
Assistance and education
in appreciating and valuing individual diversity
|
| 507 |
Make people aware of and
assist with sustainable land use. Affordable yoga
classes.
|
| 508 |
more special divisioned
disabilities information through flyers, pamphlets, or classes. More
specialized aids or devices noted to be available.
|
| 509 |
All of the above needs
are vital to a community, but I know it is only possible to focus on
a few to begin with to succeed
|
| 510 |
Hamilton county taxes
are extremely high. They must be lowered to encourage people to stay
here. I am moving out of the county for that reason. I can not
afford to live here.
|
| 511 |
I don't know the needs
of my community
|
| 512 |
I believe that the
extension is greatly needed within any community. They provide
learning skills and teach the moral values that the parents have
forgotten.
|
| 513 |
do more activities that
involve the WHOLE community
|
| 514 |
ISU Extension provides
research based knowledge to help communities and is unique in that
it provides a presence of Iowa State University every
county.
|
| 515 |
Transportation and money
for prescription meds are two of the biggest challenges that we
face.
|
| 516 |
I have worked with ISU
Ext. regarding nutrition in the schools and they have wonderful
ideas and momentum. I wish there were more folks to deliver the
message that some of our ISU Ext. staff do here in our community of
Black Hawk!
|
| 517 |
How to encourage
expansion of businesses in our community in an orderly
manner.
|
| 518 |
To continue to provide
training for early childhood care providers on the use of the ECCERS
and ITERS scales.
|
| 519 |
Perhaps need to tie in
with other ISU economic development efforts to develop a more
cohesive end-to-end process for education - business and quality of
life.
|
| 520 |
For people to shop in
there towns and support the little business people. The little
business people sure could use help like the famers get. If we have
a bad year no one helps us out we go under.
|
| 521 |
I would like to be able
to go to the ISU web page or the local extension office and get info
on things such as; removing Ants from my house - After many tries I
found some info on the Michigan State web page which consist of -
jelly, dog food and boric acid. Mulch - What type of product last
the longest, resist bugs and is good for my landscape? You may not
have the answer, however you could direct folks to various
solutions. One stop shopping at ISU!!!!!!
|
| 522 |
I think it is too bad
that Extension seems to have lost its way and is duplicating
services in urban counties that already exist; for example, help for
small business, leadership training, and job training. The community
colleges and others have been providing these types of programs for
years. I think Extension can play a crutial role in helping
agriculture to diversify; assisting young people who desire to make
agriculture their livelihood; promoting land use that is
sustainable, reduces urban sprawl, and preserves the environment;
and promotes new agricultural products.
|
| 523 |
We need better public
transportation. Buses that run more often and earlier and later in
the day. Busses that run on Sunday. Busses that have connections to
other busses so you could get someplace other than downtown or the
mall in less than an hour and a half. A commuter rail between
Marion/Hiawatha/CR and Coralville/Iowa City area would be a real
plus, too. Thank-you!
|
| 524 |
You are a resource that
many at risk families are not aware of. What about expanding
marketing to this segment? Iam concerned that your services are
utilized by families that are fairly competant and do not reach
those most in need especially as related to youth.
|
| 525 |
4-H-has become lots of
paper work and kids are discouraged by all the paper work and
rules/regulation that aren't clear to leaders and judges, not all
judges are consistant and judging on same guideline, which is very
discouraging to the children and is cause for low enrollment and
loss of children in 4-H
|
| 526 |
We have several small
schools in our area that are having to look at joining other school
district.
|
| 527 |
We need to help
businesses stay in our area, and more job oportunities for local
workers.
|
| 528 |
Make our community more
attractive to young families, and those that are here be more active
in our churches.
|
| 529 |
In Black Hawk County we
have a large population of lead poisoned children ages 1-6. We need
to get the word out about this and how lead effects the developement
of children.
|
| 530 |
we are a community of
Senior Citizens, not a lot of industry for the main wage
eearner
|
| 531 |
Many programs in Marion
County strive to develop programs for youth, young families, and
older Iowan's when in fact they are trying to reinvent the wheel. I
would like to see the whole 4H model implementted into the education
system. It would build character in the youth and help to give
families values that are being lost in today's world.
|
| 532 |
We need help with those
over 40 looking for work either after downsizing or job loss. Also,
I do believe that insurance is the issue for hiring a younger worker
as the older worker is already experienced and usually is more
contientious, trustworthy, and work until the work is done. This is
not always so with the younger worker.
|
| 533 |
These are all valuable
resources for communities. They are, however, issues that a lot of
organizations and community groups both private and public as well
as churches seek to address. It seems reasonable that Iowa State
University would offer some community education programs. I find it
appalling that question 11 might suggest that it is the University’s
job to provide financial support to the poor outside of scholarships
for excellence in education. It is the University’s responsibility
to provide educational opportunities at a reasonable cost to all
committed students. In my opinion as a society we need to look at
the insane salaries, ethics, and greed of CEOs and upper management
in businesses, government, and educational institutions. This in my
opinion is one of the main reasons the cost of every thing seems to
keep going up. In response to question 25, in larger cities the
internet might be a useful media for continued education and
training, however, in Muscatine only 1/3 of residents have internet
access in their homes making the internet an less effective vehicle
for continued education and outreach. If this represents a medium
sized urban community I would assume even fewer rural household
would have internet access. It might be more appropriate for the
University to identify a specific area of interest to educate all
Iowans on. Aggressively market that one item that effects a bawd
segment of the population. Use a wide variety of media (T.V., print,
and radio) with suggestions about continued education and career
opportunities in that field of study. Also, I would suggest that if
you can find ways to get kids interested you are more likely to get
families involved in an activity or cause. Further more, while in
general it is the Universities role to promote peaceable interaction
among its students it is not appropriate for the ISU or any other
educational institution to advocate a political agenda that focuses
on liberal anti-American ideologies and alternative lifestyles and
sexual immorality under the guise of diversity.
|
| 534 |
Water quality and
quantity are major issues now and in the future. I would like to see
the Extension service work with DNR in establishing a management
plan state wide for surface and ground water.
|
| 535 |
Help diversify the
current Ag products from being only corn and soybeans to include
other crops.
|
| 536 |
I would like to see
financial aid for adults wanting to go back to college, but they
make just enough money not to qualify for financial aid help.
|
| 537 |
Teach parents to pick up
their litter and cigarette butts, so that they can teach their
children! Teach Muscatine City that planting grass in rock filled
dirt doesn't make a very pretty green spot. Also, that a little
money spent killing crab grass and other "obnoctious" weeds, would
make a prettier green space.
|
| 538 |
You need to get the word
out more...radio...TV news?
|
| 539 |
The 30 listed items
about "cover the waterfront" and if we could implement just
two-thirds of those listed we would become the best state in the
Union!
|
| 540 |
More adult education
opportunities
|
| 541 |
EDUCATION OF ENGLISH
LANGUAGE TO SPANISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS MOVING INTO THE
AREA.
|
| 542 |
I can't think of
anything you haven't covered.
|
| 543 |
Residents need to
understand that they will have to work together with each other to
benefit themselves in the future
|
| 544 |
We need information on
alternative careers available through the Internet that are well
paying, yet can be done from rural, poverty stricken
areas.
|
| 545 |
Each Extension director
is different. We are proud of our Director, Deb Hall. She truly
stives for the best in our community and surrounding areas. She
works well with the youth and adults to encourage their best. We are
fortunate.
|
| 546 |
I really appreciated the
opportunity to take the Master Gardener course.
|
| 547 |
market the training and
programs to "city" residence. Many still fell the ISU Extension is a
rural residents program.
|
| 548 |
Gardening ideas, tips,
suggestions for both apartment living and home ownership Some people
might still be interested in canning. How to save money at the
grocery store.
|
| 549 |
We need more youth
related community activities to help prevention of risky
behaviors
|
| 550 |
More scholarships to ISU
in the AG field would be great! Also need more child care nurse
consultants. It is impossible for them to do their job due to not
having enough money to hire an adequate number of child care nurse
consultants.
|
| 551 |
I beleive every
community could use education on parenting skills all ages
(0-highschool) I believe our community could benefit from continuing
education classes.
|
| 552 |
Bringing non-ag
businesses and jobs not just my area but throughout Iowa. We need
tech and non-ag industries to compete with the rest of the world.
Salaries, especially in rural areas are so low that it makes it hard
for a family to save. I've only lived in Iowa for 10 years and I
still make less now living in Iowa than I did ten years ago. How
sad!
|
| 553 |
The importance of having
and offering learning materials in other languages to the people in
our communities.
|
| 554 |
Our community is full of
older people, and our institutions, are full of older people. Even
the baby boomers aren't here in large numbers. Much less those
younger than boomers. The transition to an older base has been made
by organizations like churches. What happens when the older folks
pass away and the churches and other local organizations dwindle
away?
|
| 555 |
Many of the above I
could not respond to because I am not aware that ISU Ext. provides
these services. Also - the above question was regarding how useful
these services were - not about the needs of our
community.
|
| 556 |
We are VERY thankful for
Pat Derdzinsky, our extension person, and are indeed looking forward
to developing a major economic project in our town with which ISU
Extension will be very helpful!
|
| 557 |
Our community needs to
be more progressive. We need to manage our natural resources much
better. It is embarassing what our farmers are doing to the
landscape
|
| 558 |
Some families need help
with budgeting.
|
| 559 |
Home lawn
care
|
| 560 |
We raise well educated,
hard working people in Iowa, I would like to see them stay in Iowa.
Not think they must go to the 4 corners of the earth to get good
well paying jobs. Affordable health insurance for
all.
|
| 561 |
4-H is especially
inportant because it aids in the development of our future leaders,
farmers, business owners, etc.
|
| 562 |
training on how to
choose and work a simple home based network marketing business and
basic personal financial education, debt reduction training,ect.
could bring in a few hundred aditional dollars a month and show
people how to wisely use that income to get and stay out of debt.
they are looking at net work marketing by the thousands every day,
investigate the industry then help them.
|
| 563 |
Promote mandatory Child
care registration and to have it uniform throughout the
state.
|
| 564 |
Know how to help
business from going under such as Cedar Lane Estates, Pizza Hut
etc.
|
| 565 |
More support for the
citizens living on an an income that does not supply all of their
crital needs.
|
| 566 |
Jobs for older Iowans.
Getting employers to hire the older workers.
|
| 567 |
ISU Extension needs to
address many things identified in the list, but we need to do what
we are the best at, what we are passionate about, and what we can
financially support. Positive youth development is one area where we
can make a great impact now and for the future of
Iowa.
|
| 568 |
I use extension
frequently as a parent of a 4 H enrollee. We have Shooting Sports
locally which has improved his outlook on life and offered him an
additional area of interest in which he excells. He is involved in
other 4 H programs as well. I also find, as a Public Health Nurse,
that I have access to an extensive amount of information that I use
for community health education. I have a feeling I don't know about
alot of other things that extension provides
|
| 569 |
With high unemployeement
in the county and being a poor county many need to work outside the
county or move.
|
| 570 |
Increased access to
quality health care & affordability of health care
coverage.
|
| 571 |
The availability of good
affordable housing for elderly and low income could use some
improvement.
|
| 572 |
More education on Drug,
Alcohal, Tobacco prevention and cessation. More on growing your own
food.
|
| 573 |
Few of these apply to
me, so I cannot judge them accurately. My biggest complaint against
ISU is that you will not speak out nor take action against the hog
and other confinement feeding operations in this state. You, even
more than the average citizen, should recognize the harm these
operations are doing to Iowa. Not just the pollution of our water
(hog cafos are responsible for 75% of the damage) nor the physical
harm their fumes do to neighbors, but the financial harm they do by
unfairly driving family farmers out of the business, and in turn,
destroying the base for the survival of many small towns.
Concentrating the profits in the hands of one or two local operators
is not the same as those profits spread among a number of small
farmers. They cannot claim that more pork is being produced --
according to the records, there were as many hogs marketed in 1981
as in 2002, simply from far fewer producers. In the meantime, people
are suffering from asthma and other respiratory problems, massive
pollution of state waters and familys being driven from their own
property by the incredible stench from these filthy operations. If
your organization wants to be seen as a leader in the state, try
leading in areas that mean something. Richard Bird
aerie@netins.net
|
| 574 |
Water safety. Soil
Safety. Farm Equipment safety.
|
| 575 |
Anthing we can do to
help and teach kids to be contributing members of our communities is
vital.
|
| 576 |
The need to collaborate
with other agencies.
|
| 577 |
Impact of recycling,
especially oil based products.
|
| 578 |
The survey should also
have a place for N/A I answer questions I was not really sure I knew
about.
|
| 579 |
Create programs for
at-risk teens and pre-teens
|
| 580 |
More night education for
Master Gardeners thru Iowa State that is in the local county. ie
Hardin, Story, Franklin, Butler
|
| 581 |
work with all aspects
and give credit where it is due. ISU is not the only game in
town
|
| 582 |
We have many poor people
in our county, including the elderly as well as young families.
|
| 583 |
clear understanding of
disabilities is not present. Educating the general population about
various disabilities is necessary.
|
| 584 |
The issue of the brain
drain comes up a lot. I have discussed this issue with many
professionals who have experienced frustration with the culture
clash of professional and college norms and those of the remaining
population, specifically the focus on issues vs. local politics and
personal relationships. I run into these barriers all the time where
people won't let you in because they don't know you no matter how
credentialled and valuable you are. One example is the failure of
people to respond to queries by returning phone calls. I ran into
this in Jefferson when I called the hospital about using clinic
space. I understand there is a need for mental health professionals
in Greene County, yet I could get no response to my inquiries about
clinic space. I am a therapist who has a satellite office in
Guthrie. I have also been criticized for not living where I
practice. It's difficult to buck the politics and resistance to
outsiders.
|
| 585 |
rural
development
|
| 586 |
In my community there is
quality childcare available. More forms of childcare assistance is
needed, for those people who fall short of DHS
assistance.
|
| 587 |
There continues to be a
need to support child care providers and to help provide training
for providers as well as to do whatever possible to increase overall
quality of childcare.
|
| 588 |
Our Extension County
provides lots of day camps for kids to attend in the summer months.
They are eduational and fun! Living in a rural area, they are
awesome! Thanks for providing them!!
|
| 589 |
Iowa Extension has made
a big difference in the Muscatine County and I support all there
efforts in making a difference in our community.
|
| 590 |
Increase the number of
training opportunities for childcare providers. I think that you
have had some outstanding speakers and classes in the past. I think
the staff in the Dubuque office is very helpful, and knowledgeable.
|
| 591 |
We need to help
legislators/politicians to see how they can meet the needs of the
citizens of rural Iowa, in sparsley populated areas, while leaving
the richest farmland in the world in production, rather than
focusing on putting "plants" on this valuable farmland so they can
bring more people up here.
|
| 592 |
I have worked with ISU
in Carroll. They had an expert for any type situation I needed. I
worked for IWD with a multitude people and needs. The only advice I
can give is to keep the quality of your support staff at the highest
level to maintain your crediability. Many people don't know all that
you can offer.
|
| 593 |
Preserving
foods
|
| 594 |
Continue to communicate
what Extension has to offer in the local papers. Maybe an internet
webpage would be a way to reach some families, too. Extension does a
fabulous job and is very much appreciated by the
community.
|
| 595 |
ISU is not traditionally
viewed as being a health or human services entity
|
| 596 |
I think that the
objectives listed on the questionnaire cover it all. Educational
opportunities are always welcome, especially in the rural areas. I
have participated in several one day classes in marketing and women
and agriculture, and am always interested in learning more. I am an
"old 4-Her" who has returned to the farm and I appreciate what the
extension service does to benefit the quality of rural life. Thank
you.
|
| 597 |
In our community there
is nothing for young adults to do, no skating rink, no activities to
do other than school. Also there is a lack of support for young
adults. They need our help. We see our graduates leaving this
community for the bigger cities because there is no job
opportunities. Nothing to do in this town.
|
| 598 |
The need to keep Iowans
in Iowa is very strong. Rural community populations are dwindling.
Extension programs are very helpful to everyone, but not all people
know about Extension. If they do, they think Extension is only about
Ag & 4-H. 4-H is a great program for kids, but older kids are
usually forced to make a choice between it & sports. How sad
that two programs that are teaching the same things, commitment
& responsibility, are competing against each other. Staff in
local offices are forced to pound on doors or spend hours working on
grants for revenue in thier counties. Couldn't this be better
handled by Area offices or at the State level better??? Counties
should be more concerned with getting the information needed out to
thier clients, not spending precious time with more & more paper
work!
|
| 599 |
Families need to know
various communication styles to strengthen relationships between
parents and children, as well as between parents. We must try to
maintain the nuclear family.
|
| 600 |
Any programs used to
educate parents and families on how to grow and prosper in our
democratic society would be wonderful. Van Buren County is one of
the top 5 poverty counties in Iowa, last I knew, So anyway to
educate adults on how to prosper and raise their children is greatly
needed. Thank you, Stefany Wells
|
| 601 |
We need more jobs and
ways to bring people to live here.
|
| 602 |
need for more
youth-related activities
|
| 603 |
Help the older
generation of farmers pass on their farms to their children
male/female.
|
| 604 |
Need moreassistance for
small schools and towns.
|
| 605 |
Our most severe problem
is population loss related to fewer farmers and little local
industry. I see the Extension program doing a lot of educating -
don't know what more you can do. We local residents need to decide
to be more pro-active.
|
| 606 |
Advertise your services
and information sources so people know what is available to them
through Extension.
|
| 607 |
more biotech info also
incease ethanol and biodiesel research
|
| 608 |
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE
IN DEPTH, PERSON TO PERSON, AGRONOMY TRAINING SPECIFICALLY FOR
PROFFESIONAL AGRONOMISTS.
|
| 609 |
Encourage people of all
ages to participate in political decisions that will affect all the
areas already mentioned in the above survey.
|
| 610 |
i think you're doing
just fine in what you have going on?!
|
| 611 |
Do not become another
Unitedway agency.There seems to be plenty of programs out there if
these people would make an effort toward getting
help.
|
| 612 |
I know that ISU
Extension is available if I want to call, but even I don't know all
that they have to offer. I don't take the time to check there first.
I think that many people are in the same place. Maybe a list of
available services could be posted in stores or physician offices??
There has to be somewhere to make it more "visible" to the average
person.
|
| 613 |
How to be a three
generation household and stay sane. i.e. the baby boomers are often
times caring for their elderly parents, raising their grandchildren
and still trying to work themselves.
|
| 614 |
We are a small town with
few businesses, most of those do not have an outreach to members in
the community.
|
| 615 |
Rycyling opportunities/I
have concern about all the waste we generate and the filling of
landfills too quickly. Disposal of contaminates.
|
| 616 |
Our local elementary
school is vacant this year....it would be nice for it to be a center
in Clayton County for adult learning of many educational or viable
useful programs through extension and otherwise The extension
service management could contact the Clayton Ridge school system in
Guttenberg Iowa 52052 and inquire into the possibilities as a future
adult education center....llike...a room devoted to quilting
lessons.l..gardening classes....AA classes...a room for each of the
above and a bldg manager to get the ball rolling with the Extension
service as the overseer....what good publicity for the extension and
help to the community could be centered there as well as the
county...
|
| 617 |
I believe you have all
the important areas covered.
|
| 618 |
The premise of your
question is impossible to rate the effectiveness of the ISU
Extension Program in our community. I doubt whether Extesion the
most appropriate agency to become envolved with many of the areas
when others have the responsibility.
|
| 619 |
Emphasize the philosophy
of teaching how to do things yourself rather than promoting govt
programs to do it for you.
|
| 620 |
Poverty. We need to
learn about it.
|
| 621 |
I am a Lawyer and my
initial reaction was that I did not know that you did any of these
things but I suspicioned that you probably did. The bottom line is
that I have not been contacted by Extension since I became a new
attorney in 1972 when you used me on Estate Planning Seminars which
you may still do but obviously with other lawyers. I believe every
community could use items 1-30 but I am sure that without contact
and proper staffing this will not happen. I am interested but also
feel that the extension service program may not coincide with my
thoughts about needs and how to deliver them to the
public.
|
| 622 |
We need to keep our
college educated youth in the state to keep Iowa's population
strong. We need new tech jobs in our towns that bring the young tech
workers and their families.
|
| 623 |
VERY GOOD TOOL FOR
KOSSUTH COUNTY. I THINK THE CEED IS THE DRIVING FORCE IN ANY
COUNTY.
|
| 624 |
Support efforts to
develope recreational areas, lake, camping, boating, hiking,
bicycling trails, outdoor educational areas etc. Promote the use of
Ethanol in our state and others. Assist farmers to setup more
livestock opporations. Assist in attracting dairies to the area.
Provide gardening instruction in all major towns of the
county.
|
| 625 |
Getting together with
local community colleges and offering 4 yr.
programs.
|
| 626 |
Help retired or soon to
retire persons understand the changes to medicare, soical security
if it happens. Objective information, so older person can make
informed decisons on the choices they have to make regarding
healthcare and retirement.
|
| 627 |
In Southwestern Iowa, I
believe there needs to be more collaboration between communities and
less provincialism. Many of the items listed above could be applied
to the region and make a much more significant
impact.
|
| 628 |
I think quality child
care is an issue. Instead of increasing after school opportunities,
I think it would be better to support some established
opportunities. As a librarian, it has been hard for us to schedule
the after school activies we do (and those we would like to start)
because the kids are already so busy they don't have time for us.
Supporting libraries, churches and other safe places that provide
opportunities for kids would be a better role than adding another
activity to the mix of things they don't have time to
do.
|
| 629 |
I think the ISU
Extension office does well. The Chickasaw county one provides a
monthly or semimonthly newsletter with different information.
|
| 630 |
I don't think that the
extension is very visible in my current community. I have used
Extension services in the past as a 4-Her and for parenting
information, but I have moved from those locations and I'm not even
sure where to go for Extension services currently.
|
| 631 |
I have used the
resources of extension my entire life, starting out 50 years ago as
a 4-H member.
|
| 632 |
Iowa (especially the
small towns) needs to focus on developing businesses &
industries that are sustainable. Reliance on agriculture &
industry is over--if we want to retain young, well educated people,
we need to offer them careers, and towns with activities,
well-funded public attractions, and good schools.
|
| 633 |
Our community needs to
be encouraged to develop better water conservation. We have
unmetered water use. Our community needs to better use its historic
resources to attract tourism and provide homes for businesses Our
community needs to develop better leaders to be willing to run for
city council
|
| 634 |
child care is important
and programs for school age children should expand beyond those tied
into 4-H
|
| 635 |
The local extension
needs to promote 4-H, work with schools to encourage the youth today
to get envolved in 4-H. The extension needs to work to increase the
number of 4-H'ers and 4-H projects at the county
fair.
|
| 636 |
I think that a huge
issue is the breakdown of the family. There are kids out there that
do not have fathers in their lives and it is really showing. There
has to be positive male role modeling for all of the children who
don't have male figure in their lives. ISU should encourage
education about that and for those males in the community who would
be willing to serve as mentors or role models to wanting
children.
|
| 637 |
I strongly believe we
need to educate Iowans to improve and preserve natural resources and
the environment - Strengthening agricultural production is currently
antithetical to this. Maybe educating/developing methods to improve
production without compromising the environment.
|
| 638 |
Knowing what resources
are available locally so they are not duplicated.
|
| 639 |
We need more business's
on the square. When a business goes under it's usually a
professional person that takes it's place.
|
| 640 |
Rural women have as high
as a 50% likelihood of being victims of family violence according to
a Univ. of Neb. study. Dating violence is an increasing problem
estimated to affect one in three adolescent females. Development of
services and outreach to rural women living with family violence as
well as addressing dating violence effectively are problems which
require immediate attention. Addressing these problems should become
a priority of Iowa Extension.
|
| 641 |
Encourage local
shopping, especially now that gas prices are
skyrocketing.
|
| 642 |
I believe the extension
service could be incredibly influential in helping with
conservation, organic gardening/farming , alternative energy, and
local economies. Honestly, I'm terribly worried about agribusiness
and small town economies and the loss of small farms as an economic
component to Iowa's economy. Also, there is very little in Iowa to
make college educated young people stay. I myself just graduated and
I am looking to leave Iowa. I think focusing on what makes Iowa Iowa
(our topsoil, the prairies that gave us that topsoil, the farming
that developed from that topsoil and local economies) - rather than
selling out our economy and our future to the highest corporate
bidder- would influence my decision to leave. Iowa, to me, is too
bleak of a place to want to stay here. Although I love it dearly.
Oh, and there should be incentives to help start small business and
help people afford health insurance, because that is often what
prevents people from being able to work for themselves. Thanks for
your time.
|
| 643 |
Small rural communities
need to develop a plan to help teens find summer jobs/after school
jobs, rather than sit in front of a TV or a computer all day. These
kids want to work and they need the experience for later in
life.
|
| 644 |
There is a great need in
my community for economic growth, keeping businesses in town, and
whatever is available for kids.
|
| 645 |
Utilizing my experience
with our RSVP volunteer Program and our 530 Carroll County voluteers
I believe transportation is a critical community need not only for
our seniors but a large population of our County.
|
| 646 |
support immigrants and
refugees to become successful in Iowa
|
| 647 |
ISU should concentrate
on those things it is well suited to do that no one else can do as
well. This would mean in particular supporting and enhancing rural
communities and agriculture. Iowa will always be a rural state
regardless of how many residents live in towns and cities - at least
this will be true as long as people in the world need food.
|
| 648 |
We need help in getting
tourists and others to come to our town because it's beautiful and
interesting.
|
| 649 |
It would be helpful for
them to know how many single parent homes we have and perhaps help a
"big brother" program to be in place.
|
| 650 |
More information on the
use of solar and wind power to offset dependence on foreign oil, to
help with the crisis we find ourselves in.
|
| 651 |
I believe anything to do
with agriculture as this field has so many financial problems with
the price of commodities and the increase price of seed, fertilizer
and chemicals
|
| 652 |
I don't think you a
strong enough presence in southwest Iowa to be as effective as you
would like.
|
| 653 |
Our community needs more
jobs which would in turn give money for other things mentioned.
Helping businesses grow would most help our
community.
|
| 654 |
small towns are at a
distinct disadvantage for employment opportunities which finds most
people working out of town and consequently doing a larger portion
of their business out of town as well
|
| 655 |
Helping our community
develop a plan to save our pine treres from pine beetle
infestation.
|
| 656 |
Many of the above listed
needs can be addressed with effective collaborations of which ISU
Extension can be an integral part
|
| 657 |
Help make financing of
housing available in small Iowa towns. Help train for the large
Metro Labor Markets and increased income.
|
| 658 |
Assist rural communities
with planning and zoning that will make livestock production
compatible with rural living. Educate County Board of Supervisors.
|
| 659 |
coalition to support
iowa's farmers is a good program. as the legislature puts more
regulations on free enterprize, we will continue to see larger
operations and fewer operations because people will bow out rather
than to put up with all the regs. those who remain will grow the
volume to make it worth their while. dnr, epa, and other agency
watchdogs will continue to drive industry overseas. can this issue
be addressed?
|
| 660 |
stick with 4-H- chamber
and community colleges do everything else
|
| 661 |
A small ne iowa town
that lacks a vision and opertunity for the future for young adults.
What is going to happen as the older people pass on? The younger
residents who are getting education are not returning to small
towns.
|
| 662 |
note that new people are
moving into rural areas that are not interested in their neighbors,
the surrounding towns, or school systems; no sense of "community"
where they live; community is somewhere else. How do we connect with
these people. How do we let them know that by choosing to live here,
it is important to both them and us to connect.
|
| 663 |
none
|
| 664 |
I am not aware of what
all your dept. does. I think you need to send out some type of
newsletter etc.
|
| 665 |
I believe there are many
people who have ideas for their own businesses and for places that
would benefit our young people. We need places for our young people
to socialize and exercise safely. I don't think they know how to go
about getting started and the types of financing that might be
available to them. There are also many types of grants that are
available for improving property that I don't think people are
educated enough about.
|
| 666 |
We love your babysitting
training program for young people that was done here at the local
library in previous years. But...could you lower the expense? Maybe
forego the kits? So many teens need good babysitting skills, either
for a job or for taking care of younger siblings at home. Please
take this into consideration. Also we offered this training to young
people this year, but were unable to come up with the minimum number
of youngsters. The expense could have been one reason why. Could you
lower the minimum also? The young people who signed up really wanted
to take the course.
|
| 667 |
Help people understand
the basics of rural life. Provide more state focused information to
agriculture programs with in county. Help teachers be more educated
about Iowa Agriculture.
|
| 668 |
I see many families
struggling financially because the job market here is not very good
with lower than average wages.
|
| 669 |
I feel that extension
services should be more focused on the legal citizens of this
country and on employeers that hire legal citizens. This state and
the organizations that spare it on would rather turn and look the
other way while our jobs are being given to people who are not in
this country legally. Stick up for our own first!
|
| 670 |
It would be helpful to
meet the needs of both town and rural residents to help the economic
growth and development of the community.
|
| 671 |
we need a new county
director
|
| 672 |
To value their citizens
and find other solutions for long time city government or or
business employees to keep from loosing employment.
|
| 673 |
Assit with drug and
alcohol awareness. Drugs have consumed the city of Council Bluffs,
I'm scared to start a family here!
|
| 674 |
Provide more help in the
areas of after scool programming.
|
| 675 |
More should be done to
prepare parents to be parents--the idea that parents should
automatically know how to raise their children should be
eliminated.
|
| 676 |
We have a large Hispanic
population and need to be more integrated with
them.
|
| 677 |
We need to find ways for
Iowa's rural and urban populations to see themselves as vested in a
common cause instead of competing with each other.
|
| 678 |
Not sure about the
current role of Extension in all the above areas. Not sure how
appropriate expansion into areas ranked 2-3 would
be.
|
| 679 |
There is a serious need
for affordable housing and well paying jobs. I would like to see the
extension service get out in the forefront of environmental
protection (stop pushing pesticides and herbicides). Educate people
about the dangers of lawn chemicals and stress living in harmony
with nature.
|
| 680 |
Population decline and
the effects of it
|
| 681 |
Awareness of other
groups who are planning or are already doing things mentioned in the
questions above - more partnering
|
| 682 |
As these questions show,
ISU Extension has tried to become everything to all people. It has
failed at that, no organization can be. ISU Extension needs to stop
looking at what's glamorous and what people want to do, and get back
to the hard work of moving out into the community and helping
people, which it used to be very good at.
|
| 683 |
need to give young grads
a reason such as jobs to stay living in the area.
|
| 684 |
I think that many people
do not know what is all available at ISU. Develop more ways to get
the message out.
|
| 685 |
I think that 4-H is a
wonderful thing and I am only three years into it I want to do
something for agriculture for a career in the near future. I think
that the ISU is wonderful with the extension offices. I think that
we should start doing things with much more with communities.
|
| 686 |
There are so many of us
who fall between the cracks of the poverty level. Obviously families
with none or little income receive DHS services but what about those
of us who are struggling without help because we are just over the
income limits? ie: I applied for food assitance and medical care (I
have no insurance). We received $10 in food stamps per month and a
spend down on medical care that is total unreasonable and
unaffordable! Therefore we go without things we need, and medical
care unless we are at death's door.
|
| 687 |
ISU Extension currently
partners well with other agencies and organizations. One of
Extension's strengths is being able to offer trainings in areas of
need as they arise. Having versatile staff members who can look at
situations and help Iowans determine how to improve their quality of
life will make Extension a vital connection for people trying to
achieve personal and community goals. I work with a population
living at the poverty level. There are a lot of barriers to overcome
for many of these Iowans to be able to use their strengths to help
the community. I appreciate the free and low-cost opportunities
Extension offers. I don't know how to encourage greater
participation in programs, but I continue to ecourage families to
use Extension as a resource for information on a wide variety of
topics. With budgets being limited, I know that Extension cannot be
all things to all people, but I would hope that in addition to
encouraging growth in business and working with community leaders,
Extension would still be able to be there for people who have
general questions and don't know where else to go for help - people
who don't necessarily fit into any one category, meet any guidelines
or even know for sure what they need.
|
| 688 |
school drop-out
rate
|
| 689 |
Extension provides very
good information and programs. The communities and people need to be
made more aware of the many areas that extension covers. Many still
think of extension as agricultural only.
|
| 690 |
Disaster plans for small
communities. esp. with elderly populated areas
|
| 691 |
I have concern that our
Iowa County 4-H community has a strong hold on the politics of how
are 4-H fair is being ran. As a parent of children in 4-H I feel the
real moral aspects of how we are to achieve our goals is being over
shadowed by the who's who in the community being the only ones
recognized and the children that our trying there very best to
achieve are not recognized because of the clout of of others who
have what it takes to get through the system. Another aspect I don't
feel is fare is the use of Steroids to make the animal "Bigger and
Better". If Professional Baseball players and Football players are
not allowed to use this then why should this be allowed to use on
the animals that are shown for Fair. Isn't this one of the main
reasons why we have so many health problems in the world today. If
you would like to respond to this I would appreciate some reasoning
for my questionings. I was also told to become a member of our Fair
board to help my children to be recognized. If I become a member of
our fair board it would be to try and change the Morals of what this
is really all about. Sincerely, kacronba@rockwellcollins.com
|
| 692 |
Iowa State should use
extension to return to the basics of the Land Grant
Universities.
|
| 693 |
An unmet need has
existed in the state since 3/1/05 as the Department of Human
Services is no longer serving children who are not victims of Child
Abuse unless a Juvenile Court adjudication has occurred. There are
families in our community who are in need of assistance in the areas
of parenting their children and managing troublesome behaviors who
do not truly need or want a level of intervention like the Juvenile
Court.
|
| 694 |
All of these ideas to
meet the needs in our community are valid and would benefit all
Iowans.
|
| 695 |
As a long time 4-H
leader, I am very upset about the $20.00 participation fee in 4-H.
This fee has doubled. I'm appalled!!!
|
| 696 |
Please work at combining
county fair activites in low population areas. Attendence is minimal
and the expenses are wasted on one when 3-4 counties combined might
actually mean something again.
|
| 697 |
I can't think of
anything at this time.
|
| 698 |
Our community really
needs to be able to better themselves.Especially those who have
lower incomes need to be able to recieve an education and provide
for their families.There needs to be someone available to help them
make decisions and find the financial resources available to attend
college.
|
| 699 |
foster better4H
leaders
|
| 700 |
People need to be
educated on how to create spaces at home and work that make the best
use of energy, and encourage them to adopt "nontraditional" building
and energy practices, such as passive solar design, converting solar
and wind energy to electricity, using greywater systems, biodiesel
fuels, compost (both heat & vermicompost), etc.
|
| 701 |
Our community has a
severe shortage of rental property.
|
| 702 |
Getting information to
people about local resources, opportunities, problems, options, etc.
is more difficult that getting national information to them. You
must reach them where they live and work and make things CLEAR AND
SIMPLE.
|
| 703 |
Partner with public
libraries and schools to reach people in their
communities.
|
| 704 |
Our local government
doesn't care what the needs are for us at this point in time. They
want denison to grow and prosper, but they are not taking the time
to help those already here. Local government needs to listen to
everyone, not just those with money, and if you can find a way to
get them to listen to the poor, the hispanic, and the middle class
citizens, more power to you. Teach the leaders of this community to
listen, and I'm with you 100%. The ISU extension does a remarkable
job with what they have, and it is geared mostly to the youth of
this community, and that is what we need the most of. Our kids once
they get past middle school, and don't fit in with the jocks, or the
acedemics, have absolutely nothing for them to do. I know. I have
one of each. I have one that is acedemically inclined, one jock, and
one son who has nothing to look forward to because there is nothing
out there for him to do. He's the one that will never leave the
area, because he won't go to collage, and he can't afford to move.
He is looking at a life of farmland, working 6 days a week, and no
family life because of it.
|
| 705 |
I have always felt that
Extension was well informed about the community and on top of
things.
|
| 706 |
ISU needs to get more
children involved in 4-H, it is very important. They also need to
take the politics out of 4-H so the kids can be
encouraged
|
| 707 |
A closer monitoring
system on our public school teacher's effectiveness needs to happen.
We have awesome educators but just as many teachers are wasting our
children's valuable time and our tax dollars. They need to be
accountable in some way to the outcomes of their students. The
school systems also need to be informed of the great programs, in
addition to the 4-H program, that the local Extension Offices
provide for youth and families so when Extension programming comes
to their community schools, they are welcoming them with open arms.
One school district in our county is not very accepting of outside
programming even when it comes at no cost to them and the outcomes
are outstandingly positive.
|
| 708 |
A better Public
Relations campaign about the 4-H programs, and what you need to do
to become a member and after a member has signed up, an orientation
program to show them the ropes.
|
| 709 |
Needs: a person locally
who can answer our questions about plant care, tree care, plant and
tree identification or something on-line that we can easily search
for this information; an agritourism expert; a community economy
expert to replace the retired Ken Stone; a personal computer
technician who can hold local educational sessions for adults of all
ages (especially older adults) on using personal computers, new
computer programs, the internet, e-mail, how to transfer programs
from old computers to new computers; Extension could use the
resources of the university to bring professors of art and design to
our communities for adults to learn or to bring exhibitions to local
communities - we sure don't see University of Iowa doing this, so
our land-grant university should; Extension could also organize Iowa
State Singers and Drum Line appearances in local communities
|
| 710 |
I rely on the the ISU
extention to provide the latest technology expertise when it comes
to agriculture techniques
|
| 711 |
My county is, Decatur,
in south central Iowa, and it is a low income rural county. Making
sure there is an Extension office located there and is staffed by
knowledgable personal, like we have now reaches almost every person
in the county. Continuing to offer programs at no or an affordable
cost is most beneficial.
|
| 712 |
As far as agriculture is
concerned, I feel extension has lost sight of the needs of the local
growers and have instead focused on tenure projects in the
university. Availability of professors with extension appointments
is very poor and have become virtually un-available to the people
who need their knowledge the most. Many of our best minds are
touring outside of Iowa so much they cannot be used to our own
benefit.
|
| 713 |
Teach Iowans to preserve
and protect our environment and conserve our
resources.
|
| 714 |
I attended ISU and
currently live in Ames. I am in agriculture and find the education
that I can receive from extension to be exceptionally valuable. I
feel that there is a need to help/encourage a new generation of
farmers to try and be successful farming in a non-corporate style.
There are more and more non ag people moving to the country in
search of a "more natural" way of living that involves conveniences
and sustainability. More education for everyone will help
communities prosper.
|
| 715 |
Too many resources have
been allocated to regulation and not enough to education. Also to
much emphasis has been placed on enviroment. If extension had to pay
for all the yield loss due to err on the side of enviroment, the
recommendations would be different. We see alot of yield loss due to
lack of ackknowledgment of a pest issue soon
enough.
|
| 716 |
Coordinate volunteer
opportunities for teens, especially activities that would directly
contribute to needs in the community.
|
| 717 |
I believe we need to
make Iowans more aware of the opportunities available in growing
grapes as a cash crop. There is a limited program to make people
aware of the new opportunities, but more can and should be done.
This would also require a better education on the use of herbasides
and pestisides because of the effect on the current and future grape
crops. We are in serious need of more grape growers in
Iowa.
|
| 718 |
I live in Clinton and
there is almost no presence of the extension in our community. I
know they have an office in Dewitt and have some gardening classes
but that is about it.
|
| 719 |
Don't duplicate what
other agencies do. Your resources are finite, stick to what you can
effect. Let businesses and community leading be taken care of by the
League of Cities, etc. Focus on individual rural folks, they really
need your help and no one speaks for the poor and struggling. P.S.
Altho I live in Cedar Rapids now, I grew up on a farm in Northeast
Iowa where all the rest of my family are, and I know how they are
struggling and what they seem to need. Please don't disregard my
comments due to my needing to live in CR. I would love to move back
to my rural community, but there is no work there.
|
| 720 |
I am a city clerk and
all the educational opportunities for community leaders would be
great. Our town has not used any of the extensions services because
we are not aware of them for small town. Maybe you need to have more
contact with small cities and be sure they are aware of what the
Extension Service has available.
|
| 721 |
The Agri-economy of Iowa
should always take top priority as revenue engine of this state, but
our communities are crying out for prime manufacturing jobs as a
strong augmenter of the farm / farm-affected economies.
|
| 722 |
I feel it's very
important to teach our community regarding educational opportunity,
building their communities, parenting skill for young mother or
family. I don't feel we should have on line training, I feel it's
better to do it face to face contact with these
families.
|
| 723 |
Most of our population
is poverty level, no education above the high school level. Living
paycheck to paycheck. Very redneck. They need to know that they can
get out of here and there are bigger and better
things.
|
| 724 |
Look at the ages of each
household first. The needs will vary enormously with ages. Will each
program be cost effective?
|
| 725 |
It would seem like
Extension has lost its focus and mission. Many of your field
specialists are chasing themselves for time and finding money. The
numbers and money games are more important than educating. Many
counties never see their field specialists. Many of the farmers are
going elsewhere for their agricultural information. The new wave of
county directors have no knowledge of agricultural importance in the
communities they serve. These people have been placed in communites
with no experience or knowledge base. With all the talk of cut backs
and losing funding, there seems to be money for highing for new
programs. Why are you trying to duplicate services...many of the
human service agency programs are already being duplicated. As much
as rural Iowa depends on agriculture, it doesn't make sense to put
county directors in these positions that have no idea how important
agriculture is to the counties they serve. In normal business these
employees would not last long when not performing their jobs. It is
a sin for counties to be spending tax payers money on positions that
do not produce.
|
| 726 |
Our community needs non
government elder assisted living housing. We don't know how to go
about the planning process nor who to contact to assess our
potential to attract a builder. I would also like to see a replay of
the strategic planning series. I am trying to work in a young man
into our operation who is short on capital. However I don't want to
invest more in swine buildings.
|
| 727 |
We are losing population
in Oskaloosa, not because of lack of jobs, but because the quality
of life is not competitive with urban areas. We need to focus on
improving quality of life here in the following areas:
entertainment, restaurants other than fast food, fresh fruits and
vegetables from local farms, etc.
|
| 728 |
I am very interested in
improving the health of Iowans and believe that agriculture and how
we produce our food is very important. I very much want to support
farmers, but not as commodity porducers or animal confinement
producers, but as producers of diverse crops and animals which are
raised in ways that add to the health of Iowans and to the health of
the environment, not to the degradation of both. We need to develop
healthy, regional food systems in Iowa for Iowans. In addition, we
need to be educating our children about healthy food systems, how to
raise healthy food, how to purchase healthy food, how to prepare it,
and how to enjoy it.
|
| 729 |
I don't know if this is
possible but PHD programs would be nice.
|
| 730 |
I think that some of our
small communities need to be shown the proper ways to access monies
to upgrade the appearance of their older home issues and to
encourage new business to invest in these communities. Right now
very few of the small communities have more than a bank, school, and
grain elevator for business. New businesses need to be brought into
these communities to provide local jobs for the young and older
citizens of these communities. This will help to keep some of the
younger college people to stay here in Iowa if they prefer to live
in a smaller community.
|
| 731 |
We are a very culturally
diverse community and have a long way to go in total inclusion and
acceptance of other cultures. He also have needs for parenting
classes, strengthening families and overall support for parents in
poverty as well as teen parents, which is on the
rise.
|
| 732 |
I am not familiar with
any ISU Projects. I think advertising the programs would be
helpful.
|
| 733 |
Finding something that
encourages younger, college-educated individuals is vital to keeping
small town Iowa alive. A lack of these people is what makes me wish
I didn't live in a small town, as I am a college-educated individual
myself.
|
| 734 |
Job availability,
creation of new businesses, and health care needs
|
| 735 |
I don't know the answer,
but we need to know how to better involve more people in leadership
in rural areas. Too few people are carrying the ball. We need to
learn how to access people not in traditional way of the past, but
in shorter term commitments as people have less and less
time.
|
| 736 |
I would like to see
continued education for adults, especially for displaced workers
and/or people wanting to improve their ecconomic
base.
|
| 737 |
I think there should be
more after school programs being offered for children, also summer
programs for youth such as hands on growing and harvesting foods,
other life skills and enjoyment of nature that would benefit
everyone, also programs for adults and seniors- much that tie in
with services the extension already offers- perhaps use master
gardeners and garden club members, other members of community to
teach some of these classes, or Master conservationists to teach
some of the classes. We need to get the local community involved in
helping itself- people more invoved in sharing their skills with
others.
|
| 738 |
Because of rising costs
of so much in our lives we cannot afford to waste or duplicate any
public services. Your list is very interesting but quite fanciful if
it is meant to be "new" promotions of bettering lives in Iowa. All
the topics are of great importance to some portion of the general
public - to make them not of importance would decrease job
opportunities and education of the populace.
|
| 739 |
Communities are learning
from best business practices that they must cooperate and
collaborate with other communities in order to share resources and
leadership. This is because many community leaders (city council,
board of supervisors, school board members) are people who have
achieved leadership positions in business and industry. They
transfer knowledge and skills. So, we wonder...do we really "need"
ISU extension? Also, the pace of community development programs out
of ISU is tediously slow...too many committee meetings. Consensus
building and planning does not need to be so tedious. ISU extension,
in some areas, seems a step or two behind judging from what is
published in newspapers and university publications. Especially in
the area of horticulture, family money management, and food and
nutrition we learn more from our cable TV networks and the internet
than we do from ISU. Much of what extension has been doing in the
last 20 years seems redundant and old fashioned. Some of the people
(experts) you send out to speak seem not very "street smart": one
wonders if the "expert" on families has children, or if the "expert"
on plant disease has a garden, or the "expert" on teaching has EVER
actually taught in a K-5 classroom. I have also been dissapointed in
overhearing political remarks made by some departmental turf issues
discussed in public for instance). Much of your research and
nformation could easily and more efficiently be distributed
electronically. All in all, I have been of the opinion that land
grant institutions need to rethink and reform "extension" and make
it MUCH less bureaucratic. Sorry to be so negative but I have been
dissapointed and disgusted enough times that I don't even seek out
extension any more.
|
| 740 |
I dnn't kmow nothing
about, only I know about swifts' job, my husband has the GED, he
aplayed for a lot of jobs and only from swifts colepeople sayd that
in Iowa are a lot of jab but I know is only to the American
people.We sufered a lot of raisism.
|
| 741 |
ISU should be visible no
one knows they exist except for limited programs
|
| 742 |
ISU does a good job of
providing non biased agronomy information, and keep it coming!! The
more current information we have on nitrogen, insects, diseases the
better.Maybe some tillage studys could be useful also. I think ISU
does a great job in the ag community, but as the community as a
whole I think the word needs to be spread.
|
| 743 |
Some of the
suggestions/questions above, should not have to be the
responsibility of the Extension Dept, but the individual communities
or area community colleges.
|
| 744 |
ISU Extension should
promote programs like 4-H more, so that more youth can benefit from
the life skills and development that it offers. The "noise" for
sports and school activities is so loud that 4-H needs to promote
itself to compete.
|
| 745 |
needs to develop more
partnerships with other agencies. Specialists are none existent or
have very limited programs
|
| 746 |
I believe the list
covers about everything.
|
| 747 |
I could have given
everything a 5, but I know that you can't do everything. I tried to
give a 5 to those things that I thought were most important, or that
I didn't think were done by other entities. I am aware of the work
that the youth development workers are doing and find it to be very
valuable for our state.
|
| 748 |
Actually I have not
really used the services and am wondering if there is a connection
with the IDPH and the local Dept of Health. My answers were 3
because i really don't know what is available.
|
| 749 |
We have a severe need in
Guthrie and Adair counties to control the influx of illegal
immigrants. These people do not add to the existing communities,
they only serve as a cheap source of labor for big business. They
also bring disease and serve as a highly divisive force, especially
when our government provides them free services on the taxpayers
dollar.
|
| 750 |
We are very small with
no school and a lot of one person households. We need pride of
community.
|
| 751 |
Lead and facilitate
rural economic development activities that provide above average
wages. Prioritize new and alternative industries and spend less time
duplicating efforts already being accomplished by industry in mature
industries like corn/soybean/cattle/hog production and processing.
|
| 752 |
address/bring out the
"hidden" concerns that are present but are not talked
about
|
| 753 |
Our civic leaders are
wonderful, well-intentioned people. However, they lack data for
optimal decisions. Their decision-making is driven by "I believe"
and "I feel" rather than by facts. This is in large part due to the
lack of facts OR to poor staff work in getting appropriate
information. I believe elected leaders and, perhaps, more
importantly, city staff need lots of training. A staff development
program that focuses on issues like change management, human
factors, etc. would be VERY beneficial. And, it would have to be a
reasonable cost to the community or else the city couldn't afford
it.
|
| 754 |
It is my thought that
for Iowa to have a dynamic future, or a place to live, work-- and
make a decent living wage -- and raise families, entrepreneurship
should become the highest priority of a collaberative effort of
government service agencies, such as the ISU Estension and the USDA
agencies (e.g. rural development & RC&DS), schools and
business in all Iowa. The communities need to be educated, first, as
to what they are missing by not making this a priority. I am shocked
that this has not been a priority of Governors Branstad and Vilsack.
|
| 755 |
Nothing, ISU is good
already.
|
| 756 |
We are a small
town.
|
| 757 |
as a rural area we are
changing everyday. what will the future rurual areas look like, what
jobs will be here, and socially how do we prepare? Iowa mainly has
older population. what about the mid and young generation? What will
be here for us?
|
| 758 |
Entreprenerial business
and farming operations expanded
|
| 759 |
I would have never
associated some of the above functions with your organization. More
information about who you are, your mission, and what you can do for
individuals and community would be awesome. I'd like to see a
greater connect for entrepreneurism, ecologic activity, and
empowering persons without corporate greed. Education should be
enlightening and empowering and if your reaching out to those who
don't come to your campus then lift them up with the possibilities
of life and tools to pursue a future/
|
| 760 |
We need more activities
for youth in our community. We also need more places for our youth
to hand out. A rollerblading park or a youth center. We need more
teen dances too.
|
| 761 |
Our community needs
young families to move in and fill our vacant homes
|
| 762 |
I think we need to build
on what is going to be good for all of Iowa. I wish studies could be
done on how farming effects the area. How BIG hog confinements effct
the area. How we can keep our young people in the area. Also, how we
can draw in visiters to our area.
|
| 763 |
Extension should focus
more on farming,etc and not get involved in so many areas-you spread
yourself too thin and are not an expert at
anything.
|
| 764 |
We need to be able to be
competetive with cost of production and retail prices or local
people will go to the cities and local business will colapse (and
has). Our community also needs common activities to bring all the
citizens together so we can feel connected and be invested in each
others welfare.
|
| 765 |
very strong in crop
production in this area, also strong in youth. Keep up good
work
|
| 766 |
I utilize the extension
more for agricultural things.
|
| 767 |
Extension provides a
valuable service and some of the ideas mentioned are ways the agency
can improve life for local citizens.
|
| 768 |
budgeting for new
families
|
| 769 |
Many more underinsured
or uninsured due to job loss and increased insurance
costs.
|
| 770 |
Continue to provide
education on how factors such as health, economic development,
agriculture and buisness are interrelated.
|
| 771 |
More comprehensive
transportation services as gas prices continue to rise. Alternative
resources for energy to heat homes and businesses. Our population is
growing older and will soon be on fixed incomes. People on fixed
incomes (Welfare, SS benefits, working poor) will be forced to
double up unable to pay bills. Education for top officials making
decisions that don't see the impact of these families. To look at
the correlation of all these things combined and the stress it
causes to families. Child abuse is on the rise.
|
| 772 |
Please! Lets see MORE
information and encouragement for sustainable agriculture and LESS
about corporate farming practices except to educate people about the
negative impact of the corporate farm on the environment, farming,
the animals and eventually the consumers.
|
| 773 |
Improve health education
of all iowans. We are teaching most people the wrong set of
principles and are very backward in our education in terms of how
the body works and appropriate health knowledge and care. Current
research and science in the fields of health are far ahead of our
current education system.
|
| 774 |
Many of the choice you
gave are outside of the mission of ISU extension. Particularly in
the areas of education and human services, extension should support
efforts but NOT duplicate services. Many of the options offered in
the survey are more than adequately provided by the community
colleges in Iowa. Let's not waste tax dollars and precious people
resources by duplication. As a part of a land grant college, do what
you do best, and the rest to others.
|
| 775 |
I would like to see the
4-H leaders better educated on the record keeping part of the
program.
|
| 776 |
I think ISU Extension
can also be very efective in developing the arts and helping
communities realize how important the arts are to the quality of
life in our local communities.
|
| 777 |
How to conserve
non-renewable resources & find alternative, renewable
fuels
|
| 778 |
It would be helpful if
ISU Extension had a Latino Family Field Specialist.
|
| 779 |
We are in desperate need
of more quality job opportunities. The businesses in my area are
minimal to begin with and are having a hard time staying
open.
|
| 780 |
quit duplicating
services provided by other agency; stick to what you're good at -
AGRICULTURE!!! especially in the rural areas!!! (I grew up in a
small town and am familiar with the extension system.) I think
#13-18 in the above question should be your main focus. I think
extension offices should get back to focusing on agriculture, the
environment, leadership more knowledgeable upper level leadership;
It's sad to see the unknowledgeable directors you are hiring.
|
| 781 |
Provide opportunties for
farmers at all levels of operation (small to large scale). This
includes local food systems. Also, help promote diverse farming
operations such as agrotourism.
|
| 782 |
we are in short supply
of high quality child care for babies and toddlers; we need to
explore public and corporate sponsorships to offset the expense
related to high quality child care so that child care staff and
parents are not subsidizing it through low wages and higher than
affordable rates.
|
| 783 |
Teach the young children
at an early age the importance of land use decisions, environmental
protection, and youth responsible for their
actions.
|
| 784 |
I think local government
needs more resources for decisions they never had to deal with
before: land issues after ag-to-residential or commercial zoning,
city annexation implications for said zoned areas, and what rural
people can do to discourage pig factories (by rural, I am talking
about farmers/ranchers, not acreage or hobby
owners).
|
| 785 |
It is especially helpful
to us in providing education to the youth in our
community.
|
| 786 |
Define a 'business'.
Very few questions about ag profitability. How can you ask a
question about horticulture and natural resourse together in the
same question? Should be two questions. Same with air and water
quality question, two questions in one with only one choice of an
answer for both, not good. Same about asking youth and adults in one
question, I can not answer both with one answer. Question 22 is 3
questions in one. Great for interpreting data any way you wish. I
was astonished at this survey coming from a great land grant
university. Very little related to improving ag profitability for
Iowa. I would guess with the wording of these questions you can get
almost any interpretation you wish with the responses. It could be
really amusing to read the conclusions drawn from these slanted
questions.
|
| 787 |
It looks like ISU and
the State of Iowa should embrace farming in this state and not treat
it like it is an ugly step-child. You also need to treat the
Extension's most successful program with more respect than you do.
That program is the 4-H program.
|
| 788 |
I am not familiar enough
with ISU extension yet to comment.
|
| 789 |
I see extension's role
as primarily youth develop through the 4-H program. I know that's
limiting and more services are offered, but those are the only
things I use and its biggest role. Many areas -- expanding
agriculture, finding new ag products, etc., are better handled
through companies aleady involved in those endeavors of research and
product development. It's important to find a niche that's not being
helped by another government organization, so it's not a duplication
of efforts.
|
| 790 |
We have a number of
immigrants from other countries who have lilttle access to health
care because they work at jobs without health insurance, and they
are not eligible for T 19 or HAWK-I
|
| 791 |
The 'needs' need to be
researched so that we are not duplicating programs already in place.
And if there is duplication weigh the best way to handle it. After
consideration, (1)continue our program,(2) assist the other source
or (3) turn the program completly to the other source.
|
| 792 |
ISU has been an
excellent partner in Plymouth County - Must focus on future demands
and funding sources to accomplish same.
|
| 793 |
extension is best at
dealing with agriculture and the issues of rural cultures. The
extension is trying to do to much for to many different groups so
that they are duplicating services which are provided by other
agencies at a higher quality. Upper level leadership has not
demonstrated compitance or knowledge in many areas. I grew up on a
farm in a small town, and 4H was a very important aspect of my life.
Unfortunately the 4H program is no longer what it was, but I no part
of that is due to societal pressures. However, I do belive extension
should stick to agricutlure and involvement of youth as much as
possible. It's sad to see the inept that are in some of your county
offices. Many times as the saying goes,"If you want an answer, ask
the boss. If you want the RIGHT answer, ask the secretary."
|
| 794 |
Extension needs to be
more visible and present in the community if they plan to continue
receiving funding through current sources or attempt to receive
additional funding to support programming.
|
| 795 |
There are many
organizations in our community working on the above topics. The best
role for ISU extension would be to partner and collaborate with
organizations providing these services. As gaps are seen, then ISU
Johnson County should convene groups to address issues. I've always
thought of Extension as the provider of environmental, agricultural,
horticultural, and farm management information.
|
| 796 |
Lacks
leadership-community and schools
|
| 797 |
The only connection we
have is as a Benton County 4H member. Since this is an anonymous
survey we wish to say our experience in 4H has been mixed at the
county level, at fair, and at state. What I mean by "mixed" good and
bad. Example: information does not get disseminated in a timely
manner on a variety of venues. Happens yearly. (county personnel).
Another example(fair committee): Finding out a category will not be
included this year at Fair approx. 3 days before fair started. This
was after youth had already talked amongst themselves to coordinate
their efforts. This is something that should be decided months
before AND communicated to families as soon as possible. And at
state level: Judging by "lifetime" employees/retirees/etc. seems
biased. Let me explain: My view of 4H is that it is set up to be an
organization of many facets, one of which is to allow each
individual youth to pursue their own particular interests. Yet, what
appears to be rewarded at the state (not county) level is ANYTHING
that mentions EXTENSION, 4H, LOGO, PLEDGE, ETC. To us, the Ia State
Extension office is there to serve the people of the state; not to
become a self-preserving entity promoting itself, its agenda, its
programs. Rather be on the side of the youth and encourage diversity
and their individuality that many times has absolutely nothing to do
with the organization they are a member of but which in the long run
will better the state of iowa in creativity, entrepreneurship,
ingenuity, etc. In other words, stop promoting 4H and Extension and
start promoting youth ideas/interests and 4H/Extension will be
viable for many years to come.
|
| 798 |
Provide more programs
that assist families of all economic back grounds - not just the
poor.
|
| 799 |
Help us see ourselves as
citizens of the world; less greedy and more thoughtful about what we
consume.
|
| 800 |
I feel all of the above
were almost essential. Our small community of Washington has little
to offer a young family job wise and/or shopping
opportunities-excepting Goodwill and another second hand store which
is privately owned. Then Walmart and Pamida.
|
| 801 |
Make getting information
on ISU/county programs more widely available and known.
|
| 802 |
WE NEED OPPORTUNITIES IN
VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE. WE ARE A PRODUCTION AG STATE AND NEED WAYS
TO EXPAND AND KEEP PEOPLE IN PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE
|
| 803 |
Our community is
decreasing in population -primarily due to lack of better paying
jobs. It is difficult to maintain existing families, let alone,
bring new families in. There is a TREMENDOUS need for GOOD day/child
care. I have co-workers who fluctuate their hours by shortening
their lunch times and wearing themselves out trying to work around
school and their work schedules because there is a lack of child
care providers.
|
| 804 |
Beautification of our
communities. Bring back Lady Bird Johnson ads. There is so much
litter. Our communities are a disgrace.
|
| 805 |
I think i would have to
be insane not to think supporting the above items would be a good
thing for our state. I question the wording of the survey - it seems
to be quite slanted. With that said, I do support the continued
development of the ISU Extension services. i just hope you're not
ruining your credibility by doing a hokey survey like this. Good
luck.
|
| 806 |
ISU Extension is a
tremendous resource. Every staff member I have worked with are
wonderful, talented, committed people
|
| 807 |
Continue to provide
services for people who would never get the needed
information.
|
| 808 |
Our community is not
aware enough of the opportunities provided by
Extension.
|
| 809 |
Do local needs
assessments; deliver on needed services based on this
input.
|
| 810 |
Work with landlords to
eliminate application fees for the poorest of the
poor.
|
| 811 |
People do NOT know what
services and programs are out there in the county for them to use
during financial difficulty and times of need such as medical
disability, crisis, etc. Families need help and it is frustrating to
make 100 calls before you can get an answer. We need a talkline or
help referral number and all area helping agencies should be listed
on this service so that referrals can be made. You must distribute
service directories!
|
| 812 |
Our community needs
available bussing for Senior citizens. Also more interactive
functions offered for the seniors.
|
| 813 |
Small communities need
to keep small businessess in their towns. But how do you compete
with WalMarts etc. I feel that with the rising price of gas, maybe
small town businessess will pick up a bit. I also feel that the
youth in small communities feel the need to leave the small towns to
make enough money to purchase a home and raise a family. On
retirement age they do decide to live in the small towns.
|
| 814 |
If I ranked most of the
above items anything but 5, it would be like saying "I'm against
God, Mother and apple pie!"
|
| 815 |
Not to ignore the
working poor individual. There is plenty of assistance available for
the poverty community. Nothing for the working poor. There are two
programs offered that are not income based, that is for parenting
which is helpful, but the working poor could use major assistance
with child care expense. This will help boost the average working
family or single family.
|
| 816 |
I think our extension
covers it all pretty darn well. But, there's always room for
improvement.
|
| 817 |
Develop more computer
based training that can be done from work or home,
maybe?
|
| 818 |
We have lots of interest
in Master Gardener here. Four-H is also big.
|
| 819 |
i do not have a home
pc
|
| 820 |
The director should be a
more outgoing and friendlier person than what we have here in
Mahaska Co.
|
| 821 |
If Gov. Vilsack is
correct (and I believe he is), we nned to do everything possible to
develop the young learner. Many parents do a fine to exceptional job
of this, but I think many of our "problem students" do not receive
adequate educational encouraement and support in the very early
years. These parents and future students need some assistance so
they don't fall behind before they even start.
|
| 822 |
Extension needs to be
more visible in the areas nesr the state lines- the specialists are
spread too thin.
|
| 823 |
Promote activities
better. Didn't know if and or Extension office does until involved
with Master Gardener program. ur family is new to Iowa and they
should promote self, services, programs. Maybe something in a
Newcomer's packet? Promotional material at the
Chamber?
|
| 824 |
Economic development
Programs for at risk youth After school programs
|
| 825 |
Cheri Hardison and her
crew have been helpful to me when I was the TAG teacher at West
Monona. As a retired teacher, I will continue to use the resources
offered for volunteer service in the community.
|
| 826 |
Youth who are struggling
should be surrounded and lifted up by the community and taught
skills they are deficit in. This could be anything from social
skills to independent living skills- Parents/adults in the community
need to be held accountable for what they are teaching their kids
through their actions-
|
| 827 |
Some of the training's
that are being suggested are already covered by other agencies such
as Area Agencies on Aging, Chambers, community colleges etc. I would
hope that there would be collaboration.
|
| 828 |
I think extension should
treat individuals equally and give all the same
opportunities.
|
| 829 |
You provide excellent
information, but everybody is so involved in their own things,there
is not time for meetings.
|
| 830 |
not
much
|
| 831 |
how kids run the block
w/out people knowing where they are.
|
| 832 |
I've only used the
Extension service for questions about local plants and insects and I
was not aware of all the other services it offered.
|
| 833 |
I understand that
farmers are becoming less of the population but we rely on the
expertise from extension to make better decisions as our margins
shrink and wrong decisions cost
|
| 834 |
We need more business
and or industry,So many small towns are stuggling to suvive and thus
there schools also
|
| 835 |
We, in Solon, have a
need for after school programs. Especially for middle and high
school youth. Their is currently a program through UAY, United
Action for Youth, that is not well staffed or organized. This was a
priority for the community 5 years ago. That is how they made the
connection with UAY. However the last year there was a location
change and change of their staff that made a difference. There is
also a need for parenting programs. As in any community or household
we can all learn new tools to be better parents. ISU extension could
be used by the schools and the entire community to develop those
skills. Thank you for all that you do currently in our community and
those around us.
|
| 836 |
to maek your services
more known.
|
| 837 |
-Iowa DHS is under
Federal mandates to establish at least one CITIZENS' REVIEW BOARD, A
vital part of the checks and balances designed to keep their efforts
focused on stated goals as outlined by the Federal government when
DHS state departments were implemented nationwide I urge you to read
some of the statements before the House Ways and means comittee on
DHS/child safety;you'll find it shocking!!here's an Iowan's
submission:
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=view&id=1348&keywords=Hanson+statement
Please read some of the others and you'll agree this is one of the
most serious problems Iowa (and the nation) is facing. I have only
cited Fed legislative actions because you wouldn't believe the
atrocities that take place daily in the name of "Child Welfare"
Please check into this ! Also note that 60% of Iowa's abused
children are listed under "Denial of critical care", their catch-all
which i have personally seen used to confirm one of the 9000+
abusers... Their evidence; 4 dirty plates,a pan, 3 bowls,4 glasses
and silverware in the sink from dinner shortly before the DHS
investigator arrived!! This is a Catholic family who sends their
children to private schools ($5000.00+ per year for Dowling) whose
parents are DEVOTED to their welfare! The DHS investigator, Gregg
Sweem, testified in court that there were 2 WEEKS' worth of dirty
dishes (the ones described above) and the house was messy!
|
| 838 |
Don't have much
experience with extension but I do enjoy listening to Elwen
Taylor
|
| 839 |
Some how get information
on what extension has to offer out in the community, a way to let
people whats going on on meetings and programs
|
| 840 |
Continue education for
farmers and relationship to goverment policy and
programs.
|
| 841 |
Taxes are too
high
|
| 842 |
Hawarden needs to be
more openminded for new businesses coming in to town. People often
do not want new businesses to come into town. They would rather have
the new businesses come in on mainstreet and not expand the town to
the outer limits. We're lucky that people approve of a Subway coming
into town. As a young person, I would like to see more
openmindedness to new businesses coming into town and would like to
see growth in the town. In my opinion, in a few years, Hawarden may
become a ghost town if no new businesses come to town. I feel that
Hawarden should have more things for school aged people to do rather
than sit on the "loop" or main street on weekends or after school.
We should have more programs for them to do so they are not out on
the streets often times causing trouble with other young people
either younger or older than themselves. Hawarden should have more
opportunities for children and teenagers for after school or jobs
rather than having to be out on the streets hanging out and that
sort of thing. Jobs because Hawarden is a small town and people do
often times have to drive 15 to 60 minutes to get to their jobs.
|
| 843 |
Obesity is increasing.
Anythng to help counter that trend would be beneficial for the whole
community.
|
| 844 |
It is most useful when
Extension doesn't try to be everything for everyone, but becomes and
stays an expert in home, family, and agricultural education.
Extension is to be praised for all the good work you
do!
|
| 845 |
Classes should be
offered at times that working adults can attend.
|
| 846 |
Promote pride in our
rural communities and our unique heritage. Encourage residents to
keep it looking nice and not trashy.
|
| 847 |
We are an ever
demographically. There seems to be a larger gap between the economic
sectors. Jobs are lower paying jobs.
|
| 848 |
In order for there to be
future farmers, something needs to be done to address the issue of
new farmers beginning to farm as the costs to do so are prohibative
for most would-be farmers. Low interest loans or other types of
assistance are needed. The youngest farmer I know now is about 45
years old. I don't know anyone younger. I doubt if his children will
farm but am not sure.
|
| 849 |
I think working with the
youth, helping them develop the skills they will need for later in
life. Maybe a program like the school to work program.(helping
farmers, co-ops and others in the community.
|
| 850 |
Our small community
seems less and less like a community and more like a bedroom town
for the surrounding area. We need to build community togetherness
and neighborly connectivity. It seems that we are all busy going our
own way that we forget we are a part of a
community.
|
| 851 |
These are all beneficial
opportunities, finding the people to teach and the people to come to
the meetings would be the challenge.
|
| 852 |
It is important to get
the information to the community. I had not heard much about the
programs that the agency had until I worked in the same building.
|
| 853 |
We need things for the
youth to do that expands their experiences, like livestock quiz
bowl.
|
| 854 |
We need to have them
more visible at Children's Health Fair.
|
| 855 |
Jobs, jobs,
jobs!
|
