A 21st Century Extension Creed
Large Group of Diverse Colorful Happy People

I believe that mutual respect, openness, creativity, and innovation—the core values of the 21st century—are the hallmarks of Cooperative Extension work.

I believe that Extension educators are called upon not only to affirm these values but also to ensure that they comprise an integral part of our work.

I believe that Extension educators constitute the most valuable of all infrastructure—human infrastructure—and that this deep reservoir built of trust and collaboration retains an infinite capacity for fostering human achievement.

I believe that we are more than simple purveyors of knowledge—we are knowledge enablers whose charge is to add value to knowledge by demonstrating how practical, meaningful, and lasting use can be derived from it.

I believe that our long-standing experience with and affinity for collaborative learning, reflected in the work of Seaman Knapp and Booker T. Washington, singularly equip us for the immense challenges that await us in the 21st century.

I believe that the collaborative learning embodied in Extension work is enhanced by a generous measure of empathy and compassion.

I believe that in an era of frenetic growth punctuated by rampant scarcity, we are called to be sustainers, securing and enriching the lives and livelihoods of those we serve without eroding the ability of future generations to secure and enrich theirs.

I believe that by acknowledging and celebrating our differences, we enhance opportunities for personal growth and enrichment and secure the personal freedom of and respect for all.

I believe that the prevailing winds of change are summoning us to do what we have always done best: to work, to teach, and to inspire through dialogue and empowerment, demonstrating to our diverse audiences the value of accepting and embracing change as an inevitable facet of life and as an opportunity to formulate new ways of thinking, living, and working.

I believe passionately in these ideals and because they embody the essence of Cooperative Extension work, I proudly proclaim and honor them as my own.

Our Mission

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the primary outreach organization for the land grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, delivers research-based educational programs that enable people to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.

Core Values

  • Research-based programs, materials, and educational activities
  • Positive relationships with clients, communities, partners, and stakeholders
  • Relevant programming that addresses current societal challenges and opportunities

 

Download a PDF of A 21st Century Extension Creed, EX-0125.

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Related Topics

Alabama is home to more than 4.7 million people. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System reaches one in three Alabamians, providing research-based educational programs in agriculture; forestry, wildlife, and natural resources; family and consumer sciences; economic and community development; 4-H and youth development; and urban affairs.

Socio-economic data can provide important insights into the residents of the state’s 67 counties.  This county data is an important tool of Alabama Extension, which uses it to target and fine tune its programs.

One resource used by Extension can be found at AlabamaPossible.org

Poverty by County

Barriers to Prosperity: Data Sheet 2020

 

Published Works

Alabama Extension News and Informational Articles

  • Justin Miller, “Reimagine Your Recycling During COVID-19,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System, accessed July 21, 2020. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/news/reimagine-your-recycling-during-covid-19/.
  • Karnita Garner, “Coronavirus: Using Safe Cleaners and Disinfectants,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System, accessed July 21, 2020. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/health/coronavirus-using-safe-cleaners-and-disinfectants/.
  • Justin Miller, “Safety Is Key When Using Cleaners and Disinfectants,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System, accessed July 21, 2020.  https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/news/safety-is-key-when-using-cleaners-and-disinfectants/.
  • Katie Nichols, “Safe Drinking Water a Priority for Alabamians,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System, accessed July 21, 2020. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/news/safe-drinking-water-a-priority-for-alabamians/.
  • Karnita Garner, “Is your drinking water safe,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System, accessed July 21, 2020. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/natural-resources-urban/is-your-drinking-water-safe/.

Metro News

  • Karnita Garner, “Pharmaceuticals in the Environment,” Metro News, no. 3 (2013):4.
  • Jasmine McCord, “Long-term Health Risks of Prescription Drug Use,” Metro News, no. 4 (2015):1.
  • Reshard Sumblin, “Common Street Names for Pharmaceutical Drugs,” Metro News, no. 1 (2015):3. 

Fact Sheets & Publications

  • Karnita Garner, “Coronavirus: Using Safe Cleaners and Disinfectants,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System, accessed July 21, 2020. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/health/coronavirus-using-safe-cleaners-and-disinfectants/.
  • Kaur, Ravneet, Anonya Akuley-Amenyenu, Karnita G. Garner, and Sam O. Dennis. “Detection of Human Pharmaceuticals in the Surface Water of East Fork Stones River,” Journal of Water Resource and Protection, no. 12, (2020):240-259. https://www.scirp.org/pdf/jwarp_2020031313272976.pdf.
  • Spencer, Robert, and Karnita Golson-Garner, “Livestock Medicines: Responsible Storage and Disposal, Alabama Cooperative Extension System UNP-2071, accessed July 21, 2020. https://ssl.acesag.auburn.edu/pubs/docs/U/UNP-2071/UNP-2071-archive.pdf.
  • Garner, Karnita, Paul Okweye, Sarah Zach, Laura Kammin, Sampson Hopkinson, and Sam Dennis, “Utilizing a One Health Approach to Achieve Zero Pharmaceutical Waste,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System UNP-2132, accessed July 21, 2020. https://www.aces.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/UPN2132_SerPIE-One-Health-Conference_Digital.pdf.

Success Stories

  • Karnita Garner, Paul Okweye, and Sampson Hopkinson Karnita Garner, P. Okweye, and S. Hopkinson,  “Huntsville Gets New Prescription Drug Drop Boxes,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System, accessed July 21, 2020. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/news/huntsville-gets-new-prescription-drug-drop-boxes/.
  • Garner, Karnita, Paul Okweye, and Tamara Warren, “ACES Takes Part in Madison County’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System, accessed July 21, 2020. https://ssl.acesag.auburn.edu/etp/eval_public_view.php?id=50e0ad6b751b1.
  • Karnita Garner, “Enhancing Capacity in Environmental Animal and Human Health through Extension Outreach,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Blogs

  • Browning-Leite, Maria, Karnita Garner, and Denise Heubach, “Citronelle Producers Learn the Basics about Small Ruminant and Environmental Sustainability” Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Information from Symposiums or Programs

Bookmark and Postcard

SerPIE Navigation Links

The Home and Market Garden (Urban Farm) IPM Toolkit wheel slide chart is a great tool for urban farmers as well as home and community gardeners interested in vegetable production.

This wheel slide chart has both conventional and organic insecticide listings for nearly 20 different crops. It also has a listing of common insect pests with accompanying images that may help when scouting in garden vegetables.

To receive copy of this wheel slide chart, email Ayanava Majumdar at azm0024@aces.edu.

For growers or gardeners that are looking for organic only options, refer to the Alternative Vegetable IPM Recommendations Slide Chart, which describes the three levels of sustainable integrated pest management practices.

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