NUEL has three Action Teams: Professional Development, Communications, National Urban Extension Conference (NUEC) and exploring a new Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI) action team with an Urban focus that would work in collaboration or become a part of the ECOP DEI PAT. One member of the NUEL Steering Committee serves as a Co-Chair for each of the Action Teams, along with a non-Steering Committee member as the other Co-Chair. Below is a brief explanation of the focus of each Action Team.
The Professional Development Action Team’s purpose is to enhance professional growth of urban Extension employees. The team works to develop successful systems for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding urban Extension personnel; and, to develop successful systems for formal and informal training and updating of urban Extension personnel. The team aligns with the National Framework as it explores how Extension attracts, develops, retains, and structures competent talent.
The Communications Action Team develops communication tools for its members and potential new members, along with marketing materials to help solicit resources for NUEL. The team maintains the NUEL website and keeps it current and relevant. In 2022, the website is being revamped with a new look, easy navigation with an appeal to both internal and external audiences. The Communications Action Team is the voice of NUEL through our web presence and social media efforts.
The National Urban Extension Conference (NUEC) Action Team is focused on ensuring a robust and successful national conference for Urban professionals. The host conference team leads the planning and implementation of NUEC working in partnership with NUEL’s executive committee. The host team is on a rotational schedule via the regional networks. The NUEC conference is held every other year.
The Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI) Action Team is focused on system change by seeking visible, active, and sustained leadership and support from Extension administration; building Extension’s internal capacity (such as adequate staffing, training, accountability, and collaboration across internal silos); transformative hiring & retention effort to advance and support a more diverse workforce; investment in research and evaluation of the impact of racism in communities as well as the impact of efforts to alleviate issues; build trust and nurture relationships with urban community partners to increase reach and support deep community change; and reshape Extension materials across all program areas to reflect inclusion and diversity values.