Home > About UME > Success Stories > Public Issues Education
Community Leadership: Public Issues Education
Issue:
Citizens of Maryland face a variety of public policy issues, many of which are related to areas of expertise in University of Maryland Extension.
Actions:
UME educators provide ideas, information, and facilitative assistance to those who must make community policy decisions. We have particular expertise in issues related to agricultural, natural resources, family, and consumer affairs. Our philosophy is to avoid being advocates; rather, we seek to engage citizens and community leaders to create the processes and knowledge bases required for good decisions. A few examples of the many public issues around which we have recently worked include:
Impacts:
Citizens of Maryland face a variety of public policy issues, many of which are related to areas of expertise in University of Maryland Extension.
Actions:
UME educators provide ideas, information, and facilitative assistance to those who must make community policy decisions. We have particular expertise in issues related to agricultural, natural resources, family, and consumer affairs. Our philosophy is to avoid being advocates; rather, we seek to engage citizens and community leaders to create the processes and knowledge bases required for good decisions. A few examples of the many public issues around which we have recently worked include:
- Riparian buffers;
- Public drainage on the Eastern Shore;
- Grandparents as parents;
- Affordable rental housing;
- Agricultural conservation and commodity policies.
Impacts:
- UME has provided education, increased knowledge of issues and awareness of options for engaging issues and understanding of the likely consequences of those options.
- UME has provided facilitative assistance-- such identifying and convening stakeholders, advising groups on effective meeting management, leading people through negotiations and creating action plans.
ShareThisFor more information, contact Richard Byrne
Last updated: 11/13/2009