It is vital that all community residents understand the public policy making process and be knowledgeable about the impact of proposed legislation that is formulated at the various levels of government. This is especially important in high-risk communities that have traditionally experience limited public policy education and awareness. Working with other institutions, Cook County Extension facilitates the provision of public policy education as well as the maintenance of an effective level of awareness on issues that are pertinent to community and economic development.
Citizen participation in the policy making process is absolutely essential not only for the preservation of democracy but also for influencing the formulation of policies that will eventually impact their quality of life. Such involvement is particularly important among limited resource communities that have traditionally participated less than desirably in the policy arena. Efforts, therefore, are being made to enhance public participation among this group and to generate widespread public discourse of issues that need to be addressed by policymakers. These issues include but are not limited to economic security, housing, public safety, and education.
Community, Economic and Small Business Development
Economic security in high-risk communities is a primary concern of Cook County residents and Extension. To improve the economic profile of these communities, steps are being taken to create and sustain a pro-business environment while at the same time develop and implement programs educating residents on strategies creating, attracting, retaining, and expanding small businesses that complement their community's values. Much emphasis is being placed on developing entrepreneurial skills among youths and under-represented groups.
Career/Workforce Preparedness
Thorough workforce preparation and flexible career education is vital to meet the challenges presented by today's changing global economy. Cook County Extension is developing programs to address these issues in high-risk communities as well as to create an awareness of the importance of having quality marketable skills that can be used to improve themselves, their families and their communities. An emphasis is being placed on formerly incarcerated individuals whose career choices are limited by their conviction(s).
Extension also works with youth in helping them to make career choices that would require college education. Furthermore, Extension will facilitate the increase of University outreach opportunities to underserved and under-represented groups and audiences in order to improve labor skills.
Global Citizenship
Chicago is a global city. It is imperative that residents gain a much deeper understanding of the various cultures in the world and become more aware of global dynamics and how they impact their lives. Cook County Extension is helping to facilitate this process of developing local residents to become global citizens.
Extension will continue to network and collaborate with the many consulates in the Chicago area as part of its program to help develop citizens' global understanding, tolerance, and cooperation.
Community Organizational Development
A thriving community is based on the leadership and assets available in the community. This program will strengthen Cook County neighborhoods by empowering local not-for-profit agencies and organizations.
Many not-for-profits do not have the financial resources to obtain leadership, management, and technology training for their organizations. Thus this initiative focuses on providing educational opportunities and materials in the areas of volunteer management, financial management and accountability, assessing needs, personnel management, strategic planning, conflict management, team building, promotion and marketing, and using technology effectively.
Networking opportunities will be made for not-for-profits to come together to learn from each other as well as share ways they can work together to strengthen their communities. Longer-term goals include an internship program for college students to gain community not-for-profit experience.
University staff will provide educational materials, training, individual consultations and technical assistance to the organizations. A mentoring program will be established to help new not-for-profits as they become established.
Leadership Development for Adults and Youth
For any community initiative to be successful, strong leadership is required. Unfortunately, such level of leadership skills is not always available. Recognizing this deficit, Extension will develop educational programs to enhance adult leadership skills while helping to create opportunities for young people to become involved in roles that will prepare them to be future leaders. Extension will work closely with local schools and colleges, various community groups and organizations, public and private institutions, local governments, and local government associations to address issues relating to the development of adult and youth leadership skills.
Community College Partnerships
Previous discussions with community college presidents reveal the need for four-year institutions to collaborate with community college career advisors so they are better informed of career options for students in their pursuits of careers in the sciences.
The development of an integrated approach to promote and strengthen the ability of community colleges of Cook County to carry out higher education programs in environmental and horticultural sciences as well as the food and agricultural sciences is important and serves to build diversity within the colleges. Typically, community colleges and 4-year institutions like University of Illinois, have not integrated their approach to cultivate career choices for community college students.
Community colleges within Cook County provide programs in liberal arts and science backgrounds with emphasis in preparing students for career entry advancement. Working with the community college advisors, faculty, and students to provide opportunities for science internships, trainings, seminars, and courses will only serve to produce graduates and faculty capable of enhancing the nation's food and agricultural scientific and professional workforce.
Opportunities will include but are not limited to the following:
Internships with researchers at agricultural companies / four-year institutions
Mentor programs with the green industry
Community college faculty and private sector awareness programs
