AES/CES/CSREES Partnership Workshop - Brainstormed action plans

Brainstormed action plans

Process

The Partnership Task Force had identified the issues confronting the partnership that it considered most significant. In addition, the Task Force members began brainstorming possible actions to improve the partnership. These ideas were distributed in advance and were posted on a board from the beginning of the workshop. All participants in the workshop were invited to add ideas to the brainstormed list at any point through the workshop.

In addition, at the end of the first day of the workshop, all participants discussed possible actions in small groups at their tables. Again, each person was invited to add to the brainstormed list.

That evening, members of the Task Force and the facilitators reviewed the brainstormed actions and grouped them in order to make it easier for participants to understand all the options. This grouped list was reviewed on the second day of the workshop. Additional possible actions were added based on an open discussion of the issues confronting the partnership.

Each participant in the workshop was then asked to select the five actions on which they would like to see movement coming out of this workshop. The votes were tallied over a break. The nine actions that received more than 25 votes were identified as priorities. Participants chose one of the nine to develop further. Small groups met and identified (1) what this action might accomplish, and (2) the first step(s) in making the action happen, taken by whom and by when.

Please note two things:

This is an unabridged list of the brainstormed ideas of small groups. No commitments have yet been made to any of the specific plans listed, although further work to clarify how to proceed is in motion.
Further in the notes you will find the full list of all actions brainstormed from which these nine were chosen. Please do not assume that those possible actions have been rejected. Some of them may be acted on soon and others will remain possibilities for future consideration.

Priority actions

The nine priority actions identified were:

Establish a priority for expanding formula funding. (70 votes)
Establish a marketing plan to show the value of our program. (60)
System work together for equitable funding for 1890’s, 1994’s and Hispanic Serving Institutions. (47)
CSREES become more pro-active in working with Congress. (41)
Establish a single annual reporting system. (39)
Develop a shared vision for the partnership. (33)
Establish formal joint priority setting. (26)
Develop a regular publication highlighting the impacts of the partnership. (26)
Generate new funding sources. (26)

Action planning: Establish a priority for expanding formula funding

Four groups worked on how to establish a priority for expanding formula funding.

Why this action is important

Increased funding is necessary to assure the continuous development of institutional infrastructure
Without formula funds, we do not have a partnership. They are the glue that binds us.
Formula funds support our core programs and create continuity.
They are related to cost effectiveness. WS analysis indicates that there is 7% overhead on formula funds and 35% overhead on grants.
They provide flexibility to redirect funds to address emerging issues.

What this action might accomplish

Double formula funding in 5 years.
Better infrastructure will assure successful competition for additional funds through extramural grants to better meet the needs of society.
Allow us to address local issues.
Establish funding for infrastructure.
Give credibility to the land-grant functions on campus.
Better leveraging of state funds.

Possible action plans

	Step to be taken	By whom and when
Group 1
	Work through NASULGC/AESOP to elevate this as a priority	--
	Find out what is needed to gain support from OMB	--
	Link accountability to formula justification	--
Group 2
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Develop a consistent message.	Marketing Committee, April 1, 2001
	Present the message to the Congressional delegation.	Partnership leadership, April 15, 2001
	Periodic reporting through the NASULGC Budget Committee to all segments of the partnership.	NASULGC Budget Committee and Partnership leadership, On-going
Group 3
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Prepare two-page paper that clearly identifies reasons for improving formula funding.	--
	Link accountability/impacts to formula funding (where is money going and what are the impacts?). Study other models where formula/block and competitive grants are awarded.	--
	Elevate to priority for NASULGC and AESOP Enterprises, state land-grant system ask for formula funds. (Also in President’s budget.) Improve/enhance accountability and reporting for formula funds.	--
	Find out what it would take to convince others to support formula funding and develop consistent message on formula funding. Send message, affect Farm Bill.	Establish Task Force to work with processes in place
Group 4
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Tie increases in formula funding to emerging issues associated with the Administration and/or national priorities and articulate them well. Or, ask for across-the-board increases (to meet inflation and devalued dollars).	--
	Put together a COP/CSREES committee to decide and agree on priority issues.	--
	Report out to Budget Committees and CSREES.	COP/CSREES Committee
	Work agreed-upon priorities and budget into budgets and requests.	Budget committees and CSREES
	Speak in one voice!	All above in time for 2003 budget

Action planning: Establish a marketing plan to show the value of our program

Two groups worked on establishing a marketing plan to show the value of the partners’ program.

Why this action is important

Influence decision-making, funding priorities.
Public doesn’t know who we are.
Counter misinformation and anti-science influence. “Voices” to support accomplishments, e.g., biotech are not strong, anti-marketing forces too strong and destroying good programs.
Multi-level plan to address different audiences – public, Congress, clientele has changed to urban audience.
Drive funding.
Increase visibility.
Add value to product.
Broaden sources of money.
Create demand for product.
Better meet needs of underserved populations.

What this action might accomplish

Increase funding.
Increase program impact.
Help set priorities.
Increase demand for product.
Increase ability to reach underserved audiences.
Add prestige – attract new students and employees.
Broader sources of funding.
Increase credibility with other federal agencies.
Increase collaborations.
Economy of scale.
Strategically align with what is promised and what is delivered.
Precision marketing/targeted audiences.
Articulate promises and impacts – need to market against promises.
Raise awareness of public investment in agricultural research.
Develop stronger advocacy for programs to Congress.

Possible action plans

	Step to be taken	By whom and when
Group 1
	Appoint a marketing task force. Build on current committees. Chair of task force to report to COP Chairs and CSREES Administrator.	COP Chairs and CSREES Administrator, by March 15, 2001
	Issue RFP for plan. Initiate informal competition.	Task Force, by July 1, 2001
	Develop consistent logo, “brand,” as part of the plan.	--
Group 2
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Seek expert advice.	--
	Seek system commitment.	--
	List internal strengths and prepare consistent message for all audiences.	--
	Identify what sells to different audiences. (Identify metrics appropriate to each audience.)	--
	Look at state marketing models.	--
	How effective has AESOP been? AESOP would be part of the marketing plan.	--
	Establish monitoring through consultant feedback and enhanced appropriations.	--

Action planning: System work together for equitable funding for 1890’s, 1994’s and Hispanic Serving Institutions

Two groups worked on the system working together for equitable funding for the 1890’s, 1994’s and Hispanic Serving Institutions. One group explicitly added the territorial institutions into this grouping.

Why this action is important

If equitable funding is not achieved, partnership will be perceived as unequal forever.
Tremendous capabilities in 1890’s, 1994’s, territories, HSI’s need to be realized.
Important societal issues can be most directly addressed by 1890’s, 1994’s, Territorial, and HSI’s through program models such as youth at risk, small farms, rural economic development, health and nutrition, minority and underserved populations.
Level the playing field and sustain programming.
Critical time due to “match” requirement. Census data will support.
1890’s, 1994’s, HSI’s, etc. bring critical perspective.
Help affect existing barriers.
Narrow the gap between “haves” and “have-nots.”
None of this would involve duplication or competition of funds in program. Does this mean expansion? The needs are so great.

What this action might accomplish

Helps USDA accomplish its original land-grant mission: to be the “people’s department,” provide practical problem solving, provide educational opportunities for all populations.
Achieve full and effective partnership.
Equitable funding for these institutions to fulfill their land-grant mission.
Expand and strengthen the capacity of the institutions to serve new and traditionally underserved and minority populations.
Expand outreach to underserved audiences.
Enhance skills, more educated population.
Attract more students to scientific careers.

Possible action plans

	Step to be taken	By whom and when
Group 1
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Establish National Task Force that includes representatives from the 1890’s, HSI’s, 1994’s, territories, 1862’s and CSREES.	COP Chairs
	Define equitable funding.	Each partner’s institution as representatives from CSREES (1890’s, 1994’s, territories, HSI’s, 1862’s, CSREES)
	Include appropriate language on the Farm Bill to address equitable funding issues.	Task Force, CSREES representative, NASULGC, COP Chairs, Budget Committee
Group 2
	Fund the institution to the level of authorization.	NASULGC and Budget Committee, for 2002 request
	Increase the level of authorization.	NASULGC, Farm Bill Task Force, 2002
	Revisit issue of program for all eligible institutions.	Farm Bill Task Force, 2002
	Form or enhance alliances to secure state match funding. Revisit Farm Bill to remove barriers.	--
	Create new message to counter duplication and competition issue.	--
	Track Congressional action.	--

Action planning: CSREES become more pro-active in working with Congress

Three groups worked on CSREES becoming more pro-active in working with Congress.

Why this action is important

Don’t want to miss opportunities.
Relationship-building.
Frame issues.
Increased budget support.
Responsiveness to emerging issues. (“system”)
Increase agency visibility in research, extension and education vs. other agencies.
Need to make sure that all parts (Ag, Family, Youth, Natural Resources, etc.) are represented and shared.
Need constituencies developed to support non-Ag dimensions, develop grassroots support base.
Need process for states to sell the value of the system.
Need to keep the budget process open as long as possible.

What this action might accomplish

Better funding.
Long-term relationship.
Improved positioning for partnership.

Possible action plans

	Step to be taken	By whom and when
Group 1
	Improve use of “impact statements.”	--
	Show link between issues and budget (summarize legislative actions, show links to budget increases).	--
Group 2
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Clarify CSREES staff roles in connection to Congress.	--
	Develop a unified legislative agenda.	All system partners, for Farm Bill
	Identify roles and responsibilities in dealing with Congress.	All partners
Group 3
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Develop strategy to identify the political “hot topics” and position ourselves to be seen as part of the solution.	--
	Say, “We ARE an advocate for the system.”	CSREES
	Establish a budget process where the COP’s and CSREES independently prioritize their program and budget, then all come together to determine areas of agreement/support.	--
	Communicate with the new USDA Administrator about the difficulty of early deadline for “behind the curtain.”	State partners
	Hold frequent briefings on the Hill, topic-focused with NPL’s, PD, state and customers participating.	--
	Reestablish a system for communicating programs, impacts, and results with agency active.	--
	Begin joint planning for Farm Bill input.	--

Action planning: Establish a single annual reporting system

One group worked on establishing a single annual reporting system.

Why this is important

Avoid duplication, avoid repeated requests from faculty.
Have data available at any time to respond to requests.
Avoid confusion and frustration.
Need to simplify the process.
Evaluators of system have clear concise guidelines.
Need to query on need, database needs to be current.
Feedback from national level on impact/accomplishments.
Need for compatible, if not identical, systems.
Recognize uniform info requests may not be properly responded to with proper information.
Need for flexibility to incorporate changes (i.e. legislative, etc.).

What this action might accomplish

All partners need to be part of the development process for a single simple system.
Define data elements necessary from all systems.
Insure and define common definitions.
Design feedback loop.

Possible action plan

Step to be taken	By whom and when
Establish task force.	COP Chairs, Chair of REEIS Task Force, Director of REEIS, CSREES Administrator, April 30, 2001
Assure adequate working representation from all partners.	Chair of Task Force, Directors of Programs, Volunteers, CSREES NPL representatives
Provide: Status reports to the system. Insure and define common deficiencies. Insure all reports and necessity of reports. Design feedback loop.	Task Force, in place and running in FY04

Step to be taken

By whom and when

Establish task force.

COP Chairs, Chair of REEIS Task Force, Director of REEIS, CSREES Administrator, April 30, 2001

Assure adequate working representation from all partners.

Chair of Task Force, Directors of Programs, Volunteers, CSREES NPL representatives

Provide:

Status reports to the system.
Insure and define common deficiencies.
Insure all reports and necessity of reports.
Design feedback loop.

Task Force, in place and running in FY04

Action planning: Develop a shared vision for the partnership

Two groups worked on developing a shared vision for the partnership.

Why this action is important

Vision inspires (but can limit) action, buy-in, commitment and respect.
It allows the parts to contribute to the whole.
Vision drives programs, marketing and funding, positive relationships, etc.
If the system is to remain relevant to the needs of the nation and the world, there must be a shared current vision.

What this action might accomplish

Generate more acceptance of the partnership by each partner.
Drive program priorities, marketing and funding, and positive relationships, etc.
Allow parts to contribute to the whole.
Inspire action, buy-in, respect, and commitment.
Identify what we need to do, how to do it, how to market it, and our respective roles and responsibilities.
Make the system relevant to the needs of the nation.
Guide priority setting.
Unify the system.
Assist marketing and advocacy.

Possible action plans

	Step to be taken	By whom and when
Group 1
	Create a joint partner vision/future committee.	Leadership of partners, by March 15
	Consolidate the partners’ visions.	Leadership of COP’s and CSREES, by August 1
	Plan a process for visioning.	Joint committee, by September 1
	Hold vision/future conference.	Vision committee, October-November 2001
Group 2
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Revisit our original land-grant mission and re-evaluate it to fit society’s needs of today.	“Expanded” Joint Strategic and Planning Councils of ECOP and ESCOP, with ACOP, ICOP, AHS added Start May 2001 at Fort Lauderdale, leading to a plan within 12 months
	Engage all levels of the partnership.	Report back through the COP’s

Action planning: Establish formal joint priority setting

Two groups worked on joint priority setting.

Why this action is important

Increase budget support
Establish shared priorities
Increase opportunity for stakeholders (CES, AES, 1890’s, etc.) to share program priorities with CSREES.
Maximize opportunity to increase funding support.
Opportunity to use land-grant system to enhance Congressional support of priority programs/budget.
Need to influence.

Possible action plans

	Step to be taken	By whom and when
Group 1
	Examine and evaluate current processes. Recommend joint processes.	ECOP/ESCOP Joint Planning Committee and adequate representatives from CSREES and Budget Committees, by Fall 2001
	Implement joint processes.	ECOP/ESCOP/CSREES leadership, by Winter 2001
	Utilize priorities to inform partners’ budget development and with influential stakeholders.	Budget Committees, by Spring 2002
Group 2
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Identify current process for priority development, program and budget to determine possible opportunity for collaboration among partners.	Joint ECOP/ESCOP Planning Committee with representatives from Budget and Legislative Committees and adequate representatives from CSREES, by Fall 2001
	Establish a process to determine priorities for the partnership.	Joint Committee of AES/CES and CSREES leadership, by Winter 2001
	Utilize priorities in working with both Legislative and Executive branches to determine funding needs in support of the priority programs.	AES, CES, CSREES, CARET, other organizations and leaders, by Spring 2001

Action planning: Develop a regular publication highlighting the impacts of the partnership

Two groups worked on developing a regular publication highlighting the impacts of the partnership.

Reasons why this action is important

Stakeholders are not aware of our successes and capabilities.
Increase public awareness.
Influence policymakers (Congress).
“Best kept secret”
Change in information flow – end-users don’t understand system approach.

What this action might accomplish

Communicate the value and successes of the combined federal, state, local system.
Communicate the value and impacts.

Possible action plans

	Step to be taken	By whom and when
Group 1
	Establish commitment and appoint task force. Requirement for success: Commitment includes active participation (i.e., information and resources).	June 1, 2001
	Identify resources/host institution/staff.	October 1, 2001
Group 2
	Step to be taken	By whom and when
	Establish commitment to publication with buy-in from all partners. Appoint a task force representative of all partners/regions.	CSREES, ESCOP, ECOP, ICOP, ACOP, by June 1, 2001
	Identify staff and resources. Decide where publication will be hosted, e.g. CSREES, university. (Financial contributions must come from all partners/institutions.)	Task Force, by October 1, 2001

Action planning: Generate new funding sources

One group worked on generating new funding sources.

Why this is important

Need balanced portfolio.
Need additional funding.

What this action might accomplish

Build on IFAFS experience (make permanent) bridge between formula and competitive funding.
Touch every state.
Measurable outcome (solve a problem).
Multifunctional.
NSF, NASA, EPA.
Partnership between institutions.
Focus on billions of dollars in efforts.

Possible action plan

Step to be taken	By whom and when
Make IFAFS permanent.	Farm Bill Committee, Board of Agriculture (Milo Shult, Chair)
Use new funding authority to leverage funding from other agencies (NASA, EPA, HHS, Commerce, Education, Dept. of Justice).	Task forces (partner with other organizations), SUNEI, Ron Brown
Community development sustainable communities	Farm Bill process, CSREES and AESOP
Create joint committees to develop plans and infrastructure for old and new funding sources.	--
Create infrastructure outside of USDA to facilitate new funding sources (e.g. Urban Task Force efforts)	--

Action planning: Individual actions to improve the partnership

Individuals also identified things they can personally do to improve the partnership. They are listed here without names attached and grouped in categories.

Participate in following up on this workshop

Get personally active on one of the task forces formed on the priority actions
Inform CARET members of actions
Stay fully informed on issues
Work on NASA and EPA Task Forces
Work on joint ESCOP/ECOP Planning Committee
Work with Community Development and Urban Task Force funding
Don’t let the initiatives be forgotten
Work to push forward objectives from here to committees I serve on
Report activities here to peers back home
Share results with NELD interns, giving particular emphasis to the nine action items
Share findings of this conference with colleagues
Share results of this conference with all 4-H State Leaders and discuss the conference with CSREES 4-H staff
Participate and engage: (1) serve on task forces, and (2) don’t be a passive member or a fifth wheel
Report and speak positively about actions taking place
Advocate annual or biennial conference of partners
Explore issues being undertaken and build more bridges and relationships on my campus
Give input to task forces when asked
Try to do individually what I can on these areas

Individual attitudes and general behaviors

Be open to the needs and perspectives of others
Take responsibility for advancing the agendas of the 1890’s, 1994’s and HSI’s
Keep the partnership principle in mind as I attempt to administer one SAES
Advocate for the system/continue to represent and be an advocate of the system
More effectively communicate with partner institutions
Have to assume personal commitment to partnership
Take responsibility vs. blaming others
Give and accept constructive criticism
Engage in [more] regular communication with the human sciences/FCS community
Keep open mind that the process will yield positive results
Be more respectful of all the partners and the contributions of the family
Take the time to listen
Participate when asked
Bring issues to the surface when they arise, recognizing they won’t just go away
Stay in touch with new contacts made at these meetings
Communicate better with those I interact with – from CSREES to the states and vice versa
Take a second look at things I can do as a program leader (re-examine my role)
Strive to understand what other partners do and what they are doing, e.g. exchange partnerships
Integrate outcomes of partners when doing my job (work on communications)
Enhance communication in my role and seek informal counsel from a broader constituency
Active communication with Extension colleagues

Specific actions within individual organizations, institutions, states and regions

Continue to work on integration of research and extension programming in my state
Strengthen research-extension linkages at regional farms and centers to better serve communities
Help facilitate formation of alliance to secure state matching funds for the state’s 1890’s institution
Meet with other counterparts at the state and regional levels, such as mini-land grant meetings
Collect and communicate reports from the partnership office to CSREES staff
Try to initiate CSREES to develop an “info sheet” on the roles of NPL’s which could be shared with the system
Simplify the agency requirements reporting process
Try to get more info to Congress on our programs, even if not solicited
Collect inputs and sets of priorities from expertise area to support Farm Bill development
Empower myself as an NPL to work with AES and CES to develop a naturally recognized water quality program – without another Task Force
Prepare my institution to assist/contribute to the new “system” publication/magazine
Assist in marketing the partnership by putting more of the story (benefits and accomplishments) on web site, brochures and publications
Work within my home institution and with our state’s Congressional delegation to surface base funding increases as our highest priority
Continually seek input from the LGU community, federal partners and stakeholders in carrying out my responsibilities as an NPL
Participate in Congressional briefing sessions
Continue to give extra effort to develop a common reporting system for the system (e.g. REEIS)
Identify more effective means to share impacts with Congress
Survey partner institutions to determine future direction of CSREES international programs (are we meeting their needs?)
Conduct briefings on the Hill
In-agency trainings that will improve CSREES specs. in implementing review process
Communicate periodically the guidelines and timelines for preparing/submitting proposals for the Cooperative Forestry Grant and communicate my expectations on the quality of proposals
Work with fellow NPL’s on emerging issues, collecting impact data from states to use in reporting to publics and the Congress the important work done by the system
NPL will become more accessible to partners
Bring issues here to bear on job at CSREES
Continue to work on common reporting system to CSREES
Become more vocal within and without the agency on the benefits of sciences/education and what increased funding would accomplish
Work within own institution to ensure AES and CES continue to work closely together
Market research/extension programs to legislative staffers at the state level (back home)
Continue to advocate for open communication and decreased bureaucracy
Advocate marketing plan to partners back home
Identify where legislative barriers are in Higher Education Grant Programs so that CES at the 1890’s, 1994’s and HSI’s can participate
Strengthen relations on PODC and existing task forces
Communicate more effectively with NPL’s regarding multi-state research activities
Open up dialogue with CSREES on reporting and communicating
Get smaller institutions to be more inclusive
Take steps to improve Congressional communication
Get more involved with campus government relations people
Communicate shared vision to all groups involved in multi-year concerns
Communicate with association newsletters to strengthen USDA/CES relations
Integrate international issues into S&E agendas
Promote/advocate/communicate consistently on the need and value of increased formula funds
Explore new ways of working together, new ways of implementing funding (i.e. block grants), and reporting mechanisms of other agencies
Document web-based reporting systems by other agencies (e.g., HHS)
Plan a conference on use of information technology – managing knowledge for research, education and extension
Try to clarify the NPL role, both expectations of CSREES and the land-grants
Work with faculty on the importance of reporting
Volunteer and encourage faculty at my institution to serve on task forces
Initiate discussion in the state to understand roles better
Improve communication inside and outside my work group

Brainstormed actions

Following is the entire list of all possible actions brainstormed before and during the workshop. They are divided into categories, separating out those added on Wednesday morning of the workshop and the rest in topic categories. The number of votes each received is listed. Within categories, they are in descending order by the number of votes received.

Added on Wednesday morning at the conference
70	Establish a priority for expanding formula funding.
47	System work together to get equitable funding for the 1890’s, 1994’s and Hispanic Serving Institutions.
39	Establish a single annual reporting system.
36	Establish a marketing plan to approach Congress on the value of our programs and their impact and to ask for money.
26	Market the value of our programs and their impact to the general public, and get their feedback.
22	Form a USDA/Land Grant University Team to follow up on action items.
13	Establish lobbying and legislative support representative of all parts of the systems.
11	Define a process for future process planning and action inclusive of all COP’s.
1	Develop a mechanism to quantify prevention of problems.
Budget and priority setting
26	Establish formal joint priority setting.
24	Develop a joint budget for the system.
14	Build intelligence-gathering systems to identify emerging issues.
7	Consolidate stakeholder input gathered by all partners, on-going.
0	Form an ECOP/ESCOP/CSREES strategic planning group. [Done]
Reporting and accountability
26	Develop a regular publication highlighting impacts of the partnership, similar to ARS’ Ag. Research.
16	Revamp reporting system with active system participation.
14	Develop a vehicle to chronicle our successes.
10	Develop standardized reporting system—long –term, timely feedback to all states
8	Define measures of impact.
7	CSREES will centralize and share reporting data with CES and AES.
6	Establish a mechanism to share best management practices.
Structure
7	Create mechanism to anticipate, do problem solving and take timely action on long-term issues and opportunities.
6	Reestablish something like the Joint Council that existed in the 1980’s to offer more opportunities for collaborative planning and evaluation.
5	Establish a standing advisory committee to deal with racial diversity/equity in 1862’s.
4	Establish four regional offices of CSREES.
2	Create mechanism to mobilize rapid response and problem solving on immediate short-term issues and opportunities.
Communication
25	CSREES will get computer system for better email, list serve, and ability to query
20	Develop new communication methods between customers, partners and funders
13	Director of CSREES will communicate more regularly to the system via email and will encourage sharing among the members
10	Educate CEO’s and university administration of the partnership and its purpose
1	Hold national town meetings for AES and CES
0	Publicize glossary of acronyms
Leadership of AES, CES and CSREES
9	Establish a System COP and do away with ECOP, ESCOP, CSREES and ACOP.
8	Reestablish monthly conference calls with CSREES Administrator and CES and AES administrators.
7	The leadership of the three groups will establish weekly conference calls and a regular schedule of meetings. They will communicate to the system about their conversations.
3	Involve ESCOP and ECOP in stakeholder conferences with USDA agencies, e.g. CSREES, ARS, FSIS and APHIS.
2	ESCOP and ECOP leadership serve longer terms.
0	Eliminate the seniority system in leadership.
Leadership development
15	Establish a system-wide leadership development program that provides training and opportunities for emerging administrators.
4	Develop leadership throughout the system by establishing a way for those with passion and energy to network and provide input on emerging issues -- electronically.
1	Develop a leadership “farm club” system at each land grant and at CSREES for graduate students and faculty.
Re CSREES National Program Leaders
24	Prepare job descriptions for NPL’s that reflect their roles in the partnership in addition to their discipline.
18	Allocate more discretionary funds within CSREES so NPL’s can initiate/influence changes in program direction.
14	AES and CES develop a list of their expectations of NPL’s in CSREES.
12	Establish more direct contact between NPL’s and AES and CES administrators.
7	Partners jointly develop and maintain an easily accessible directory of staff.
Partnership
33	Develop a shared vision for the partnership
22	Hold a partnership conference similar to this one, regularly/annually.
12	Develop implementation structure to follow-up partnership actions
10	Expand the partnership to include ARS, NRCS, ERS and the Forest Service.
9	Expand the AHS Diversity Task Force to include representatives of AES, CES and CSREES and incorporate it into the work of this partnership initiative.
8	Create incentives for partnering
8	Delineate the roles and expectations of all the partners.
5	Combine NELD & ACOP/ESCOP leadership development programs
5	Invite 1994’S and HSI’s to all aspects of the partnership
4	Develop strong partnerships at the state level – AES, CES, academic, international
4	Orient new staff to the land-grant mission & the partnership
1	Develop a process to share resources among partners
Personnel Exchange/ Staff Development
13	Increase the exchange of personnel between partner institutions
7	Develop short-term personnel exchange opportunities
5	Hold an annual meeting between CSREES staff and directors
3	Encourage cross-cultural sabbaticals (domestic or international) to shake us up and get us out of our ruts.
3	Conduct new AES/CES administrator conference at the national level.
Working with Congress
41	CSREES become more proactive in working with Congress
20	Increase joint collaborative planning for legislative requests
12	Clarify CSREES’ advocacy role
8	Invest more resources in lobbying
8	Identify key stakeholders who can influence the legislative and executive branches.
Business practices
5	CSREES establish a business practices committee to streamline paperwork flow and reporting and publish a monthly newsletter on business practices.
1	Encourage Congressional action to increase indirect cost ceiling.
0	CSREES establish legal processes and procedures to expedite program RFP’s in a timely manner.
Marketing
8	Establish a brand for the land grant university.
Promotion and tenure
0	Advocate the elimination of promotion and tenure.
Shift in program emphasis
25	Shift the program emphasis from agricultural production to include consumer issues, social sciences and human capacity.
Funding
26	Generate new funding sources.
24	Evaluate the shift from formula to competitive programming.
Distance learning technology
4	Expand internal use of distance education technology.
International
14	Integrate and embed an international perspective in research, education and extension.
Name of USDA
3	Change the name of USDA to Department of Food, Family and Natural Resources.

March 30, 2001

Prepared by Ellen Cull, Management & Organizational Consultant

Brainstormed action plans

Process

Priority actions

Action planning: Establish a priority for expanding formula funding

Action planning: Establish a marketing plan to show the value of our program

Action planning: System work together for equitable funding for 1890’s, 1994’s and Hispanic Serving Institutions

Action planning: CSREES become more pro-active in working with Congress

Action planning: Establish a single annual reporting system

Action planning: Develop a shared vision for the partnership

Action planning: Establish formal joint priority setting

Action planning: Develop a regular publication highlighting the impacts of the partnership

Action planning: Generate new funding sources

Action planning: Individual actions to improve the partnership

Brainstormed actions

Added on Wednesday morning at the conference

Budget and priority setting

Reporting and accountability

Structure

Communication

Leadership of AES, CES and CSREES

Leadership development

Re CSREES National Program Leaders

Partnership

Personnel Exchange/ Staff Development

Working with Congress

Business practices

Marketing

Promotion and tenure

Shift in program emphasis

Funding

Distance learning technology

International

Name of USDA