Vision Statement

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Vision

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a respected and trusted leader in linking university research and experiential learning to the problems and issues facing a diverse society. Drawing on public and private resources, Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County (CCEDC) provides innovative, flexible, and participant-driven programs that promote new ways of learning, thinking, and acting. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County through Ag & Natural Resources, Family and Nutrition, Horticulture, 4-H Youth Development, 4-H Camp Shankitunk, and Rural Healthcare Alliance programs enhances the quality of life by promoting individual growth, strengthening families, improving the economic well-being of businesses, enhancing the environment, and building stronger communities. Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCEDC) is committed to partnerships among county, state, and federal governments; faculty, staff, administrators and volunteers; and public and private entities. The strength and durability of these partnerships depend on shared concerns, shared responsibility, shared authority, shared costs and shared recognition. Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCEDC) is committed to pluralism because differences enrich people and programs. Extension (CCEDC) values and pursues diversity in staff, volunteers, and program participants.

We recognize that there are historical and present-day injustices that have made access to capital, land, education and supportive networks more challenging for people of color, indigenous people, women, people who are economically disadvantaged, and immigrants.

We also recognize that our affiliation to a well-known academic institution provides privilege and access to resources including funding, land, and infrastructure. We commit to ensuring, to the greatest extent possible, that our time, energy, and financial resources are committed equitably to all people. We will continue to be actively engaged and involved in relationship building, collaboration, and support of efforts to build a diverse, equitable and just society.

The staff of Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County commits to the following actions:

• Examine our own roles in, and understanding of systemic challenges locally and nationally to support all people and provide programs that are accessible to all people. Offer in person, on line and virtual educational resources to all people.

• Support project partners and staff to offer programs and develop relationships with broad audiences.

• Commit to improving our work through ongoing reflection, discussion and actions.

• Tell stories of people in our outreach (e.g. website, social media, Extension Connection).

• Empower people to move into management and ownership positions through targeted training.

• Cultivate dialogue to elevate all voices.

• Offer print and web resources in multiple languages, literacy levels, and strive to enhance accessibility.

• Promote tools, strategies and adaptive/assistive technologies that support access to opportunities for all.

• Act as a leader in modeling how to provide support to all people.

Last updated April 18, 2025