Adapting to Provide Innovative In-Person Extension Programming During a Pandemic

Abstract

The success of Extension programming is often predicated on in-person events, and numerous Extension programs are preplanned and scheduled well in advance of the anticipated programming date. In-person events help foster community, collaboration, and the human connection within our society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical for Extension to be adaptive and innovative and react proactively to worldwide, nationwide, and local authorities’ and health professionals’ recommendations to protect clientele, staff, and volunteers. Extension educators can tailor in-person programs to align with health professionals’ recommendations by using creative, innovative, and adaptive measures. We describe two such programs.