University of illinois extension serves as the university's statewide network for translational outreach and public engagement

Capacity funds are directed toward personnel and infrastructure to address five critical issues at the state and local level. 1)critical issue: community involvement, inclusion, and leadership: extension activities include statewide webinars and consultation with local government officials and community-level decision makers, training and support of 4-h adult club volunteers to maximize access and availability of high-quality club experiences across rural and urban youth populations, 4-h teen leaders/volunteers training and support to develop and refine advocacy, planning, mentoring, advising and leadership skills, and programs targeting community agency and institutional gatekeepers to create and enhance policies that promote inclusion and reduce marginalization of individuals and families. 2)critical issue: economic and workforce development: extension planned outreach objectives focus on key contributors to a strong economy including increased economic vitality within illinois communities, increased workforce preparedness and advancement, and improved financial wellbeing among illinois residents. Extension outreach activities will include direct education, training of volunteer mentors to provide one-to-one assistance with financially vulnerable residents, and decision support tools and analysis to promote data driven economic decision making at all levels. Primary audiences include agricultural producers and their families, small business owners/managers, citizens seeking personal financial management resources, youth (especially among underrepresented demog raphic groups) and professionals requiring continuing education credits. 3) critical issue: safe, healthy environments and behaviors: objectives include prevention and management of chronic diseases, support of social and emotional health, and promotion of safe and healthy environments that enable healthy decisions. Target audiences include youth, professionals/impactors who have the influence to create and maintain safe and healthy environments, older adults (to improve physical and mental quality of life for a growing population), farmers (to improve mental health), and vulnerable populations (to reduce disparities in morbidity and mortality). 4) critical issue: safe, plentiful, and accessible food supply: extension outreach activities will include outreach to promote best management practices for growers, food handlers, emergency food distribution sites, partnerships and coalition support for enhancing production, safety, and access, conference coordination (including multi-state), applied research and demonstration, efforts to support access to produce and protein in emergency food sites (e.g. food donation gardens, deer donation program), and decision support tools to promote production practices and food access. 5) critical issue: thriving natural resources: extension activities will seek to improve sustainable engagement with home and community landscapes and to enhance and sustain natural resources. In addition, master gardener and master naturalist core volunteer training and continuing education will expand outreach to communities, supporting private and community gardens throughout the state. Target audiences include woodland owners/foresters, certified livestock managers and residents of all ages to promote practices that protect the environment (such as pollinator support, renewable energy, and citizen science). 4-h statewide programs will provide opportunities to engage in outdoor activities including state 4-h camp, fishing, and shooting sports.