[UrbanCropCircle] Fwd: [Foodhealth] WSU Extension in jeopardy

[Ingela Wanerstrand]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Jennifer Mundee <jennifer at sustainableballard.org>
> Date: March 4, 2009 12:12:08 PM PST
> To: "foodhealth at lists.sustainableballard.org"  
> <foodhealth at lists.sustainableballard.org>,   
> "fyi_board at lists.sustainableballard.org"  
> <fyi_board at lists.sustainableballard.org>
> Subject: [Foodhealth] WSU Extension in jeopardy
>
>  I am forwarding this message regarding funding cuts that may mean the  
> end of Extension programs.
>
>  -----Original Message-----
>  From: Gabriel LaValle [mailto:gabbysgardening at gmail.com]
>  Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 11:31 AM
>  Subject: A very important appeal
>
>  Hi All,
>
>  This is an appeal for keeping WSU ext intact.  WSU ext is an
>  organization which really benefits sustainablity issues.  WSU ext in
>  Snohomish County has just started a Grow you own Groceries program in
>  an attempt to provide for the growing demand of those seeking help in
>  growing their own food.  I myself took a class on Small Scale
>  Sustainable Farming just last fall and so I can attest to the
>  importance of these programs.
>
>  After reading the information, please contact your state legistlators
>  and continue to spread the word to friends.
>
>  Thanks,
>
>  Gabrielle
>
>
>
>
>
>  Hello colleagues and partners,
>
>  By now I am sure you have heard that WSU Extension funding is looking
>  very bad indeed. I have attached a letter from Curt Moulton, the
>  Director for Snohomish County Extension, and a recent Seattle Times
>  Editorial for your review to gain a clearer perspective on the issue
>  at hand. I cannot spend a lot of time telling any of you what to do
>  about the situation; only I want to tell you that each of you have, in
>  your power, a voice to help shed light, for those who are in the dark,
>  on the incredible importance of WSU Extension. I don't say this
>  because I am employed by the organization, though that may at first
>  appear to be my motivation. I am impassioned by the mission of
>  Extension. I have learned about the incredible richness of programming
>  that we offer to ordinary citizens of many walks and we are as
>  grassroots as any academic organization can be.
>
>  All of you know the importance of Extension because you have seen the
>  impacts in your programming, your classroom or in your own children,
>  maybe even in your garden. I am sending you this email to press upon
>  you the importance of not remaining silent about this issue
>  particularly in these economic times. Jobs are being lost everywhere
>  and I wouldn't want you to think that I am trying to tell you that
>  Extension should be spared when others are not; simply I am asking you
>  consider a few points. Washington State University is working right
>  now with percent cuts to Extension that are far outweigh cuts
>  elsewhere at the University. We are facing some 49% to 75% cuts
>  Statewide, disproportionately affecting Extension versus the rest of
>  the University. This is a decision being made at the Washington State
>  University not in Olympia (the State Legislature has asked WSU to make
>  cuts in the 12-18% range). This is puzzling to me because Extension is
>  here to serve the ordinary citizen and in these economic times more
>  and more people need our programming. Extension is everywhere from
>  Growing Groceries, to Master Gardeners, to Beach Watchers, to 4-H, to
>  Family Living, to Forestry, and Agriculture/Horticulture and much
>  more. During times of great upheaval, it makes sense to strengthen the
>  forces working hard at the grassroots level to support communities and
>  families in dealing with unprecedented economic turmoil likened only
>  to the Great Depression. I implore you to spread the word within your
>  circles of influence and remind people why Extension is important.
>  Whether or not I keep my job.
>
>  A very well put editorial:
>
> http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/ 
> 2008808126_editb04exten.html
>
>  Sincerely,
>
>  Gabrielle Roesch
>
>
>
>  --
>  Eating is an agricultural act-Wendell Berry
>
>
>
> -- 
> Jennifer Mundee
> Sustainable Ballard :: Food + Health
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> Sustainable Ballard: A Blueprint for EveryTown USA
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> "The future of Ballard is to make the future its business!"
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