Telling Our Story: A Fall Advocacy Push for Extension
Aug. 4, 2026
Submitted by Erin Martinez
Extension changes lives across Kansas every day, and this fall, we're launching a coordinated effort to tell that story better, more consistently, and with more heart. No one can advocate for extension as effectively as the people doing the work: you!
Why this matters
Legislators, commissioners and community leaders shape decisions that determine our future, and they can't be our biggest advocates until they know just how great our story really is. It is imperative that we ensure the people who support us understand the real difference K-State Extension makes in their communities.
Our approach: Invite, Inform, Investigate
- Invite decision-makers and stakeholders into our work; don't wait for them to come find us.
- Inform them clearly and consistently about what K-State Extension delivers, in terms that connect to what they already care about.
- Investigate what matters most to our communities and partners, so we can meet their needs and stay relentlessly relevant.
What this looks like this fall
- The Extension Road Show (official title TBD!): bringing our story directly to communities across the state.
- Coffee with a legislator: informal, local relationship-building conversations.
- Quarterly reports to legislators: consistent, systemwide updates on our impact.
- Local unit impact statements: county- and district-level stories for our stakeholders.
- Select specialist and agent letters: direct, personal outreach from the people doing the work.
Your role: Get ready
You're our best storytellers, and good storytelling takes a little preparation. Here's how to get ready now:
- Sharpen your elevator pitch. Could you explain what K-State Extension does and why it matters in 30 seconds? Practice until it feels natural, not rehearsed.
- Reflect on your wins. Think about the program, impact or moment you're proudest of in your work. That story is often more powerful than any statistic.
- Get up to date on your reporting. Finish those PEARS reports you've been putting on the back burner, get your evaluation data entered, and sharpen your evaluation tools. The quarterly reports we'll be compiling this fall depend on it. Good data now means a stronger story later.
- Stay ready. As these efforts roll out, you'll have real chances to share why K-State Extension matters to Kansans. Make the most of them.
More details on how to get involved will follow soon.
***
