2006.02.27: February 27, 2006: Headlines: COS - Ethiopia: Extension: Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier: Ethiopia RPCV Allen Ricks 'cheerleads' at Iowa State University extension

Peace Corps Online: State: Iowa: February 8, 2005: Index: PCOL Exclusive: Iowa : 2006.02.27: February 27, 2006: Headlines: COS - Ethiopia: Extension: Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier: Ethiopia RPCV Allen Ricks 'cheerleads' at Iowa State University extension

By Admin1 (admin) (pool-151-196-234-53.balt.east.verizon.net - 151.196.234.53) on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 7:10 pm: Edit Post

Ethiopia RPCV Allen Ricks 'cheerleads' at Iowa State University extension

Ethiopia RPCV Allen Ricks  'cheerleads' at Iowa State University extension

His goal is to bolster already successful school and continuing education programs, such as master gardener and financial management courses. "It's my job to bring people together to accomplish something bigger than themselves ... to be a cheerleader," Ricks said.


Ethiopia RPCV Allen Ricks 'cheerleads' at Iowa State University extension

New director 'cheerleads' at Iowa State University extension

Feb 27, 2006 - Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa

Feb. 27--WATERLOO -- Five, six, seven, eight, who do we appreciate? Extension, Extension, yeah Extension!

Allen Ricks is a cheerleader. In order for Black Hawk County Extension to grow and properly serve the community, Ricks said it's up to him as the new education director to get citizens excited about the service --- and possibly pick up supporters along the way.

"It's my job to bring people together to accomplish something bigger than themselves ... to be a cheerleader," Ricks said.

ISU Extension administers youth, community, agricultural and family programs throughout Iowa. Extension employees do everything from give advice on lawn care, pesticides and spiders to running 4- H, the state's largest youth organization with more than 33,000 members.

In Black Hawk County, this task is tough. Voters defeated two referendums to increase funding for Extension, the latest in 2002. The single, largest source of Extension's $330,000 budget -- property taxes -- has remained stagnant for the last 20 years while everything else, from salaries to utility bills, has gone up.

Despite the financial challenges, Ricks felt compelled to leave Covenant Health Systems almost a month ago and join an organization that holds a special place in his heart. Growing up on a small farm near Afton, it was an Extension worker who helped Ricks get ready for fair and provide fatherly advice when his own dad was too busy working to support the family.

"Milt Henderson (Extension field specialist) was such a positive role model. He helped me see a vision beyond Afton," Ricks said, referring to his hometown. "Milt pushed by to try new things. He saw things in my I didn't see myself."

The mentoring shaped the 55-year-old's life. He left Afton to serve in the Peace Corps. He eventually become a United Methodist minister, serving in Hudson for 17 years. In 1992, he switched career paths again, concentrating on fundraising in the health-care community.

But Extension was always a part of his life. He daughter was in 4- H, his wife was a volunteer 4-H leader and Ricks served on the county's Extension Council. After Steve Schmit resigned after a year as Extension director, Ricks felt it was time to do more.

His goal is to bolster already successful school and continuing education programs, such as master gardener and financial management courses. Ricks would love to hire a horticulturist to take care of urban needs, but the money isn't there.

The Extension referendum will again be on the November ballot. Ricks plans on cheering for Extension until the vote.

"Every time you turn the corner, Extension is truly impacting the community. The problem is, not enough people know it," Ricks said.

Kevin Sittig, a local farmer and Extension Council chairman, thinks Ricks is the best person to get the word out. Sittig said there were many qualified applicants for the job, but Ricks' enthusiasm set him apart.

His notoriety in the Cedar Valley will boost the referendum's chances, Sittig said. His knack to convince people to give to worthy causes is also a plus, he said. Ricks led the $2 million fund- raising effort to build Peoples Community Health Clinic in Waterloo.

"I think Al works hard and he's a great fit," Sittig said. "I believe his organization skills will help so much. He can get (the most) out of people."





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Story Source: Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Ethiopia; Extension

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