Sometimes a question is all it takes to remind us that we need to sit back and take stock of who we are and what our chosen profession represents to an individual that we are meeting for the first time.

I was reminded of this when I was trying to explain, briefly, what Cooperative Extension is and what my role in the organization is — not an easy task.

For many, Penn State Cooperative Extension is associated with agriculture. For others, the 4-H program is the key to recognition. In reality, these program areas are only a part of the total system and the opportunities provided to the citizens of Butler County and Pennsylvania.

Penn State Cooperative Extension is an educational network that gives people in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties access to Penn State's resources and expertise.

Historically, three legislative actions make possible today's organization of extension work.

Act 142 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly was the original legislation that established the tie to county government. This legislation granted county commissioners permission to fund cooperative extension's work in the county and provide office space and facilities.

The Smith-Lever Act, passed by Congress in 1914, along with subsequent amendments, authorized the appropriation of state funds for the support of extension through their land grant college or universities.

Act 12 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly identified Penn State as the recipient and executor of the Smith-Lever Act in Pennsylvania. Today, these legislative ties continue to define the funding partnership that includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and county governments.

Through the county-based partnership, Penn State extension educators, faculty and local volunteers work together to share practical how-to education, information and technical expertise based on science and research with local residents. While many programs are offered in counties across the state, the focus on local issues and concerns permits flexibility and provides an opportunity for extension agents to address specific needs unique to our community.

Penn State Cooperative Extension helps individuals, families, businesses and communities throughout Pennsylvania with information and a broad range of education programs designed to:

• Support productive, profitable and competitive businesses and a strong agriculture and food system,

• Strengthen families, children and youth, and the elderly,

• Build caring, safe and healthy communities,

• Ensure the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's natural resources, and

• Enable people to better understand and deal with complex public issues.

The program opportunities are diverse, but they share a common goal — to help the citizens of Pennsylvania and Butler County make informed decisions that contribute to healthy, successful communities.

For more information about Penn State Extension, contact the Butler Office at 724-287-4761 or e-mail us at butlerext@psu.edu.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance or qualifications as determined by university policy or by state or federal authorities.

It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University.

Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Home complex.