Urban Extension programs across the country are linked to rural programmatically. A summary of Extension programs in eight big cities across the United States2 indicates they're based on Extension's historical strengths in agriculture, home economics, and 4-H youth development. At the same time, these programs provide a uniquely urban expression of Extension's historical strengths through such efforts as the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and environmental horticulture. Key characteristics of Extension have been locally based educators and an Extension presence in every county. Besides being a force for rural-urban connectedness within our own organization and university, Extension is also a powerful force for connectedness in society, for one America rather than for the adversarial situation of urban America in direct competition with rural America.
Extension can help significantly in overcoming urban-rural polarization.
Extension can convey the sense we share common concerns and derive mutual benefits from working together. Rural Extension strengths like the vitality of the community base and involvement, as well as early attention to youth issues, enrich urban Extension. In turn, urban Extension's strengths like understanding and valuing diversity and implementing a fully developed yard waste management educational program enrich rural Extension. The issues Extension addresses today aren't unique to a single location. A commitment to both rural and urban Extension will produce a stronger, more complete, more effective Extension program overall.