AMARILLO–The Texas Extension Education Association will host its annual convention Sept. 10-12 at the Civic Center. More than 600 members from across the state are expected to participate. Local members from 60 Panhandle clubs within a 21-county area are this year’s state meeting hosts.
Registration will begin Tuesday by 9 a.m. Several early bird workshops will run from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the exhibit hall, according to Mary Wayne Spurlock, TEEA district director from Amarillo.
State president Kay Chastain from Emory will open the convention’s first session at 7 p.m. Potter County officials and area legislators will help welcome participants.
On Wednesday, the general session will feature an opening tribute to honor those who died in the terrorists attacks of last Sept. 11. Afterwards, Judy Bahr, incoming president from Santa Fe, will coordinate the delegates’ training in the exhibit hall.
In addition, delegates will hear presentations and seminars on international projects, parliamentary procedure, and a news update about Texas Cooperative Extension.
A technology workshop in the afternoon will feature software training in a hands-on computer learning laboratory staffed by Extension specialists. Other educational seminars will focus on such topics as health care, home safety and disasters, and online resources. Thursday’s agenda will include seminars on organization membership and marketing.
A general session will feature the 4-H Foundation report, leadership lessons, awards for the poster competition, and door prizes. A banquet that evening will conclude the three-day convention
The evening’s special entertainment will feature the talented “Lone Star Rising” dancers who perform during Panhandle summers at the Lake Meredith outdoor theater.
TEEA’s mission is to work with Texas Cooperative Extension to strengthen and enrich families through educational programs, leadership development and community service. The organization began 1926, as the Texas Home Demonstration Association, but its origins date even earlier.
The current name was adopted two years ago. TEEA is affiliated with Associated Country Women of the World and Country Women’s Council.
-30-