Council Development Committee August 2002

Overview: The Missouri State Statutes outline the role and function of Extension County Councils. Councils have a unique partnership with University of Missouri Extension(UO/E). Statutory roles include finance, elections and program. The 21st Century Strategic Direction developed by UO/E outlines the need for extension county councils to be diverse, effective leaders and advocates for local citizens as well as UO/E programs.

Council Development Committee:

MECCLC: Tony DeLong, Sandy Sands, Joan Robinson Regional Directors: Bev Coberly, Wayne Moore UMKC Campus: Vim Horn County Program Directors: Karma Metzgar, Mark Stewart, Rick Mammen UM System: Sandy Stegall, Eileen Bennett

Committee Actions and Findings:

CPD survey of council development resources Training is inconsistent across the state Resources are out of date Materials varied Materials were not collected in one place

Defined characteristics of an effective county council Educational Programs: Assist in planning, implementing and evaluating, Provide equal opportunity Governance (Management): Finances, Personnel, Office operations, Elections Marketing Membership: Recruitment, Diversity, Orientation, Leadership, "Alumni"/Ambassador involvement Skills Needed: Networking, Needs and asset assessment, Priority setting, Visioning, Futuring, Partnership building

Directed discussions in each region Ideal Council: Diverse, Informed, Involved, Committed Council Challenges: Recruiting, Training, Securing funding, Marketing, Conducting effective meetings Ideal Training: Just in time, Multiple modes: In person, E-mail, ITV, Web, Print, Video/audio Council Satisfactions: Relationships with others, Community betterment, Increased knowledge, Making a difference, Fun

Committee Recommendations:

  1.  Appoint on-going committee to direct implementation of recommendations. 
  2. Conduct an organizational review of UO/E relationship to the council role with focus on the CPD role. 
  3. Develop and implement a statewide council orientation packet with easy access to materials for councils and staff.
  4. Develop and implement a statewide curriculum for councils with easy access to materials for councils and staff. 
  5. Develop opportunities for advanced leadership development for council members and council ambassadors.

Communication Plan:

Aug. 14: Present to Administrative Team in Columbia Aug. 20: Present to faculty during ITV September-October: Present to councils and staff in all regions using ITV as much as possible.

Council involvement is key in this process. The committee will work with MECCLC and Regional Councils to prepare for regional presentations.

Feedback

What benefits do you see from an enhanced Extension County Council role in Missouri?

What will you do to assist in the effort to improve the partnership between UO/E and Extension County Councils?

If you have concerns or suggestions that you would like the Council Development Committee to address, please send your comments to Bev Coberly by Aug. 24.

Summary from the Council Development Committee Report:

Effective county extension councils are critical to the success of high-priority educational programs for Missouri citizens. State statutes mandate the role and function of the local extension councils. The land-grant mission of University of Missouri acknowledges the role of University of Missouri Extensionin educating Missourians on high-priority issues. Enhancement of the role of county councils and their function with UO/E will strengthen these educational efforts. Adoption and integration of these recommendations will result in a better fiscal base and relevant, high-quality educational programs for Missourians.

Return to the Central Missouri Regional Council Page

University of Missouri Extension Central Missouri Region Director's Office
Mark Stillwell, Director, stillwellm@umsystem.edu
Darlene Beaman, Administrative Assistant, beamand@umsystem.edu
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