Transcript Extension Leadership Councils…

Extension Leadership Councils
A Partner in Extension Education
Barbara A. Board
Extension Specialist, Program and Leadership Development
231 Smyth Hall –VA Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
(540)-231-9442
[email protected]
Today’s Discussion
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Local Extension Leadership Councils
(ELCs)
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Leadership Council (State ELC)
Mission/Role-Both
Activities of Both—Past 3 Years
Lessons Learned
A Discussion About
Extension Leadership Councils in Virginia…
Begins….
with the Mission
of
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Mission
 Virginia
Cooperative Extension
enables people to improve their
lives through an educational
process that uses scientific
knowledge focused on issues and
needs.
The Partnership Is….
…defined and determined
by
the educational process
of
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Virginia Cooperative Extension
(VCE)
Educational Programming Process
Local
Extension Leadership
Councils
(ELCs)
Extension Leadership Council (ELC)
Mission/Vision
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Develop and implement a program plan directing VCE’s
resources towards a resolution of identified issues and concerns
Volunteer and staff members are equal partners
ELC members assume major, equal, or secondary responsibilities
for identifying needs, implementing solutions, and evaluating and
reporting results
Assume a role in the review, renewal, and/or termination of
existing programs
Advocate locally, privately, statewide, and federally for funds,
staff, and other resources
Roles and Function of an ELC
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Identify community problems, concerns, and
issues
Assess current Extension programs
Identify other possible opportunities for
cooperation and collaboration
Design and implement program plan
Monitor and adjust program efforts
Report results
Advocate for Extension and its programs
Membership
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Membership of Local ELC:
• Represent the Community’s Diversity
• Users & Non-Users
• Represent Local Extension Programs• Agriculture, 4-H, Family & Consumer Science
• Represent Local Community Agencies,
Organizations, Businesses, & Governmental
Decision-Makers
Role of Extension Educator
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Convener and Facilitator/Leader/Coach/Trainer of the
Process/Involvement
Serve as a Content Expert
Partner in the Extension Educational Process
Educator/Teacher of the Educational Experience
Equal Member of the ELC
Steward of Extension’s Mission/Parameters/
Methodology
VCE Programming Process
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Facilitates ELC Involvement
Includes steps in how to id needs, determines
solutions, implement actions, evaluate, and
report results
All of which...A Map for Joint
• Decision-Making
• Tasks Identification
• Role Assignments
• Action Implementation
Indicators of Quality for Local
ELC’s
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Universal guide for ELC work
• Reflects ELC’s mission/vision
• Reflects involvement throughout the VCE programming
process
• Assists in ELC Organization
• Assists w/ELC involvement in Extension Programming
• Assists with ELC’s role in Marketing and Development
needs of Extension and its programs
How are local ELCs operating?
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They have officers with determined terms
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60 percent met four times a year
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Program interest is distributed among program
leadership committees
 Operational guidelines determine ELCs’ functions
What are local ELCs doing?
Situation Analysis
 Interpreting Statistical
Information
 Planning & Implementing
Focus Groups
 Conducting Key Informant
Interviews
 Conducting Community Issues
Forums
 Helping to Determine
Program Directions,
Goals &
Objectives
Design & Implementation
Teaching Educational Experiences-master gardeners, financial
management counselors, 4-H volunteers, etc.
 Securing Resources—human, monetary,
facilities
 Marketing Programs—farm/family
events, developing marketing
resources,
 Recognizing Volunteers & Supporters
What are local ELCs doing?…
Evaluation and Reporting
• Hosting Legislative Events-breakfasts, luncheons, etc.
• Meeting Face-to-Face with Legislators
to Discuss Program Impacts
• Speaking at Public Hearings-budget, etc.
• Preparing and Distributing Annual
Reports of Local Program Impacts
Training and Development
for
Local ELCs
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State Conference
Focus:Important of the Community
Partnerships to Extension and
Land-grant System
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District, Regional, Local Trainings
Focus: Roles and Function of ELCs
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District Training
Focus: Building Programs Collaboratively,
How to Run Effective Meetings,
Facilitation, Group Dynamics
Virginia Cooperative
Extension Leadership
Council
(State ELC)
Volunteer Membership
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Leadership Council
 Represent 22 Planning Districts
 Nominated by Counties/Cities
 Serve 3-Year Terms
 Eligible to Serve Two Terms
 Represent, Local ELCs, Program
Volunteers, Relevant Industries,
Organizations, and Agencies
Also: Representatives of the State
Program Councils are appointed
by their respective councils
Extension/University Membership
Virginia Cooperative Extension Leadership Council
VCE Director
VCE Administrator
Assistant to the Director
VCE Associate Directors, Programs
VCE Associate Director, Admin/Support
6 District Directors
Related College Deans at VA Tech
Government Relations Officer--VA Tech
Directors of Agriculture Research--VA Tech, VA
State
Extension Specialist, Program and Leadership
Development
VA Cooperative Extension
Leadership Council
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Works on Behalf of the Organization
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Meets 4 times a year
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Communicates between meetings
electronically
What has the State ELC done?
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Collaborated in the Planning/Implementation of State, District, &
Regional Training for Local ELCs
Developed Set of Indicators of Quality for State ELC
Provided Collaborative Leadership for the Development of Indicators of
Quality for Local ELCs
Spoke at State Budget Hearings
Visited State and Federal Legislators
Hosted Congressional Events
Served as Communication Link for Local ELCs
Participated in Functions with Local ELCS
Collaborated in the Development of VCE Marketing Initiatives
Provided Counsel to VCE Administration on Organizational
Issues/Interest
What We Have Learned from the
ELC Partnership?
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ELC development takes time
ELC development needs focused attention
ELC involvement requires knowledgeable, skilled
leadership
Ownership and involvement must be nurtured
Periodic, consistent contact is needed
A clear sense of direction is needed
A plan of action is needed
Individuals need to feel valued