Extension Leadership Councils A Partner in Extension Education Barbara A. Board Extension Specialist, Program and Leadership Development 231 Smyth Hall –VA Tech Blacksburg, Virginia (540)

Today’s Discussion l Local Extension Leadership Councils (ELCs) l Virginia Cooperative Extension Leadership Council (State ELC) l Mission/Role-Both l Activities of Both—Past 3 Years l Lessons Learned

A Discussion About Extension Leadership Councils in Virginia… Begins…. with the Mission with the Missionof Virginia Cooperative Extension

Virginia Cooperative Extension Mission educational process focused on issues and needs. 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…. …d efined 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 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 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 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 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

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 Role of Extension Educator

VCE Programming Process l Facilitates ELC Involvement l Includes steps in how to id needs, determines solutions, implement actions, evaluate, and report results l All of which...A Map for Joint Decision-Making Tasks Identification Role Assignments Action Implementation

Indicators of Quality for Local ELC’s Universal guide for ELC work Reflects ELC’s mission/vision Reflects involvement throughout the VCE programming process ELC OrganizationAssists in ELC Organization Extension ProgrammingAssists w/ELC involvement in Extension Programming Marketing and DevelopmentAssists with ELC’s role in Marketing and Development needs of Extension and its programs

How are local ELCs operating?  They have officers with determined terms  60 percent met four times a year  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

W hat 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

l State Conference Focus:Important of the Community Partnerships to Extension and Land-grant System l District, Regional, Local Trainings Focus: Roles and Function of ELCs l District Training Focus: Building Programs Collaboratively, How to Run Effective Meetings, Facilitation, Group Dynamics Training and Development for Local ELCs

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 l Works on Behalf of the Organization l Meets 4 times a year l Communicates between meetings electronically

What has the State ELC done? l Collaborated in the Planning/Implementation of State, District, & Regional Training for Local ELCs l Developed Set of Indicators of Quality for State ELC l Provided Collaborative Leadership for the Development of Indicators of Quality for Local ELCs l Spoke at State Budget Hearings l Visited State and Federal Legislators l Hosted Congressional Events l Served as Communication Link for Local ELCs l Participated in Functions with Local ELCS l Collaborated in the Development of VCE Marketing Initiatives l Provided Counsel to VCE Administration on Organizational Issues/Interest

What We Have Learned from the ELC Partnership? l ELC development takes time l ELC development needs focused attention l ELC involvement requires knowledgeable, skilled leadership l Ownership and involvement must be nurtured l Periodic, consistent contact is needed l A clear sense of direction is needed l A plan of action is needed l Individuals need to feel valued