Texas Extension Program Councils Southeast Advisory Leaders Conference Kyle L. Smith and Mary Marshall May 3-5, 2001 Charlotte, North Carolina

Texas Extension Program Councils  The organization in each county providing lay leadership and coordination to Extension’s educational program.  EPC members are program decision makers. Definition:

Texas Extension Program Councils  Extension agents will organize and sustain a county Extension Program Council.  Extension agents will not form other county- wide groups for overall educational planning purposes. Policy:

Texas Extension Program Councils  Direct contact with the people  Most significant problems and resources are brought to bear  Extension agent efforts are multiplied  Use diverse skills of many people—increasing program quality and effectiveness  Increase members’ leadership capabilities Principles:

Texas Extension Program Councils  250 Extension Councils in 254 Texas counties  Councils have two parts  Executive Board  Program Committees and Task Forces Local Structures:

Texas Extension Program Councils  Develop relevant Extension program  Interpret programming  Support program committees  Evaluate program & council effectiveness  Maintain a strong Extension Program Council Functions: Executive Board Coordination & leadership

Texas Extension Program Councils  Plan educational program in defined area of interest  Help to carry out planned program  Evaluate outcomes  Interpret programming to community and whole Extension Council Functions: Program Committee and/or Task Force

Texas Extension Program Councils EXECUTIVE BOARD Council officers committee chairpersons other key leaders (10-12 people) Issue Committee Task Force Program Committee Program Committee Task Force Program Committee Program Committee Task Force Issue Committee PROGRAM COMMITTEES and TASK FORCES

Texas Extension Program Councils Urban Extension Program Council Extension Board of Advisors PROGRAM DIRECTION & INTERPRETATION County Extension Director PROGRAM DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION County Extension Agents Issue Committee Issue Committee Issue Committee Program Committee Program Committee Program Committee Task Force Task Force Task Force Task Force

Texas Extension Program Councils Volunteers Serving on EPCs – 2001  Executive Boards ,592  Program Committees.. 9,645  Task Forces TOTAL ,003

Texas Extension Program Councils  Program Committee – 2+ meetings annually  Executive Board (representative from each committee/task force) – 2+ meetings a year How Do Councils Work?  Extension Program Council – 1 annual meeting

Texas Extension Program Councils  District Extension Directors – support county Extension agents  Agents – maintain broadly representa- tive EPCs, help members understand role and function effectively  Specialists – serve as resources to committees Extension Personnel Responsibilities: