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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 board@vt.edu. Today’s Discussion. Local Extension Leadership Councils (ELCs)
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Extension Leadership CouncilsA Partner in Extension Education Barbara A. Board Extension Specialist, Program and Leadership Development 231 Smyth Hall –VA Tech Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 (540)-231-9442 board@vt.edu
Today’s Discussion • 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 ExtensionMission • Virginia Cooperative Extension enables people to improve their lives through aneducational processthat uses scientific knowledgefocused 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
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 • 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
Role of Extension Educator • 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 • 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 • Universal guide for ELC work • Reflects ELC’s mission/vision • Reflects involvement throughout the VCE programming process • Assists inELC Organization • Assists w/ELC involvement in Extension Programming • Assists with ELC’s role inMarketing and Developmentneeds 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
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 • State Conference Focus:Important of the Community Partnerships to Extension and Land-grant System • District, Regional, Local Trainings Focus: Roles and Function of ELCs • 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 MembershipVirginia 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 • Works on Behalf of the Organization • Meets 4 times a year • Communicates between meetings electronically
What has the State ELC done? • 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? • 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