Welcome
University of Illinois Extension
Sangamon-Menard Council
Members!
Extension Councils
Making A Difference
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
“People who get involved with public causes
open themselves to frustration and
disappointment, but - through it all and after it
all - those moments of making change happen
for the better are among our lasting joys. There
is something wonderfully rewarding in being
part of an effort that does make a difference.”
--Brian O’Connell from Operating Effective Committees
Roles of Council Members
Role Areas
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Plan, implement and market programs
Secure financial resources
Recruit volunteers
Serve as liaison
Council Structure
• One council for county/unit
• 15-20 members
• Two year term with two term limit (youth
members may serve 1 year)
• Multi-county unit council will have representation
from all counties
• Unit leader and council or nominating committee
work together to identify and submit nominees
Diverse Council Membership
• Extension is interested in members who are
interested in programs aimed at improving
the lives of individuals & families.
• Council membership is made up of people,
who represent diverse clientele needs such
as residence, culture, gender, occupation,
race, organizational membership & personal
interests.
Council Leadership
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Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Financial Reporter
Officers are elected to serve one-year term
Council Meetings
• Required to meet at least 4 times per year
• Subject to Illinois Open Meetings Act
• Decision making processes - -either voting
or consensus is acceptable
• Vote required for officer election and closed
session; on other matters vote is
discretionary
Council Meetings
• The Sangamon-Menard Extension Unit
meets
– 3rd Tuesday of the month
– Meets from 7 to 9 PM
– Approximately 9 meetings a year
Council Committees
• Organizational/Maintenance Committees
(e.g. budget or nominating)
• Program/Issue Committees
Council Committees
• The Sangamon-Menard Unit Committees
– Organizational
• Executive Committee
• Nominating Committee
– Program
• Youth Development Action Group
• Horticulture Action Group
• Agriculture Action Group