How to Effectively Advocate as
an Extension Council Member
Extension Council Training
February 27, 2016
Objectives:
1. Understand your role as a council member
2. Understand the council’s relationship to University
3. Understanding how MU Extension’s structure impacts local
Extension
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
The residents of your county look to you to
represent their ides and to make your own
contribution.
The success of University of Missouri
Extension will depend upon your ability and
enthusiasm as a council member.
‘Duties of Council Members’ IMPACT Leaflet No. 12
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
Understanding how Extension operates….
-In your county
-In your region
-In Missouri
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
Talk to people in your county….
-What are the educational needs-or opportunities-that
can be met by Extension?
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
Understanding your legal responsibilities…
-Annual Meeting
-Annual Report
-Open Meetings-open records law
Revised Statutes 262.550 - 262.610
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
Be a source of information about University of
Missouri Extension
-In your county
-In your region
-In Missouri
Revised Statutes 262.560, 262.587, 262.590,
262.593
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
Get to know the staff.
The extension specialists assigned to your county
are responsible for carrying out day-to-day activities
of University of Missouri Extension. They will
welcome the opportunity to discuss current
programs with you. They work closely with other
faculty and staff in the Extension network and can
offer valuable information to make your job easier
and more enjoyable.
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
Understand the issues
As in every organization, the number of
activities going on simultaneously is often
confusing. The officers will help you
identify those issues that require attention.
Your unique insight and opinion always will
be welcomed.
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
Do your homework
A council member is effective only when
well prepared and informed. It is important
that you study the details pertaining to
issues about which you must make a
decision at council meetings.
Ask questions on issues you are unsure of
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
Attend council and committee meetings
You have been accorded a position of trust by the people of your county.
You can demonstrate that you are worthy by conscientiously participating in
the activities of the University Extension council. Everyone has unexpected
schedule interruptions, but members should make extra effort to attend all
council and committee meetings.
If you cannot attend a meeting, call the council chairman or staff secretary
so your absence can be noted appropriately.
-Does
the meeting date/time work for us?
How to Effectively Advocate as an
Extension Council Member
Be a decision maker
The authority of the council comes from its
group actions.
Only the total council has ultimate authority.
Individual council members do not have
independent decision-making powers.
Summary
Objectives
Council Member’s Roles
Items of
Importance
Operations
Faculty & Staff
Council Relationships
w/University
University’s Impact On
Local Extension Efforts
Communications
Talk & Advocate
Legal Responsibilities
Commitments
Be the messenger
Two-way communication
The University of Missouri
Extension is……
Being an Extension Council
member means………
Formatting and Design by Crystal Weber
Community Development Specialist and Clay County Program Director
816-407-3490 or webercd@Missouri.edu