Extension
Advisory Systems
EXTENSION ADVISORY SYSTEMS
Submitted by: Beverly Sparks
The "Synopsis of Models for Improving Extension Program Delivery"
document states:
"All of the modeling groups
highlighted the need to institute a statewide Extension advisory
board that could be instrumental in setting direction and resource
development. Most of the groups also saw the statewide advisory
board as the capstone of a network of Extension advisory groups — both
local and regional. Most of the groups saw a need for additional
training and direction for agents in the best ways to set up
and use these advisory groups. Some of the recommendations for
improving advisory boards included: enhanced selection process
with uniform guidelines, clearer expectations and job descriptions
for advisory committee members, handbooks, training and development
for advisory committee members, standardized issue identification
or needs assessment process, and an "advisory committee
Web site" to share ideas, information and records of meetings."
One of the overall issues emerging from the Extension Delivery System
conference was the need to review our Extension Advisory system with
regard to the state, district and county structure. In addition, the
role of Extension Advisory groups in the identification of programming
issues at the local and state levels and the role of advisory groups
in being advocates for Extension programs needs to be further developed.
The role and structure of the overall advisory system for CAES is unclear
at this time. A search for a new Dean for CAES is currently underway
and the structure of the CAES advisory system will be developed by
the new Dean. While the structure of the CAES/CES advisory system will
not be clarified until a new Dean is in place, significant progress
is being made in addressing the need to review/train agents to form,
use and enhance the performance of local advisory groups.
It has been a number of years since advisory system training has been
provided. Two levels of training are planned:
Regional Training:
A group of 12 – 15 county faculty and program development coordinators
/ specialists will attend the second Southern Extension Advisory Leadership
(SEAL) Conference, scheduled for October 24 – 26, 2005 in Atlanta.
Registration, lodging and travel costs will be provided.
The 2005 SEAL conference will focus on development of Extension Leadership
(vs advisory) groups and the empowerment of these groups to serve as
advocates for Extension programs.
District Training:
Extension Advisory/Leadership systems trainings will be provided to
County Extension Coordinators on a district level. County faculty completing
the SEAL conference will be expected to contribute to coordination
and instruction. The SEAL curriculum will be used as a base curriculum
and will be modified to meet CES needs.
Content will focus on:
- purpose of local advisory groups/leadership groups
- how to form local groups
- how to facilitate advisory/leadership meetings
- how to empower groups to advocate for Extension.
Funds have been designated for:
- curriculum development/review
- instructors fees to conduct district trainings
- district training costs (travel, meals, materials)
- development of a central curriculum web site.
- competitive scholarship/ recognition program for agents effectively
using advisory systems to enhance County Extension programs.
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