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Extension Council Youth
Leadership
County extension councils across the
state are expanding the role of youth and young adults in decision-making
through Extension Council Youth
Leadership (ECYL).
Goals
Background
Results
Resources for
councils
Opportunities for
councils
For more information
Goals
The goals of the project are to:
-
support extension councils in
engaging youth, ages 15-17, in non-voting capacities (since
voting members must be at least 18 years of age, and elected,
according to Missouri State Statutes);
-
support extension councils in
engaging more young adults, ages 18-25, in voting positions; and
- integrate youth/young adult
participation into ongoing council leadership development.
Background
The National 4-H Council and the Surdna Foundation funded an MU
Extension study of the involvement of young people in Extension
councils. A
statewide survey of councils was conducted, and focus groups were
held with youth and young adults in 2005.
Study results showed most councils are
interested in expanding the involvement of young people. A
training/technical assistance program was created to assist these
councils.
Twelve counties were selected to
pilot the program. Teams of youth and adults from each county
participated in training during 2006. Counties emerged with an
implementation plan for adding youth representatives and/or young
adults on the Extension council.
Results
Participating councils have modified bylaws, added youth
representatives, recruited young adults to run for elected seats,
and mentored young people in their first year on council.
Councils report the program is helping
them accomplish their goals of a more diverse membership, enhanced
dialogue on community issues, and improved relations between youth
and adults in the community.
Counties implementing the program are bringing new
voices and organizational change to University of Missouri Extension
Councils.
Resources for councils
Opportunities for councils
- Training for Extension
faculty and councils and updated council development
resources are in the works for 2008.
For more information
For more information, contact
Tony Delong, 573/272-8707,
delongt@missouri.edu,
or Steve Henness, 573/884-6618,
hennesss@umsystem.edu.
The project works in partnership with
the 4-H Center for Youth Development, the
Missouri State Extension
Council and the Council Leadership Development Committee of MU
Extension.
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