Member Job Description and Norms

Purpose:

To help determine local priorities, promote and evaluate University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s educational programs, to address the needs and interests of area residents according to its mission and to secure and oversee local county funding according to the County Extension Act.

Mission:

To help Maine people improve their lives through an educational process that uses research-based knowledge focused on issues and needs.

Time Required:

  • Approximately six meetings held bi-monthly from 6 p.m. through 8 p.m.
  • Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month. Members are expected to attend a minimum of four meetings and regretfully decline to Diana at least two days prior to the scheduled meeting.
  • Meeting agendas and pre-work will be sent at a minimum two weeks in advance of the meetings. Some items sent prior to the meeting are part of our consent agendas (agenda items that only need to be reviewed such as past meeting minutes, treasury, and staff reports, and other non-controversial items into one agenda item) and we hope that Members will spend 20-40 minutes prior to each meeting reviewing these materials.
  • New members are elected each year in December for a two-year term, the term can be renewed three times.
  • Standing and ad-hoc committees meet on an as-needed basis to assess items such as educational programs, the budget, nomination of new members, volunteer recognition and work plans.

Responsibilities Include:

Promote the educational programs of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension by:

  • Overseeing the operations and preparation of the Kennebec County Extension office budget.
  • Educating citizens, county commissioners, legislators and other community leaders regarding educational program impacts.
  • Assisting in publicizing the University of Maine Cooperative Extension educational programs to reach diverse audiences by delivering and posting program announcements and calendars in town offices, post offices and other public places within the volunteer’s represented area.
  • Becoming familiar with the staff and programs of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Kennebec County office.
  • Attending at least one University of Maine Cooperative Extension educational program per year.
  • Attending scheduled bi-monthly meetings; actively participating on one standing and ad-hoc committees.
  • Helping to develop the county’s plans of work based on high priority issues.
  • Helping to evaluate current programs; monitor on-going effectiveness in reaching a plan of work outcomes.
  • Helping to prioritize staffing needs by making recommendations in selecting and hiring staff; reviewing and offering advice about employee requests for sabbatical and educational leave.

Qualifications and Skills Needed:

  • Commitment to helping people help themselves through an educational process
  • Work as a team member with the full committee and subcommittees.
  • Interest in the University of Maine Cooperative Extension educational programs.
  • General knowledge of peoples’ educational needs and issues of importance in your geographic area.

 Resources Available and Training Provided:

  • Orientation
  • Association manual and by-laws
  • Opportunities to attend leadership training.
  • Regular updates about new and continuing programs.
  • Networking with experienced committee members

Benefits of Being a Member:

  • Work as a team member to identify community educational needs
  • Opportunity to participate at the local, state and national level as a volunteer of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension
  • Increased awareness of the broad range of educational programs, literature, and courses available to the public through University of Maine Cooperative Extension
  • Understand the educational needs of county citizens more fully
  • Develop new connections and friendships in your community
  • Network with committee members and the community
  • Enhance your resume
  • Build upon and learn new leadership skills
  • Make a difference
  • An opportunity to give back to your community