County Extension Association Volunteers

Your local County Extension Association has openings for volunteers to serve on their Executive Committee and direct Extension educational activities.

“The role of the Executive Committee is as viable today (perhaps more so) as it’s ever been. With limited resources, we need the know how and local contacts that make the impossible possible at times.”
– Harvey Hayden, Executive Committee President

Who We Are:

County Extension Associations have a long history in Maine. The first one was established in 1915 to help direct the work of county “agents.” Since 1919, Maine’s County Extension Act has defined the role of these county associations in carrying out Extension work.

What We Do:

In partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension staff, the Executive Committee of each County Extension Association assists with providing input on local educational programming needs, helps hire staff, and oversees the county budget appropriations that support educational Extension programs for county residents.

How to Get Involved:

We encourage anyone who is interested in UMaine Extension, helping people help themselves through an educational process, and willing to work as a team member to get involved. To be a successful executive committee member, it will help to have a general knowledge of peoples’ educational needs and issues of importance in your geographic area.

If you are interested in serving on your local County Extension Association’s Executive Committee, or in finding out more information, contact your local UMaine Extension county office.

Volunteer Experiences Can Include:

In partnership with UMaine Extension staff, the Executive Committee of each County Extension Association assists with providing input on local educational programming needs, helps hire staff, and oversees the county budget appropriations that support educational Extension programs for county residents.

Work you may be involved with:

• Educating citizens, county commissioners, legislators, and other community leaders regarding educational programs and their impacts
• Helping develop the county’s plans of work based on high priority issues
• Helping evaluate current programs
• Helping to prioritize staffing needs by making recommendations in the selection and hiring of staff; reviewing and offering advice about employee requests for sabbatical and educational leave
• Overseeing the operations and preparation of the County Extension office budget

For more information, view the Executive Committee Volunteer Role Description.