Extension Leadership Council
Prince William County Cooperative Extension does not determine in isolation the needs of communities, nor does it implement solutions to those needs on its own. Instead, Extension facilitates an approach to education that involves the community in the identification of their own needs and the implementation of solutions. The primary means for Extension to facilitate community involvement in Extension education is through a representative group know as the Prince William County Extension Leadership Council (ELC).
Mission of the Extension Leadership Council
To develop and implement a program plan that will direct Extension's resources toward the resolution and identified issues and concerns.
Roles and Functions of the ELC
- Identify and prioritize issues and programs
- Design, develop and implement appropriate programming
- Assess and monitor programs and reports results to appropriate groups
- Be an advocate for Extension programming.
How to Get Involved
Contact any of the Prince William County Extension staff at 703-792-6289.
ELC Membership
The Prince william County ELC members are valued citizens representing the magisterial districts of Prince william County, the City of Manassas, and the Manassas Park. Often, members have been volunteers in Cooperative Extension programs, e.g., Parenting Classes, 4-H, or Master Gardeners. Also, members are drawn from groups that partner with Cooperative Extension such as schools, social services and health departments, businesses and industries. Identified staff in the Extension office meet with the Council and participate in all discussions.
Members are rewarded with the knowledge that their participation helps Cooperative Extension serve the community better. The council concists of 18-20 members with at least two members from each magisterial district, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary are elected to serve a term of one year. These officers, along with the chairs of standing committees, serve as the Executive committee. The members of the Council, staff and local government officials make nominations from a broad field of individuals committed to Cooperative Extension. The Council is self-perpetuating. Following formal affirmation by the Council, a letter of appointment comes from the Director of Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech, the Extension Leadership Council Chair, and the Unit Coordinator.
Council members are appointed for a term of three years. They can be appointed for an indefinite number of terms by the Council in its annual reorganization meeting. The Council may replace members who are inexcusably absent from meetings for a period of nine consecutive months.
Meetings
The Council meets on the third Tuesday morning of the following months: January, March, May, June, September, and November.