Analysis of North Carolina and Texas Models

. Advisory leaders are well informed well-informed and effective in their role
. Leadership training and program training are strong
. Communication through newsletter and Web site
. Operational guidelines with job descriptions
. Two-day meetings allow for social interaction 
. State council members plan district meetings and visit county councils

. Multi-level structural model:

o District meetings as needed
o Meet in different areas of state
o Clusters of counties give representation with legislators
o Involve entire staff
o More meetings are held
o Consistency throughout the state
o Identified good leaders through the system
o State-level people are very involved in all levels of the advisory system process

. Very structured but with flexibility

o Urban counties have a different model
o Districts act like a state and operate as a manageable part
o Recognize need for strong county councils
o 1890 and 1862 work together as one 

. System involves many people

o Local people direct program committees
o Task forces stay actively involved
o Strong tie between evaluation and advisory performance in county
o Specialists involved in process and people from all levels
o Technology enhances communications

Ideas that interested participants

. Procedural issues

o Retreat for advisory council 
o Structure for advisory meeting
o Progressive leadership ladder of involvement
o Advisory leaders trained to educate stakeholders on programs 
o Annual leadership and orientation session
o Involving people from all levels, specialists, etc.
o Volunteer "buy in" with vision statement

. Communication issues

o Web site about advisory council
o "Back home" visits with US Representatives and Senators
o Promotion of advisory groups collaboration
o Technology use for improved communication

. Organizational issues

o County Director evaluated on advisory council
o State level advisory group is good
o Treasurer for State Advisory Council support money
o Regional structure dictated by needs in the district

. Open communication on state level
. State level leadership very involved
. Vision statements involve volunteer time

1. We want to hear more about 1862 and 1890 organizations working together. In North Carolina, the A&T Extension Program Administrator and the Extension Director both meet with the State Advisory Council Executive Committee to chart directions for the coming year. At regular meetings, both university heads are present and provide information updates on budget and programs as needed. 

2. Why did Texas choose not to have a state advisory council? Our programs are county-based, not state-based, so county or local Councils are appropriate for our approach to program development. The long-standing tradition of local committees (since the 1950's at least) has established the process for issue/program identification among the people who are served by Extension. A large state like ours has such diversity that any state-level thrusts would need to be adapted or localized. We have not found a state-level advisory group to be relevant.

3. Why did Texas choose not to have a district level? Same reasons as above: local interests are primary. There are examples of multi-county program committees, and organizational groups within Extension (FCS and 4-H) have district structures, but Extension Councils do not and their members have not asked for this.

4. How are issues identified for Texas? Through strategic planning every four years - e.g. in 1999 the Texas Community Futures Forum involved study groups of citizens/leaders that were formed by the Councils and agents in every county. Each county has a 2000-03 Action Plan that is based on issues identified in that county. These have been aggregated statewide for program resource allocation, but local issues still form the direction for local Extension programs.

5. Does any certain number of meetings seem to work? For councils that are doing things, the four-times-a-year format works well. In North Carolina, we are going to try three meetings a year next year since State Advisory Council members are also asked to meet within the district and visit county advisory councils. We are also going to incorporate one two-way interactive video teleconference into the meeting cycle. 

6. Why isn't there a district level in North Carolina? There just never has been one. The State Advisory Council members functionally work within their district and plan district meetings but there is no formal structure. 

7. How are members selected once they are nominated? In North Carolina, nominations are taken to Administrative Council. That group reviews the nominees strengths in view of needs of the council. This group tries to achieve balance and diversity on the council. 

8. Is there a rotation system? In North Carolina, there is a rotation system. Members serve a three-year term and may be invited to serve another term.
 

From Strengthening Extension Advisory Leadership in the Southern Region, a Southern Region Extension Advisory Leadership Conference held in Charlotte, N.C., May 3-5, 2001