County and regional council members serve as the interface between MU Extension and elected representatives in local and state government. Council members have many opportunities to be key communicators and advocates for the valuable programs and work that extension does in communities across the state.

County extension councils

In all 114 Missouri counties, an MU county extension council, of elected, appointed and delegated citizens help guide local educational programming. County council members are partners in the educational process, from needs assessment through program implementation and evaluation of outcomes.

Regional extension councils

MU Regional Extension Councils include representatives from each county extension council within the region. Each county council selects its representatives. Regional extension councils are the forums through which county councils cooperate in providing effective, educational programs through:

• Discussion and exchange of information on regional issues;
• Recommendations on topics and issues related to regional and county concerns;
• Assistance in the training of county extension councils;
• Promotion of and support for multi-county planning and programming;
• Fostering of the partnership of MU Extension and the extension county councils; and
• Support for the policies and procedures adopted by MU Extension.