The mission of MU Extension is to improve Missourians' lives by addressing their highest priorities through the application of research-based knowledge and resources. As an integral part of the land-grant mission, University of Missouri Extension is a joint venture of University of Missouri campuses; Lincoln University Cooperative Extension; the people of Missouri through county extension councils: National Institute for Food and Agriculture of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and other stakeholders and partners.

As a county extension council member, you play a vital role in meeting these educational needs. County extension councils are statutorily created to work with the University in carrying out the local extension program (Sections 262:550 to 262:620, Revised Statutes of Missouri).

County council roles and responsibilities

The county extension councils were established by state statute and have a unique set of roles and responsibilities in assisting in the delivery of Extension programs throughout the state of Missouri.

Online training course

As an elected or appointed council leader and dedicated advocate for MU Extension in our state, we want to arm you with the most accurate and timely information possible. We have designed this course so you have the educational information, guidelines, by-laws and tools you need to carry out your duties and serve the constituents you represent as a council leader.

Select the course link below based on your region:

In person/virtual training

These modules will assist new council members in understanding

  • their role as a county extension council member.
  • the county extension council's relationship with the university.

Effective county extension councils are a prerequisite for an effective local extension program that meets the high-priority needs of people in the county. This training module explores the characteristics of effectiveness. As a result of completing this module, council members will identify characteristics of an effective extension council member, understand the responsibilities, and identify needs and available resources.

Any citizen who is of voting age may be nominated for the office of county council member. This module will help county councils comply with statutes, identify potential candidates, and develop a consistent message.

Recruitment materials:

The Extension Council Youth Leadership (ECYL) module is a seven-part training for Extension councils seeking to formalize a role for young people on the council. Training topics include the benefits of councils partnering with young people, exploring assets of various generations, planning for youth involvement, revising bylaws, recruiting and selecting youth to serve, and supporting youth members through adult mentorship. Councils completing the module will emerge with an action plan for expanding youth and/or young adult involvement.

The module is designed to be a fun and interactive planning process, which councils can complete at a weekend retreat, in two evening sessions, or at monthly meetings over several months. Module activities are designed for a mixed group of adults and young people who councils invite to join in the process. A county director, council chair, or combination of staff and members may facilitate module sessions.

Extension Council Youth Leadership brochure (PDF)

Topic 1: County extension councils are youth-adult partnerships

This topic introduces councils to youth-adult partnerships and stimulates discussion on the benefits for youth, adults, and councils.

Topic 2: Understanding and working with multiple generations

This topic explores generational differences and stereotypes, and how councils can tap the assets of the various age groups around the table.

Topic 3: Creating youth non-voting representative roles and expectations

This topic walks through the nuts and bolts of formalizing a role for youth on councils, including bylaws revisions and job description for youth representatives.

Topic 4: Recruiting and selecting youth representatives

This topic digs into the motivations that young people have for serving on a board, and how councils can find and choose young people to serve.

Topic 5: Engaging young adults in voting positions

This topic examines the motivations and roadblocks young adults face in serving on a board, and how councils can engage prospective members.

Topic 6: Mentoring and retaining youth and young adults

This topic identifies what youth and adults need in order to make mentoring partnerships successful.

Topic 7: Planning for councils as youth-adult partnerships

This topic wraps up the module by compiling council discussions and action steps into an action plan.

Module 4 credits

Information in this module is used with permission from:

A comprehensive summary of conducting annual elections in accordance with state statutes and providing opportunity for participation.

An outline of state statutes governing the county council's fiscal obligations, as well as fiscal management and reporting requirements.

Funding for University of Missouri Extension is a shared responsibility among the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the University of Missouri and county extension councils. As a council member, you and your council have responsibility to oversee and account for all funds received and used by the local office for its operation and program expenses.

This module will help you understand: Sources of funding for extension work; your role in fiscal accountability; reports the council is required to provide.

Three modules exploring how the council participates in setting priorities, program implementation, and evaluating programs and reporting outcomes.

As representatives of their communities, county council members are knowledgeable about local educational needs. This module will help you understand your role in setting priorities; implementing outcomes; and evaluating and reporting outcomes.