MU Extension regional councils include representatives from each MU Extension county council within the region. Each county council selects its representatives. Regional 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 councils;
  • Promotion of and support for multi-county planning and programming;
  • Fostering of the partnership of MU Extension and the county councils; and
  • Support for the policies and procedures adopted by MU Extension.

Operating guidelines for regional councils

Purpose

The purpose of MU Extension regional councils is to be a forum through which member county councils cooperate in providing effective educational programs for the region by:

  1. Exchanging information and discussing issues of regional concern. Making recommendations on topics and issues related to regional and county concerns.
  2. Assisting in the training of MU Extension county councils. Promoting and supporting multicounty planning and programming.
  3. Fostering the partnership of MU Extension and county councils.
  4. Supporting the policies and procedures jointly adopted by MU Extension.

Membership

Membership of regional councils shall be selected by the county councils from each county in the region. Each county has one vote. Members are selected annually during the month of April. Each county council may name two representatives, however, all council members may attend regional council meetings. County councils cannot be represented at regional council meetings by Extension staff.

Structure

Regional councils elect their own officers. The executive committee of each regional council includes a chair, vice chair and secretary. The regional director serves as an ex officio member of the executive committee. No more than one executive committee member may come from the same county.

Finances

Regional councils are responsible for covering meeting costs (food, travel, meeting facilities). Each regional council has flexibility in determining how those costs are covered.

County councils may use county funds to support participation of the council representatives in regional activities. Regional directors are responsible for costs related to resource people, materials and supplies.

Meeting schedule

Regional councils meet at least three times per year and as needed. The executive committee of the regional council is responsible for setting the dates and locations, and establishing the agenda in accordance with the councils purpose.

Reports

Each regional council provides a copy of meeting minutes to each participating council, the regional director and the executive vice president and director's office.