Program Advisory Committee Member

PURPOSE: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland (CCE) has established two Program Advisory Committees (PAC) focusing on:

COMMUNITY, YOUTH & FAMILY DEVELOPMENT which includes:

• Youth Development-includes programs such as 4-H clubs, Teen Leadership Rockland, Public

• Speaking Academy, in/after/out-of-school programs, career exploration series

• Nutrition Education -Eat Smart New York! (Snap-Ed, Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program)

• Financial Literacy -Money management for seniors, teens, and low-income individuals, families and community groups

• Non-Profit Sustainability-includes activities such as the Executive Forum, Certificate in Non-Profit Sustainability, seminars/workshops, Board Match, Economic Impact studies

HORTICULTURE & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP which includes"

• Horticulture -includes programs/activities such as Horticulture Diagnostic Lab, community & school gardens, Master Gardener and Jr. Master Gardener, Green Gardener and classes/workshops, School Garden Network
• Environmental Stewardship -includes programs/activities such as stormwater management, pesticide and fertilizer certification, farming, AmeriCorps training, environmental stewardship programs, Environmental Research Center

The purpose of these committees is to assist CCE in assessing community needs and determining the direction of CCE's educational programs in order to address those needs, utilizing the research knowledge generated at Cornell and other land-grant universities. Because members come to their committees with expertise in their areas, they can help ensure sound educational programming, tap into resources that can enhance program impact, and communicate with other interested organizations and decision-makers.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEES: The role of a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) is to represent the Rockland community at-large in ensuring that CCE programming reflects the educational needs, interests and diversity of the community. The responsibilities of the PACs are to:

1. Identify issues that should be addressed by educational programs, and advise the Board of Directors and staff on the need for and relative priority of specific educational programming within the area;
2. Provide input to the plan of work cycle; assist in planning and evaluating quality programs that address these issues.
3. Advise on the content, structure and targeted audience of such programming;
4. Represent CCE to the public, constituent groups, funders and public decision makers. Build effective working relationships within CCE, including Program Advisory Committees and the Board of Directors.
5. Increase awareness and support for programs among decision-makers and those who would benefit from CCE programs.
6. Determine staffing needs and make recommendations on fulfilling those needs.
7. May provide input for staff reappointments and identifying professional development needs, upon request.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF EACH COMMITTEE MEMBER:

1. Become familiar with the mission of CCE and the scope of its programs, including those beyond the particular program committee.
2. Help further the aims and objectives of CCE of Rockland.
3. Participate in identifying and representing the interests of the diverse range of individuals who need educational programs.
4. Help meet the challenge of reaching the hard-to-reach, diverse communities and those with limited income.
5. Regularly attend Advisory Committee meetings; participate in planning and evaluating programs.
6. Share research-based results with the public.
7. Help others in the County understand how CCE benefits County residents.
8. Increase support and funding for CCE work.
9. Advise, counsel and support staff.
10. Adhere to the policies of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland County.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• PAC STRUCTURE: Committees are comprised of7 -11 voting members, one of whom is a liaison from the Board of Directors. Membership should reflect the diversity of Rockland County.
• QUALIFICATIONS: PAC members must be 18 years of age or older-and resident of Rockland
• County; have a sincere desire to assist in providing CCE educational programs to improve the lives of county residents; possess indepth knowledge of the community and "connections" in the community; be dependable and will actively participate in meetings, events, etc.; and can represent diverse communities or neighborhoods.
• STATUS: PAC members are considered Enrolled Volunteers ofCCE and, as such, must comply with
• CCE's Volunteer Involvement Policies. Those policies require the completion of a Volunteer Application.
• ORIENTATION: An orientation for new PAC members will be held annually in order to understand the history of Cornell Cooperative Extension, its staff, volunteers, finances and opportunities -and become familiar with CCE's educational programs.
• MEETINGS: Committee meetings will generally be held once or twice annually and will be set based on the availability of the majority of committee members.
• TERM OF OFFICE: Members may be appointed for a maximum of two consecutive 3-year terms. Terms may be less than three years when filling a vacant position or unexpired term. Appointments are made annually by the Board President at the May meeting of the Board of Directors so that PAC members can provide input into educational programming that begins in CCE's Program Year (October 1 -September 30). Appointments may also be made during the year to fill vacated seats, if necessary. The first round of appointments will vary in length (1, 2, 3 years) to ensure that continuity is provided through staggered terms of members.
• OFFICERS: A committee Chair, Vice-chair, and Secretary are annually elected by members of the PAC by September 30. Each officer shall serve no more than 3 consecutive years in one specific office.

Last updated December 13, 2021