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Extension Leadership Council

The purpose of the Extension Leadership Council (ELC) is to advance and promote Virginia Cooperative Extension's programs and presence in the local community. ELC members:

  • Play a significant part in the educational process.
  • See the impact Extension has in the community.
  • Witness positive changes in Extension program participants.
  • Experience personal growth from participating in this vital community effort.

The ELC has the following functions:

  • Relationship Building: Connecting Extension agents and programs with stakeholders and organizations throughout the local community.
  • Extension Advocacy: Marketing Extension and advocating for the necessary resources to sustain and improve Extension programs.
  • Program Support and Advisement: Participating in the VCE programming process, including situation analysis, program design and implementation, and program evaluation and reporting.

Situation Analysis Reports:

About every five years, Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), assisted by Extension Leadership Councils, conducts a survey of their local community to determine the issues and needs of that community. The Situation Analysis helps VCE to develop programs for each county.

Membership is composed of 9 to 12 members: one citizen member from each magisterial district appointed by the Board of Supervisors and 3 to 6 members-at-large recommended by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Frederick County Unit. The members-at-large shall represent the three programming areas of 4-H, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Agriculture.

  • Each member shall be appointed for a four year term.
  • The Board of Supervisors has the authority to terminate a member's appointment.
  • Any vacancy on the ELC shall be filled for the unexpired term following the guidelines of the By-Laws.