Welcome to the Extension Board!
Thank you for your willingness to serve your community through Nebraska Extension.
Your First Year as a Board Member
-
First 30 Days
Complete Orientation
Meet Extension Staff
Attend a Board Meeting
Review Board Bylaws
-
First 90 Days
Learn local priorities
Review Extension funding sources & annual budget
Attend an educational program
Explore county impact reports
-
First Year
Participate in board discussions
Advocate for Extension
Engage in planning efforts
Attend a NACEB event or training
Getting Started
- Watch the Extension Board Member Essentials Videos
- History of Extension (10 minutes)
- Extension Law & Funding (6 minutes)
- Extension Board Member Roles & Responsibilities (5 minutes)
- Extension Board Meeting Basics (7 minutes)
- Attend an Annual Extension Board Training
- Dates & Registration
- Slide Deck
- Training Resources Document
- Review Essential Resources
- Handbook Sections
- Annual Impact Reports for County and Extension
- Meet Your Local Extension Team
- Attend Your First Meeting and Observe:
- Meeting Procedures
- Board Discussions
- Decision-Making Processes
Core Responsibilities of Extension Board Members
Program Support
Help ensure Extension remains responsive to local needs and opportunities.
Board members:
- Share insights about emerging community issues, needs, and trends.
- Participate in strategic planning and decision-making.
- Help evaluate whether educational programs align with community priorities.
- Support a forward-looking vision for local Extension programming.
Key Question:
How is Extension addressing the most important needs in our community?
Community Connections
Serve as ambassadors for Extension and strengthen relationships throughout the community.
Board members:
- Advocate for Extension programs and their impact.
- Share program successes with stakeholders and community leaders.
- Attend Extension events and educational programs.
- Build relationships with county officials, partners, and community organizations.
- Recruit and mentor future board members.
- Promote inclusive engagement and representation across the community.
Key Question:
Who needs to know about Extension's impact, and how can we strengthen those connections?
Governance & Personnel
Provide leadership, direction, accountability, and support for local Extension efforts.
Board members:
- Attend meetings and actively participate in board discussions.
- Follow board policies, bylaws, and legal requirements.
- Collaborate effectively with the Lead Educator/Unit Leader.
- Support sound governance and responsible decision-making.
- Represent the board professionally within the community.
- Provide input regarding staff performance and organizational effectiveness through established processes.
- Help ensure board actions align with Extension's mission and values.
Key Question:
Are we providing effective leadership and oversight while supporting Extension staff in their work?
Financial Stewardship
Protect and advocate for the resources needed to deliver high-quality educational programs.
Board members:
- Review and understand budgets and financial reports.
- Participate in budget planning and resource discussions.
- Monitor the responsible use of public funds.
- Advocate for adequate funding, facilities, equipment, and staffing.
- Support long-term sustainability of local Extension efforts.
Key Question:
Are we using resources wisely and advocating for what Extension needs to serve our community?