Become a Linn County Extension Council Member
The Linn County Extension Council will fill four seats on the council during 2012.
The elected council, like the hundreds of others across the country, is the grass roots governing body for the Cooperative Extension System. As part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Linn County council works in partnership with local citizens, Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to carry the land-grant mission beyond the campus in Ames. Candidates for the council will appear on the general election ballot in November.
“The elected council is instrumental in fulfilling the land-grant mission and bringing research-based educational opportunities to the county. We invite those interested in Linn County’s extension and outreach programs, to be involved in the nomination process or consider running for council,” says Rachel Rockwell, Linn County Extension & Outreach Director. The duties of a council member include hiring county staff, managing the county extension budget and helping select programming.
One hundred ISU Extension and Outreach field offices provide local access to extension programs in all 99 counties. “We are part of the ongoing life of Iowa’s communities and are positioned to anticipate trends, build relationships and catalyze opportunities,” says Rachel.
We invite you to JOIN US.
• Join us in our commitment to healthy people, healthy environments, and healthy economies.
• Increase your leadership and networking opportunities through new relationships that benefit your county.
• Help position ISU Extension and Outreach to move our state forward.
What is the role of a County Extension Council Member?
• You represent your county – you bring an understanding of local issues to important decisions about educational opportunities.
• You bring significant programs to your county and region that help people solve critical issues affecting their lives.
• You represent Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and act on our behalf locally.
• You have the responsibility to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars.
• You provide mentoring and leadership for county paid staff.
• You agree to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, including regularly attending council meeting.
How do you become a Council Member?
As a qualified voter in the Linn County Extension district, you are eligible to be a candidate for county extension council.
To qualify as a candidate, you will need to obtain twenty-five (25) signatures on a nominating petition, from the Linn county auditor’s office. We would urge you to obtain a few additional signatures, but 30 or 35 will be sufficient. When the petition has been completed, you will need to return it to the county auditor’s office and sign an affidavit at that time. The petition must be filed at the auditor’s office by 5 p.m. on August 29, 2012. Late petitions are not accepted.
