Use the resources to strengthen communication, understand human resources, learn standards for programming, follow financial responsibilities, use timely operations, and abide by council governance.
Communications
We all have a role in improving communication within our organization to enhance the delivery of our mission. Opportunities to build skills and improve communications include the following:
- ISU Extension and Outreach Professional Development signature programs strengthen communications available to all extension staff and council members.
- Employee Assistance Program, Employee & Family Resources helps staff overcome life’s challenges in and outside of work so they can better focus on their job and be more productive. If county staff are unsure whether they are covered through the Iowa Extension Council Association’s contract, contact the association, ieca@iaextensioncouncils.org.
- Extension ListSearch can be used to improve group communications across our organization. Find listservs for regions, counties, or other groups.
Human Resources
- Memorandum of Understanding and Addendums for Models 1, 2, and 3 can be found on the Iowa Extension Council Association website.
- Each county has a personnel policy which should show professional development funds for staff training.
- Iowa State University Human Resources personnel can guide and answer extension staff and council questions. Several human resources training for all extension staff and council members are scheduled on the County Services Calendar of Trainings.
Programming
Financial
All public funds have the same legal requirements for accounting, reporting, auditing, proper signatures, segregation of duties, publishing, bonding, investing, and uniform financial accounting procedures.
- Fiscal Policy and Procedures is available at each county and should reflect the most current policy.
- County Services financial management support staff has the expertise to answer questions for county staff and councils.
- 4-H Club Financial Management has resources for county staff, council members and 4-H clubs.
- Shared service support fee shows how fees are used centrally by County Services.
Operations
- Extension Council Meeting Calendar can be used as a guide for council decisions.
- Background Screening - Iowa Extension Council Association has negotiated a reduced rate for its members with First Advantage Background Screening and maintains the screening processes for county employees and volunteers.
- Elections instructions, forms and nominating process are found on the County Services website.
- County Civil Rights Plan on the Diversity and Civil Rights website includes schedules and resources for county offices.
- Reasonable Accommodation resources and forms are found on our Diversity and Civil Rights website.
Governance
- Extension Council Reference Manual under Council Operations tells how extension councils govern.
- Council Meeting Regulations page has many resources to help all understand legal regulations.
- Simplified Parliamentary Procedure booklet is available through the Extension Store.
- Iowa Code Chapter 21, Open Meetings is a law extension councils must abide by as governmental bodies in the State of Iowa. Meetings of governmental bodies shall be preceded by public notice and shall be held in open session unless closed sessions are expressly permitted by law.