Expectations of the Board as a Whole

The mission of Purdue Extension is to deliver practical, research-based information that transforms lives and livelihoods.

The board is responsible for supporting this mission at the local level by:

• Working in partnership with county Educators to identify and prioritize local educational needs that Extension may address.
• Promoting Extension programs to the public and advocating for support of local programs.
• Giving input into the annual proposed budget for the county Extension program.
• Providing feedback on the effectiveness of local Extension programming.
• Serving as the final level to which a county program grievance can be adjudicated.
• Assessing its own performance as the leadership body of the local organization.

Expectations of Individual Board Members

Each individual board member is expected to:

•Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs by:
-Participating in a board orientation
-Becoming familiar with each Extension educator and his or her programs
-Attending Extension-sponsored educational events
-Learning about how the county Extension office is funded
-Completing the annual civil rights training and helping ensure the local extension program makes all
reasonable efforts to reach all audiences

• Serve as an advocate and ambassador for the organization by:
-Fully engaging in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for Extension to advance its mission.
-Helping identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and can influence public policy.

• Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings.
• Participate fully in one or more committees

Board Members are Also Expected to

• Follow the organization’s bylaws and policies
• Sign an annual conflict of interest disclosure and complete a volunteer screening form and an adult behavioral
• expectations form
• Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization
• Commit to a term of three years. Terms can be renewed once, for a total of six years.