To have such a large portion of the Extension council come from such a narrow and specific audience doesn't serve the current direction Extension is taking nor does it serve the needs of our changing society. If Extension is to embark on new programming initiatives, it should also embark on a new selection process for council members. The process should ensure that all sectors of the local society are represented. The council should also do an internal needs assessment to determine what's missing and recruit to fill the identified gaps. The council should be an important component of the needs assessment process as well as key to program direction.
Extension can no longer afford to use the council simply as a grassroots advocacy base.
The councils must be used to ensure Extension programming is germane to the needs of the people and the programming efforts are effective. Today, our mission to help people put knowledge and research to work is much broader than just educating those engaged in agri-business. Our advisory councils must represent all our clientele to be effective. Inc. ISSN 1077-5315. Articles appearing in the Journal become the property of the Journal.