PLAN OF WORK FOR (Assoc.(s) or Area): Otsego County

MAJOR PROGRAM TITLE: Leadership and Volunteer Development

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Context/Situation: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Otsego County has over 500 volunteers who assist in association and program leadership and implementation. CCE relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its mission. It is important to support them by providing the necessary guidance and information to assist the individuals in their roles.

Broad Program Goals (Overall Purpose/Outcome Statements):

Increase the leadership competency of youth and adult volunteers to help them perform their duties as board and committee members, 4-H club leaders and service providers for the Association. Increase the number of volunteers assisting CCE in programmatic areas.

Objectives (Specific Outcomes for Specific Audiences):

1. Assist the Nominating and Recruiting Committee as they recruit, orient and train individuals to be effective members of CCE committees and Board of Directors.
2. Establish a youth focus group to review and comment on CCE programs related to youth.
3. Identify and assist consumers of CCE educational services to become active in the Board/committee structure of the Association.
4. Implement other "Master" programs such as Master Food Preservers, Master Forest Owners and/or Master Money Managers to increase volunteer opportunities and strengthen CCE programs.
5. Conduct 2 in-service seminars, including an annual volunteer recognition event. annually for volunteers.

How will goals be met? (Educational Strategy):

• The Nominating and Recruiting Committee has developed a mentoring program for new committee and board members.
• NTA's and other staff will identify potential consumers who are willing to become active as a CCE volunteer.
• Provide opportunities for training to support volunteers in the Master programs including Master Gardeners, Master Forest Owners, Master Preservers, etc.
• Events will be planned annually and schedules released early to encourage participation.
• Press releases, brochures, fact sheets and bulletins from CCE.