Strengthening Communities: Partner Advisory Groups for Local Effectiveness

1. Community Partner Advisory Groups Ensuring Local Effectiveness Through Strong Partners Arlen LeholmDean and Director Cooperative Extension

2. Why CPAGs? • Changing local/state environments • Fiscal, management, program • Task Force on New Strategies • New Urban Models • Budget Crisis Response • Recommended CPAGs Community Partner Advisory Groups

3. Purpose of CPAGs • Program advice • Input on program effectiveness • Identify new partners • Strengthen existing relationships • Communicate value Community Partner Advisory Groups

4. Who Creates CPAGs? • County Extension Committees have statutory authority • Appointment process subject to local policy and procedures Community Partner Advisory Groups

5. CPAGs Should Not • Make Policy • Take on budget authority • Replace other advisory groups Community Partner Advisory Groups

6. CPAGs Should • Reflect diverse voices • Have regular interaction with Extension Committees • Interact with all Extension staff • Build local strategies to communicate value Community Partner Advisory Groups

7. CPAGs Can Contribute to Extension Effectiveness • New opportunities for issue discussions, programs, funding • New forum to discuss effectiveness and value of programs • New links to policy makers and legislators Community Partner Advisory Groups

8. Key Philosophies and Guidelines to Consider • More diverse perspectives than now • Operating guidelines reflect local flexibility • Value local circumstances • Entire Extension office team involvement Community Partner Advisory Groups

9. How Will CPAGs and Staffbe Supported? • Dean and Associate Dean provide leadership • CPAG Liaison, 1.30 FTE • Resources from district directors, program areas and program support • Continued training, web resources, coaching, counseling • Minimal budget allocation • WACEC approved $7200 Community Partner Advisory Groups