Welcome to Cornell Cooperative Extension! CCE Chautauqua County January 11, 2015 Peter Landre State Extension Specialist

Land Grant Legacy

Foundations  Morrill Act, 1862: Formation of the Land Grant University system.  Cornell University incorporated in  Hatch Act, 1887: Founded the agricultural experiment stations.  Second Morrill Act, 1890: Required that states not restrict admission to the land grant university by race or to designate a separate land- grant institution for persons of color. Was the genesis of many historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).  Smith-Lever Act, 1914: Established the Cooperative Extension Service.

CORNELL UNIVERSITY Land Grant & Ivy League Private & Four Divisions of SUNY (Contract or Statutory Colleges) College of Agriculture & Life Sciences College of Human Ecology School of Industrial & Labor Relations College of Veterinary Medicine Coeducational Non-sectarian

NYS County Law Section 224 Articulates the legal foundation for County-based Cooperative Extension work Authorizes county governments to appropriate funds to a county association, according to an agreement (BR) between the association and Cornell University “for extending to the people of the state of NY, not enrolled in said colleges, the educational programs of the NYS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the NYS College of Human Ecology at Cornell University…”

County Law 224 (cont.) “there shall be recognized and may be created a subordinate governmental agency… …consisting of an unincorporated organization of citizens of the respective counties… ……under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the state “It shall be known as a county or regional extension service association.”

County Law 224 (cont.) “The general supervision of the co-operative extension work in a county…shall be under the direction of Cornell University as agent for the state and Cornell is hereby authorized to set standards for professional staff and to make rules and regulations for the organization and conduct of such work.”

Why Local Associations: People should be able to learn about things that they deem important. People are stronger supporters of organizations when there is investment and ownership. CCE is: – Absolutely unique! – Different than every other state Not a part of County Government Not a part of Cornell University Tied to both

What is an Association? NOT a private, independent non-profit organization Subordinate governmental agency Tax exempt under 501(c) 3 Public body – Open Meetings Law Cannot conduct official business by phone or Meetings must be publicly advertised – Freedom of Information Act

Partnership Federal Government (USDA) State Government County Government Citizens of the County (the Association)

Mission Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and research based solutions together, helping NY State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

Primary Mission Areas Environment and Natural Resources, Sustainable Energy and Climate Change 4-H Youth Development/Children, Youth, Family Nutrition, Food Safety and Security, and Obesity Prevention Community and Economic Vitality Agriculture and Food Systems

Sources of Support - $ *plus an additional $25 million in State Fringe benefits

Volunteer Contributions,200 volunteers 7.9 million hours over $171 million More than 47,200 volunteers contribute over 7.9 million hours each year for a total contribution of over $171 million to Cornell Cooperative Extension statewide.

CCE Board Roles & Responsibilities

Board Roles & Responsibilities  Set Organizational Direction  Ensure Necessary Resources  Provide Oversight  Set Organizational Direction  Ensure Necessary Resources  Provide Oversight

Board Roles & Responsibilities Set Organizational Direction Responsibilities: Participate in regular strategic planning  Determine organization’s mission  Set the vision for the future  Establish organizational values  Set major goals and develop strategies  Approve operational or annual plans

Board Roles & Responsibilities Ensure Necessary Resources Responsibilities:  Hire capable executive leadership  Ensure adequate financial resources  Promote positive public image  Ensure the presence of a capable and responsible board

Board Roles & Responsibilities Provide Oversight Responsibilities:  Oversee financial management  Measure progress on strategic plan  Monitor and evaluate programs and services  Provide legal and ethical oversight  Evaluate the chief executive (annually)  Evaluate itself (every two to three years)

Individual Board Member Roles & Responsibilities Act in accordance with legal standards Care Duty of Care Loyalty Duty of Loyalty Obedience Duty of Obedience

Legal Responsibility: DUTY OF CARE Follow the “prudent person” rule Must be familiar with the organization’s financial activities and participate regularly in its governance. Must understand context, have sufficient data, and thoroughly explore issues at hand

What does this look like? Know the Constitution Attend meetings Read and understand financial statements Request, demand information relevant to board work Deliberate and decide responsibly and respectfully Disclose potential conflicts of interest

Legal Responsibility: DUTY OF LOYALTY Act in the best interest of the organization Avoid conflicts of interest Undivided allegiance to the organization when making decisions Serve as ambassadors, advocates and community representatives

Legal Responsibilities DUTY OF OBEDIENCE Act in good faith and in best interest of the organization Dedicate organization’s resources to its mission Comply with all appropriate laws Maintain complete and accurate records Respect chain of command between the board, the president, executive director and staff Support majority decisions: Speak with one voice

Board Resources Board ToolKit (available through CCE Website) Board ToolKit Executive Director State Extension Specialist