University of Illinois Extension is undergoing organizational changes that are due to cuts in funding and the changing times. University of Illinois and Extension have seen many new faces in administration — from Dean of Extension and Outreach, all the way to the President of the University — all within the last few months. So far, Extension employees have been encouraged by the new administration's high regard for the program. This is important in terms of funding allocations and funding cuts.

The purpose of the U of I remains the same: to get research-based information to the people. The two things that are in a constant state of flux are the subject matter that people need information about and the methods used to deliver that info to the public. Technology has given local Extension offices access to resources that allow many more educational opportunities for county residents. Extension has also recognized the need to retain traditional methods of delivery needed by certain segments of the population.

Moultrie-Douglas Extension has many things going for it, such as:

• Taxpayer support in the form of tax referenda in both counties;
• A convenient location equally accessible to residents of both counties;
• Tradition of good fiscal stewardship;
• Diversified staff who live throughout both counties and have a wealth of skills and expertise;
• An extensive volunteer base; and
• An active Extension council and Expansion & Review (Youth) Committee who ensure that county residents' requests and concerns are heard and addressed.

As far as I can tell at this time:

• There may be organizational change at the local unit levels resulting in the sharing of staff resources among county unit offices. There are no current plans to "merge" offices. There is a high emphasis and understanding that our unit's physical location remain the same to better accommodate county residents.
• Unit offices continue to be encouraged to explore all funding opportunities and utilize cost recovery efforts (charge for programs).
• All Extension offices and departments will be scrutinized for best management practices — the impact of programs on participants' behaviors will be a major determinant of which programs will be supported by the University.

Statewide, the 4-H program is beginning a new year with limited funds, but also with a very qualified, energetic State Director and many great opportunities that are designed to positively affect youth. The program will be going through some changes, while some aspects will stay the same; however, the outcome will continue to be the same — fostering responsible civic-minded young adults through positive learning experiences.

Some of the changes that past participants will be seeing are:

• Program fees implemented due to decreasing financial resources
• The addition and emphasis on SPIN (special interest) clubs with special regional staff assigned to foster these clubs and recruit new youth to the program
• Staff changes — unit offices will have Community Workers and Program Coordinators handling the 4-H program rather than unit educators

Aspects that will remain the same or become even stronger:

• 4-H being a volunteer-led organization
• Traditional community club structure
• Exhibit opportunities, such as the county and state fair
• The support of University of Illinois and access to its resources
• The convenience of having a local county office
• Numerous learning opportunities
• 4-H is still the #1 youth organization in the country

With the start of this new 4-H year, local offices have been reviewing the new 2009 4-H Guidebook. The review is necessary to become familiar with any new or revised policies and to update files to be in compliance with those mandates. This is becoming more critical when you have decreasing funds and when administration is reviewing programs and conducting audits. This is being done to determine what is the best use of their money and how efficient and compliant are those who are entrusted with these programs.

During this transitional period, we want everyone to feel free to contact us for any clarifications, guidance, and with any helpful suggestions that would benefit the overall program.

Cheri Burcham, County Director, is available to discuss fiscal or personnel issues , as well as any organization of programs in the areas of agriculture, family life, consumer education, and community and economic development. Susan Stollard, FNP Coordinator, can be of assistance in the areas of food safety, nutrition, and food budgeting. Angela Welker is our 4-H Community Worker and is available to assist in the area of 4-H programming. She can coordinate efforts in planning youth development activities. Lori Anderson is our Program Coordinator in Horticulture and Natural Resources. She is a certified Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. Teri Boehm and Kim Fleming are our Office Support Assistants and can answer your questions or find out where you can get your answers.

When you consider the countless volunteers we rely on and all of our resources in our regional offices and the University, there is not too much that we can't accomplish.

Our staff is advised by members of the Extension Council. The Council meets on the second Thursday of every other month at 6:00 p.m.. The next meeting is November 12, 2009 . The meetings are open to the public

We also have a Youth Committee (Expansion & Review), which is responsible for making and revising policies at the unit level. Their meetings immediately follow Council meetings around 7:00 p.m. and are also open to the public. Anyone wanting to address Council or Youth Committee may do so, but are encouraged to notify them ahead of time to be included on the agenda. Any concerns that need to be addressed by Council or Committee should be submitted in writing prior to the meeting date and will be discussed, regardless of whether the author actually attends the meeting.

We encourage everyone to check out our website for valuable information. Also, stop by our office at 122 S. Walnut in Arthur and check out all the literature available in our lobby or speak to one of our staff about the wide variety of programs we offer.

The Extension mission basically remains the same as it has been since its creation in 1914: "U of I Extension provides educational programs and unbiased research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills, and solve problems by helping you put knowledge to work."

Cheri

The 2009-2010 members of the Extension Council are:

Shannon Breen, Michelle Carman, Gene Deerman, Doug Evans, Maxi Fitzjarrald, Sheila Greuel, Duane Hopkins, Travis Johnson, Donna Kile, Nancy Kuhns, Dale Maycroft, Barry Morgan, Ryan Miller, Kathy rhodes, and Joy Stenger.

The members who make up the 2009-2010 Expansion & Review Committee (formerly known as Youth Committee) are:

Shannon Breen, Michelle Carman, Doug Evans, Sheila Greuel, Travis Johnson, Donna Kile, Nancy Kuhns, Ryan Miller, Pam Utterback, and Harlen Utterback.

The Moultrie-Douglas Extension office will be closed November 26-27 and December 24 through January 3 for the holidays.