Board of Directors Application

Board & Committee Members Make a True Impact through Supporting Community Educational Programming at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County

At CCE Onondaga, we believe research shouldn’t stay on the shelf. It should be put into action and available for everyone no matter their income-level, race, gender, or residential location in our county. People should have information they trust, that is evidence based, not just the latest tips and tricks from an unverified post on social media from a distant family member. Our mission is to put knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability, and social well-being. We bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York state families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world. For over 100 years, we’ve brought that mission to life and positively impacted millions of Onondaga County residents. We invite you now to be a part of building our future for the next 100 years by becoming a Board or Committee Member.

So is CCE Onondaga a local satellite office for Cornell?

No! The Land-Grant system exists across the entire United States. Each Extension office works in partnership with each Land-Grant Institution (Cornell University for example in NYS) to work on and help utilize the research generated there. New York State is truly unique. Here, we are a part of a system of independent Associations operating as a network of knowledge and expertise. Although we share the CCE name, we operate completely independently as a subordinate government agency in our own county, independent of Cornell. So - by design, Extension Associations in New York State have the freedom and flexibility to focus on issues that matter most to local residents.

What is the commitment?

Our Board of Directors consists of 13 elected Directors, plus other appointed members. Each Board Member is elected for a 2-year term and can be re-elected to serve no more than 3 consecutive elected terms. The Board meets 5 times a year, as well as hosting an Annual Meeting of the Association each October. Outside of Board meetings, we involve our Board in scheduled program committee gatherings to help guide programming efforts, and seek to have each Member actively engaged in attending public CCE Onondaga events as participants or volunteers.

What is the responsibility?

The Board is responsible for the overall program direction and quality within the Association. The fundamental role of the Board is to ensure that current and proposed programs are consistent with the mission of CCE Onondaga, meet the program development and delivery standards, are based on local needs, and are of high quality. Advisory committees, staff and resource providers also play key roles in identifying program opportunities.

The Extension Board is in many ways similar to the board of a more traditional 501c3 nonprofit organization. The board is made up of elected volunteers with the broad responsibility of setting the direction of the organization, providing oversight to finance and programming, as well as hiring and supervising the Executive Director. The CCE Onondaga Constitution and NYS County Law 224 call for Board members to be elected volunteers who reside in the County. Board members are accountable for the implementation of policies and practices in a transparent and competent manner, allowing the association to achieve its educational mission and provides maximum benefit to the communities it serves. One of the most important obligations of a board member in CCE is to ensure that the organization operates within the scope of its educational mission and follows the approved form and function for association operations. You do not have to be an expert in one of our main program areas. We actively seek members who have expertise and talents in all aspects of our organization function. These include but are not limited to: agriculture & food systems, education, business, finance/accounting, public relations/marketing, legal, human resources, health & nutrition, energy, family development & parenting, natural resources & environment, fundraising, policy development, program evaluation, event management, government, youth development, community economic vitality, non-profit management, school boards, grant writing & management, as well as many others.

Why volunteer?

Our programming is incredibly rewarding. A picture speaks a thousand words so please check out the photos of our program participants, young and old. If you are looking to make an impact and stay relevant to the community we love, this is the place to be. We are a truly unique, transdisciplinary organization which creates a community education system that is responsive, nimble, research-based and locally-rooted. Our Board Members, committee members, volunteers, and staff are each a vital part of a rich history dating all the way back to Abraham Lincoln himself. Our collaboration within our community, and across county and state lines, engage citizens and empower communities to transform and grow from the ground up. Such a dynamic organization would not be possible without dedicated folks like you. Click the button below and take the first step and being a part of it all.

Apply or Nominate Someone Here

Last updated October 4, 2024