If you are interested in educating the community about anything from agricultural to industry, the University of Missouri Extension Council may have a spot for you.
"For individuals with an interest in education and community outreach, this is a good way to get involved without having to do all the weekend work and fundraising," Anita Ellis, the extension's Callaway County program director, said.
Nominations are open until Dec. 11 for the Jan. 17 election of the Callaway County MU Extension Council members, according to Council Chairman Mary Rohrbach.
Nominees should be interested in education and the progress of the community. The extension helps provide resources of the UM system and Lincoln University to the area. Active council members guide the extension by planning educational programs and working with extension specialists.
"I'll ask council members what community needs we have to address," Ellis said.
The council also approves the extension's annual budget, Ellis said.
Council members are elected or appointed to two-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Time commitments are minimal, Ellis said, amounting to a monthly meeting that typically lasts about an hour. Nominees must be at least 18 years old and must reside in the district they are selected from.
However, a background in agriculture isn't a necessity, Ellis added - just an interest in educating and improving the community.
Nominations may be made through the county extension center. Nominees will be contacted for permission to place their names on the Jan. 17 ballot. Voting is open to the public and takes place at the Callaway County Extension Center.
The MU Extension offers educational programs in categories such as agriculture, home economics, business and industry, community development, youth development (4-H) and various continuing education courses, seminars and workshops.
Information about MU Extension programs is available at the Callaway County Extension Center, at 5803 County Road 302, Fulton and at extension.missouri.edu/callaway. If you have any questions, call 573-642-0755.