The Cumberland County Extension Association has openings for Cumberland County residents to serve on its board. The purpose of the CCEA is to promote the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s educational programs, oversee local county funding according to the County Extension Act, and bring back ideas from the community.
Extension programs are run by University of Maine Cooperative Extension and are designed to bring practical, research-based information from the University of Maine into the county to meet local needs. County Extension Associations have a long history in Maine. The first one was established in 1915 to help direct the work of county “agents.” Since 1919, Maine’s County Extension Act has defined the role of these county associations in carrying out Extension work.
Responsibilities Include:
- Overseeing the operations and preparation of the Cumberland County Extension office budget.
- Educating citizens, county commissioners, legislators and other community leaders regarding educational program impacts.
- Assisting in publicizing the University of Maine Cooperative Extension educational programs to reach diverse audiences by delivering and posting program announcements and calendars in town offices, post offices and other public places within the volunteer’s represented area.
- Becoming familiar with the staff and programs of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Cumberland County office. Members are encouraged to attend at least one University of Maine Cooperative Extension educational program per year offered by 4-H, Master Food Preservers or Master Gardeners.
- Attending scheduled monthly meetings; actively participating on one standing committee.
- Helping to prioritize staffing needs by making recommendations in selecting and hiring staff.
The Cumberland County Extension Association meets once a month typically on the fourth Tuesday at 5:30pm in-person and via Zoom. Members must reside in Cumberland County.
