November 15, 2016
PDC Resources: Serving as a Committee Member
As we begin a new program year, many of us have probably given thought to our work with our local program development committees (PDC). It’s also likely that you have recently recruited volunteers to run for a PDC. How did you describe the role of a PDC member? During my short time with Extension, I have heard a variety of responses to this question.
As a PDC member you-
• Only have to attend (X) number of meetings a year.
• Have the opportunity to provide input on community needs.
• Assist in identifying underserved audiences.
While all of the above statements are true, none truly describe the entire role of the ideal PDC member. Hopefully you, along with your current PDC, were able to identify volunteers who were willing to go above just attending PDC meetings. PDC members should be willing to work together with agents to:
- Develop local extension programming, including strategies focused on a common outcome.*
- Implement and participate in extension programming.*
- Locate programming resources from K-State Research and Extension to meet local needs.*
- Articulate to others the role of the local K-State Research and Extension program.*
A plethora of resources are available for extension agents to use with their PDCs. Resources can be found at http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/employee_resources/programming/pdc/index.html. The "Serving as a Committee Member" resource can help you tackle the question: What is the role of a PDC member?
* See Serving as a Committee Member (http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/employee_resources/programming/pdc/table_of_contents/PDC4ServingasMember.pdf) for additional information.