Advisory Committee
Purpose
The Inclusive Excellence Committee serves to strengthen the University of Illinois Extension as an inclusive organization where differences are celebrated, and opportunities for authentic participation are created to foster belonging. The committee provides input on how to be responsive to the people of a diverse Illinois and Extension staff.
The committee guides Illinois Extension’s access, civil rights, and belonginggoals and actions. In this role, committee members explore issues, help the organization gain new insights, and provide recommendations to integrate access and belonging internally (e.g., staff and volunteers) and externally (e.g., youth, program participants, partners, and other supporters).
Short Description
The Inclusive Excellence committee serves in an advisory role to promote practices that support access, civil rights, and belonging at Illinois Extension. The committee is made up of Extension professionals dedicated to improving our organization's overall capacity to meet the changing needs of our communities.
Who We Are
This advisory group includes educators, specialists, county directors, and other Extension professionals.
What We Do
- Create annual goals ~ revise or refresh goals.
- Explore and discuss issues affecting Illinois Extension.
- Provide feedback to the Assistant Director for Access and Civil Rights (ACR).
- Provide feedback to Extension Leadership (where applicable).
- Reevaluate and assess the committee’s goals at the end of the year.
- Meet as a group four times a year.
Specific Duties
- Advise the Assistant Director on issues, opportunities, or projects for an inclusive Illinois Extension.
- Assist in developing and facilitating ACR training materials and professional
development opportunities for staff. - Explore new ACR initiatives to determine best practices for statewide culturally relevant programming.
- Provide feedback for recruiting diverse staff, volunteers, and community partners.
- Monitor progress in developing ACR competency skills, such as cultural humility among Illinois Extension staff.
- Advocate for ACR-focused opportunities in the local units (e.g., at staff and Extension Council meetings).
- Share tools, techniques, and approaches that support ongoing ACR organizational goals.
Meetings
- The committee meets four times per year, three virtually and one in person.
Current Goals
- Revise the committee's objectives and duties.
- Provide feedback on regional and external Navigating Difference Training.
- Invite Extension staff to share feedback or concerns about ACR topics or issues.
- Develop a plan for addressing or responding to the topics or issues shared.
DEIA Staff
