Professional Association Affiliates

The work of Illinois Extension is done by a large team of professionals who are as committed to their professional area of practice as they are to improving the lives of people across the state of Illinois. That is a powerful combination that leads to both innovation and excellence in how our programs are designed and executed. 

Many of our core program areas have national associations that serve extension professionals across the country.

National Associations

The Illinois Joint council of Extension Professionals (ILJCEP) consists of the leadership of the five Extension professional associations and is focused on helping University of Illinois Extension staff members meet the educational needs of the citizens and families of Illinois.

ILJCEP member associations collaborate on:

  1. professional development of staff,
  2. educational programming for staff,
  3. legislative efforts, and
  4. staff recognition.

ILJCEP Member Associations

These associations are primarily for Extension employees and provide continuing education and networking statewide and nationally with Extension educators/agents working in the same fields.

Additional Resources for Extension Professionals

Journal of Extension (JOE)

Extension Professional's Creed

I Believe in people and their hopes, their aspirations, and their faith; in their right to make their own plans and arrive at their own decisions; in their ability and power to enlarge their lives and plan for the happiness of those they love.

I Believe that education, of which Extension is an essential part, is basic in stimulating individual initiative, self-determination, and leadership; that these are the keys to democracy and that people when given facts they understand, will act not only in their self-interest, but also in the interest of society.

I Believe that education is a lifelong process and the greatest university is the home; that my success as a teacher is proportional to those qualities of mind and spirit that give me welcome entrance to the homes of the families I serve.

I Believe in intellectual freedom to search for and present the truth without bias and with courteous tolerance toward the views of others.

I Believe that Extension is a link between the people and the ever-changing discoveries in the laboratories.

I Believe in the public institutions of which I am a part.

I Believe in my own work and in the opportunity I have to make my life useful to humanity.

Because I Believe these things, I am an Extension professional.

 “I pledge my loyalty and support to the organized Extension Service, state and national; and I will endeavor at all times to promote their best interests. I pledge my loyalty to the members of this   organization of Extension Service veterans, and I will promote at all times the Extension work in which they may be engaged. This I pledge on my honor."

Extension Partners

Extension Partners is a grassroots organization focused on the advancement of University of Illinois Extension. Statewide, Extension Partners members include individuals, organizations and businesses who share a commitment to building support for Extension programming in several ways, including...

Increasing financial support for Extension’s community-based programs through the legislative process

Helping to link community needs to the resources of the University of Illinois

Increasing public awareness of the benefits of strong, effective Extension programs

Securing new funding for campus positions

Continuing communications with academic, governmental and community groups and agencies at all levels-local, state and national-on the benefits and accomplishments of University of Illinois Extension Partners