COOK COUNTY, Ill. — In a powerful show of collaboration and civic engagement, the University of Illinois Extension serving Cook County is hosting a series of Community Forums designed to bring together community organizations, key stakeholders, and elected officials. These forums aim to gather input that will guide Cook County Extension programming priorities for the next three years.
The forums provide a unique opportunity for those working on the front lines to share their insights on the most pressing issues facing their communities. By fostering open dialogue, Illinois Extension hopes to ensure its work remains responsive, equitable, and aligned with the real needs of Cook County residents.
“We’re inviting those who know our communities best—our council members, nonprofit leaders, and government partners—to help shape the direction of our work,” said Michael Neil, Cook County Extension marketing and communications coordinator. “Their voice is essential in helping us understand what’s working, what’s needed, and how we can make a greater impact together.”
Each forum is structured to encourage meaningful conversation and collaboration. Participants are invited to:
- Share their perspectives on local challenges and opportunities
- Identify existing resources and service gaps
- Discuss barriers to progress and potential solutions
- Explore ways Extension can better align with community goals
Elected officials are especially encouraged to participate. Their leadership and firsthand knowledge of community dynamics are vital to shaping effective, inclusive programming.
Each forum in the series is expected to build on the momentum of the previous sessions, which have already sparked valuable insights and new partnerships. To ensure that all communities can be heard, the three forums will be held across Cook County.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.