The Extension Council Youth Leadership (ECYL) module is a seven-part training for Extension councils seeking to formalize a role for young people on the council.  Training topics include the benefits of councils partnering with young people, exploring assets of various generations, planning for youth involvement, revising bylaws, recruiting and selecting youth to serve, and supporting youth members through adult mentorship.  Councils completing the module will emerge with an action plan for expanding youth and/or young adult involvement.

The module is designed to be a fun and interactive planning process, which councils can complete at a weekend retreat, in two evening sessions, or at monthly meetings over several months.  Module activities are designed for a mixed group of adults and young people who councils invite to join in the process.  A county program director, council chair, or combination of staff and members may facilitate module sessions. 

TOPIC 1 – County Extension Councils are Youth-Adult Partnerships (YAPs) 
This topic introduces councils to youth-adult partnerships and stimulates discussion on the benefits for youth, adults, and councils.

TOPIC 2 – Understanding and Working with Multiple Generations
This topic explores generational differences and stereotypes, and how councils can tap the assets of the various age groups around the table.

TOPIC 3 – Creating Youth Non-Voting Representative Roles & Expectations
This topic walks through the nuts and bolts of formalizing a role for youth on councils, including bylaws revisions and job description for youth representatives.

TOPIC 4 – Recruiting & Selecting Youth Representatives
This topic digs into the motivations that young people have for serving on a board, and how councils can find and choose young people to serve.

TOPIC 5 – Engaging Young Adults in Voting Positions
This topic examines the motivations and roadblocks young adults face in serving on a board, and how councils can engage prospective members. 

TOPIC 6 – Mentoring & Retaining Youth & Young Adults
This topic identifies what youth and adults need in order to make mentoring partnerships successful. 

TOPIC 7 – Planning for Councils as YAPs (Putting It All Together)
This topic wraps up the module by compiling council discussions and action steps into an action plan.

Energizer Activities (PDF)
Additional Resources (PDF)
Works Cited (PDF)