FCS Agent Duties and Responsibilities for New Extension Homemakers Club
Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council
The mission of this organization shall be to empower individuals and families to improve their quality of living through continuing education, leadership development, and community service.
The Role of the FCS Agent
The Extension Homemakers program should be mutually beneficial to members and agents. A good EHC program serves as an audience for dissemination of Extension educational materials and a way to collect and show impact. EHC also serves as an opportunity to recruit and train volunteers who can help support local FCS programs.
Membership Data
Guide EHC members and leaders to complete required forms. Data can be entered by an agent, county admin, or state office. EHC Membership Database: https://ehc.uada.edu/accounts/login/?next=/report/county
Annual Impact Survey
Encourage members to complete the annual EHC impact survey. A county-specific report is available for your use. The survey is available via link, QR code, or download and print paper copies. Data entry of completed paper copies can be done by the state office. The survey goes out in the summer to allow for reports to be sent to agents for use in October.
Leader Training
Provide educational opportunities for EHC members. Each year, Lesson Guides are prepared on current FCS topics. Current year materials are available in Box. Dozens of prepared lesson guides and materials from previous years are available in Box. These are great for use as grab-and-go lessons for any audience.
EHC Yearbook
An EHC yearbook provides structure. The county office can assist with the assembly of the yearbook, under the guidance of the FCS agent. The yearbook serves as a meeting guide for each month and typically includes the order of business along with the program title for the month. Other items sometimes included: officer names and contact info, motivational quotes, dates of county events, etc.
Executive Committee
Clubs and County Councils elect officers annually or every two years. The FCS agent assists with officer training. The Executive Committee (County Council officers and club presidents) usually meets at least twice each year. The FCS agent serves as the advisor to the Executive Committee.
County Activities and Events
Assist council in planning and organizing county events including Fall Council and Spring Council meetings.
State Events
The FCS agent may attend the following statewide EHC events:
- Spring Workshop – March (usually the second Wednesday), focus on education, community service, and leadership skills.
- State EHC Meeting, usually the first week of June
- District Rallies – October (mid-late)
- Ozark Craft Outing (optional attendance); early November
Financial Matters:
EHC is an independent 501(c)(3) and Extension is not responsible for their financial management.
Dues – EHC members and clubs submit dues to the state treasurer annually. Some counties also collect county dues.
Annual Budget – County EH Councils should create an annual budget and stick to it.
EIN – Every club and every council must have a Federal Employee Identification Number. Contact Mary King, 479-409-6755, mkbanklady@gmail.com for more info.
Fundraising – Contact Mary King if you are having a raffle. Contact Mary with any questions you may have regarding club or county fundraisers.
Financial Report - each club and each council should submit a copy of their financial report to the state office by August 1. There is a form on the website; however, treasurers may also use the format of their choice as long as it gives the same information.
Scholarships and Mini-grants:
- AEHC Extension Homemakers Council College Scholarships
- Young Extension Homemakers Scholarship – for a young EHC member (under 50) to attend the State Meeting.
- Educational Mini-grants
More Information:
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/extension-homemakers/