Illinois RC&D

Introduction to

Resource Conservation & Development

Module 2: Who are the players?

RC&D

ObjectivesObjectives

1. Describe make-up & role of RC&D Councils & staffs

2. Describe primary duties of the Coordinator & Program Assistant

3. Describe roles of other USDA staff

4. Identify partnership organizations & collaborating non-governmental organizations

RCRC&&D Councils D Councils

• RC&Ds are governed by a Council of local people who serve in a voluntary capacity.

• Members represent their region, bringing diverse backgrounds and skills to the Council.

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More More onon RC RC&&D Councils… D Councils…

• Each RC&D is sponsored locally with its own focus & mission.

• RC&Ds are 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organizations.

RCRC&&D Council D Council CompositionComposition

Each Council is composed of local people Elected officials Business professionals

Educators Not-for-profit professionals

Anyone with a desire to better the region

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More More aboutabout RC RC&&D Council D Council Composition…Composition…

Council members take on the following roles:

Leadership

Governance, policy, legal issues

Financial management & accountability

Council Roles Council Roles && ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities• Provide leadership & governance

• Manage financial resources

• Meet all legal & fiduciary requirements

• Develop Area and Annual Plans through a public participation process

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More Council Roles More Council Roles && Responsibilities…Responsibilities…

• Set priorities & ensure implementation of goals & objectives

• Make employment decisions regarding RC&D Staff

• Direct & monitor programs & services

• Ensure members are active & reflect the communities they represent

Roles Roles && Responsibilities Responsibilities of theof the RCRC&&D CoordinatorD Coordinator• Management & administration

• Capacity building

• Relations

• Planning & implementation

• Outreach

RCRC&&D Coordinator Roles…D Coordinator Roles… Management Management && AdministrationAdministration

• Provide day-to-day guidance

• Serve as USDA representative to the Council

• Assist Council with policy & organizational development

• Report progress to USDA through NRCS reporting systems

RCRC&&D Coordinator Roles… D Coordinator Roles…

Capacity BuildingCapacity Building

• Assist the Council with Board/Council development

• Respond to Council’s direction and assist with their priorities

• Help the Council develop a sustainable fundraising program

• Provide training & seek training for new Council members & staff

RCRC&&D Coordinator Roles… D Coordinator Roles…

More Capacity Building…More Capacity Building…

• Empower!

RCRC&&D Coordinator Roles… D Coordinator Roles…

RelationsRelations

• Maintain open lines of communications

• Facilitate partnerships with other agencies, organizations & units of government

RCRC&&D Coordinator Roles… D Coordinator Roles…

Planning Planning && ImplementationImplementation

• Facilitate meetings to garner input

• Provide staff leadership to ensure progress & implementation of projects

• Help the Council maintain focus, goals, & objectives

RCRC&&D Coordinator Roles… D Coordinator Roles…

OutreachOutreach

• Provide detailed, accurate and timely information to partners and sponsors

• Assist the Council & partners in locating technical and financial resources for projects

• Assist the Council in understanding and implementing EEO, Civil Rights, outreach, and environmental justice responsibilities

Roles Roles && Responsibilities Responsibilities of the of the

RCRC&&D Program D Program AssistantAssistant• Provide administrative & clerical support for

the RC&D office

• Help the Council and Coordinator with carrying out the Council’s Area & Annual Plans

• Assist the Coordinator, Council, and committees with tasks

Role of Role of

Other RCOther RC&&D StaffD Staff• Additional human resources are often

needed to implement projects & programs

• Includes employees of the Council or contractual services

• Assist with tasks that USDA employees cannot do

• Council is responsible for employment and contractual decisions

Role of Role of

Other USDA StaffOther USDA Staff• USDA provides a wide

array of technical & financial assistance

• RC&Ds work with NRCS and other USDA employees to implement projects

• Assistance includes USDA staff at local, area & state levels

RCRC&&D PartnersD Partners

FederalS

tate

Lo

cal

Non-government

RCRC&&D Partners - D Partners - FederalFederal

• Natural Resources Conservation Service

• Rural Development

• Farm Service Agency

• Forest Service

• Agricultural Research Service

• US Fish & Wildlife Service

• Army Corps of Engineers

• Economic Development Administration

• US Environmental Protection Agency

RCRC&&D Partners - D Partners - StateState

• Illinois Department of Agriculture

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources

• University of Illinois Extension

• Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

• Illinois Bureau of Tourism

• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

• Governor’s Rural Affairs Council

• Universities

RCRC&&D Partners - D Partners - LocalLocal

• County Government

• Township Officials

• Municipalities

• Soil & Water Conservation Districts

• Drainage Districts

• Park Districts

• Fire Protection Districts

• Community Colleges & Schools

RCRC&&D Partners - D Partners - Non-GovernmentNon-Government

• Chambers of Commerce

• Private Foundations

• Private Companies

• Consultants

• Environmental Organizations

• Farm Organizations

• Community Groups

• Individuals

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Illinois

RRCC&&DD