March 19, 2024
Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow

Find a diverse group of participants
Variety is the spice of life, the old adage goes. So make sure your committee is comprised of individuals from different backgrounds and different skill areas. Contact different associations and organizations with interests in agriculture and ask for their participation.
 

Start early
Don’t wait until the last minute to form your committee. Begin at least 2-3 months in advance so members can get to know each other and have time to prepare. See our timeline suggestions.
 

Identify responsibilities early
It’s helpful for every member of your committee to know their specific role. If you have time, jot down key responsibilities and expectations of each member to avoid confusion or duplication of efforts. Talk one-on-one with each member about what you expect from them.
 

Begin meetings with a fresh perspective
Keep committee members enthused about Ag Day celebrations by starting each meeting with a memorable thought or quote that underscores the overall mission of the effort.
 

Keep meetings on track
Meetings that are too long or go off subject can be draining to committee members. To prevent this, prepare an agenda in advance with a start and stop time and make a commitment to keep to it.
 

Plan ahead
Provide a list of meeting dates and times in advance, so members can plan their schedules accordingly. Meeting participation will be greater, and you won’t have to track down everyone with a new meeting time.
 

Recap action items
It’s easy to get lost in the details, so it’s helpful to be proactive in remembering what needs to be done. Keep a record of "action items" for each committee member and check back in on the status.
 

Celebrate successes
When members of your committee make progress, be sure to recognize it at meetings and in person. Positive accolades are an inspiration to the entire committee.
 

Go easy
Leading a volunteer committee can be challenging at times. Approach your leadership with a sense of humor and understanding.
 

Get commitments right away
If you’d like to host an event next year, talk with committee members immediately following your event when enthusiasm is highest to seek their commitment. If you need to raise funds to hold an event or require other donated resources, a diverse committee from several organizations may be able to help in your endeavor.