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by Annie Cunningham

Advisory Councils are the foundation of Ohio Farm Bureau’s (OFBF) grassroots approach to policy making and problem solving.

The first Ohio Farm Bureau Advisory Council was created in 1936 in Shelby County, after encouragement from Murray Lincoln, OFBF’s first executive vice president. Today there are 747 councils throughout the state. Councils are groups of couples and singles that meet regularly to develop camaraderie and community while discussing farm and family topics.

Members of Advisory Councils receive education on various topics, give grassroots input into the organization and take action on organization policy while enjoying fellowship with friends, neighbors and family.

The monthly Speakout Guide from the OFBF state office contains important information and discussion topics. The president of the council organizes the meetings; the discussion leader starts the discussion and keeps it going; and the secretary records the minutes of the meeting and mails them back to the state office.

"We read all the minutes from the counties that are sent back into the state office and tabulate their responses. We then send them back to the counties in the next Speakout Guide so they can see how their peers responded around the state," said Chip Nelson, OFBF director of Advisory Councils. "Their responses give OFBF staff and leaders insight to where our policy should be going. OFBF staff can use the councils’ summaries when talking to legislators or public officials."

Through the monthly guides, Advisory Councils are educated on current events and are given background information on current issues and policy. The councils discuss the topics and take what they learn back to their county Farm Bureaus. The policy decisions from the councils may be forwarded to the county policy development committee, who, in turn, may decide to make similar policy suggestions at the county annual meeting. When representatives from the counties attend the policy development session at the OFBF annual meeting, those policy ideas are again brought forth. Many policy suggestions that start at the Advisory Council level may even make it to the floor of the policy development session at American Farm Bureau annual meeting.

"Because council members receive information and discuss it, they can be some of the most informed members on current issues affecting agriculture," Nelson said.

Advisory Councils are also a great way for friends and neighbors to get together, and the social aspect of the meetings are important. Many gather at members’ homes or at restaurants. The meetings are relaxed and allow people to share concerns without having to worry about preparing statements or speeches.

"Being a member of an Advisory Council is the best way to have your voice heard. The councils develop leadership and provide important information to the organization," Nelson said. "The people who are members of Advisory Councils are the people who are willing to get involved and make Farm Bureau a better organization."

For more information on your local Advisory Councils, contact your county office.