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When Farm Bureau members agree to volunteer as County Information Coordinators (CIC), they take on a huge task.

CICs volunteer to handle all communication efforts for their county Farm Bureaus. They help spread the word about Farm Bureau and its programs through local media activities.

CICs develop relationships with the local county media to help tell the Farm Bureau story. They write and submit news releases and photos regarding Farm Bureau activities and work with other county Farm Bureau program chairs to coordinate information efforts. CICs often are involved in organizing annual events, awards, conferences and publications. They strive to be the primary local media contact for all agriculture issues.

CICs receive training throughout the program year beginning with OFBF’s annual Leadership Conference. They also are invited to attend regional cabinet meetings in the fall and winter. These training sessions are a time of sharing successes, tips and challenges with their peers.

For their efforts, CICs can earn a Star Award through the Standards of Achievement program. To be considered for the award, CICs are to meet with local media four times throughout the year, submit 25 news releases, participate in one training session and coordinate other information efforts in their county.

"I am always amazed at the effort the information coordinators put forth. They invest a lot of time to tell about all the good things they’re doing in their counties," said Annie Cunningham, OFBF communications specialist and manager of the CIC program. "It is not an easy job to do, but they make it look effortless."

For more information about the program contact your county Farm Bureau office or Cunningham at acunningham@ofbf.org.