What Is All Reasonable Effort?
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/intranet/ifiles/commteamres/
DocumentingAllReasonableEfforts.doc
"All reasonable effort" is defined as having made special efforts to identify and reach individuals within underserved clientele groups.
What constitutes "all reasonable effort"?
- Use of mass media - To inform potential recipients of programs and of the opportunity to participate.
- Brochures, posters and flyers - To inform the potential audience of programs and events.
- Personal letters and invitations - To invite potential recipients to participate, with dates and places of meetings.
- Personal visits or telephone calls - To a representative number of defined potential recipients to encourage participation.
- Networking - Building coalitions or collaborative efforts with other agencies.
Much of what constitutes "all reasonable effort" is related to Extension's need to have a Public Notification Plan that ensures "that all eligible, particularly minorities and underprivileged, are informed of all USDA program benefits and the protection against discrimination contained in our regulations." (Program Review Manual - Appendix A. Public Notification Plan)
"Parity"
The goal of "all reasonable effort" is to reach a state of parity. Parity exists when the proportion of those served approximates the proportion of members of protected classes in the target population. Since parity cannot be guaranteed in advance it is important to make "all reasonable effort."
Each staff person is responsible for documenting program accomplishments and compliance with the requirements of state and federal regulations. University of Illinois Extension's accomplishments can be nothing more than the combined efforts of all the individuals within the system. Each person's efforts are significant.
How are you held accountable?
- Monthly Contact Reports
- Narrative / Accomplishment Reports
- County / Unit Civil Rights Report
- Collection of Enrollment Data
- Internal / External Reviews
- Position Descriptions
- Performance Appraisal
Compliance with affirmative action requirements encourages good program planning through thoughtful consideration of targeting audiences, identifying barriers, documenting efforts and results, and using the results to further focus programming. If you do this you will be complying with civil rights laws, ensuring Extension education, and reaching out to the true diversity of Illinois.
