Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing leadership and volunteer skills for engagement with community, country, and the world
Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Kendyl Redding
Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
4-H Youth Development Programming
Many leadership scholars and youth development professionals agree that leadership development is an
important, but often overlooked facet of youth development and education (MacNeil ,2000). The
development of leadership contributes greatly to the positive development of young people and their
communities. Leadership skills, such as goal-setting, problem-solving and sound decision-making, are
not just necessary for leaders-these skills are needed for success in today's world (MacNeil, 2000).
Furthermore, helping young people develop leadership competencies makes them better able to solve
community problems and enhances their civic participation (O'Brien & Kohlmeier, 2003). Young leaders
also demonstrate higher career aspirations, increased self-esteem, and improved high school
completion rates (Bloomberg, Ganey, Alba, Quintero, & Alcantara, 2003).
By supporting and engaging young leaders, adults, organizations and communities experience direct
benefits, through stronger connections to other young people in the community (Zeldin, McDaniel,
Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001). They have a greater understanding of the problems facing other youth, and
fresh perspectives for how to address these problems (Des Marais, Yang, & Farzanehkia, 2000; Zeldin,
McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001; McGillicuddy, 1991). Additionally, young people help to re-energize
adults and counteract negative stereotypes of youth when they are successfully engaged in leadership
within their communities (Zeldin, & Camino, 1999; Fiscus, 2003).
Becoming an active part of the community necessitates that youth and adults value the diversity present
and promote inclusivity at all levels of programming and involvement. The demographic makeup of the
US has changed significantly over the last few decades and will continue to change in terms of race,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status (SES), special needs and educational attainment.
This changing population and awareness of diversity will continue to change into the future. Three
powerful trends in society have contributed to a focus on diversity, inclusiveness and education about
this topic. These trends are: 1) a competitive, globalized market in which the US conducts business; 2)
substantial changes in the makeup of the US population and, 3) the celebration of individual differences
and a movement away from “fitting in”. Some facts related to this:
- 4 of 5 new jobs are the result of foreign trade.
- The percentage of whites in the population continues to decline. Asians are the fastest growing race
group while Hispanics are the largest. By 2050, approximately 1 in 2 people (50%) will be non-white.
- The majority of new workers are women and people of color.
- Taken as a whole, people with disabilities make up the largest minority group (15%) in the US.
- The fastest growing age group are those 75+ years old.
Youth will:
Serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
Demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.
Identify and address critical issues that impact the community
Be productive, contributing adults in the future.
Use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis.
Youth will:
Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives.
Utilize leadership skills learned during their time in 4-H in clubs, activities and other venues with 4-H and other community organizations.
Senior 4-H members will become leaders or co-leaders of a 4-H project club, day camp or other project based group of younger 4-H members.
Indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
Engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
Youth will:
Learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting.
Increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player and communicator.
Learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics.
Learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
Acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
Learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.
Listen to people who have different ideas from them.
Initial Outcome: Youth will know how to set and accomplish a goal, be accepting of different ideas, and will take responsibility for their actions.
Indicator: Number of youth that sets and makes attempts to meet goals. Number of youth that accept diversity.
Method: Pre and post surveys, Personal observation, and evaluations.
Timeline: 1 year
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will learn to respect themselves and others. Youth will work well in a team setting and be able to resolve conflicts.
Indicator: Number of members leading a project or group.
Method: Interviews, pre and post assessments.
Timeline: 2 years
Long-term Outcome:Youth will take responsibility for others in the community and serve as leaders.
Indicator: Number of youth serving as mentors to younger youth.
Method: post surveys, success stories from participants.
Timeline: 1-4 years
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: School Enrichment
Content or Curriculum: Safe and caring schools curriculum, CES publications and resources,
Inputs:Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service agent, specialists, teachers and administrators.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Youth Leadership
Content or Curriculum: 4-H State curriculum, 4-H Healthy Teen curriculum, CES publications, specialists, conferences, and workshops.
Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service agent, community partners, extension councils, volunteers.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Summit and Teen Conference
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Conference
Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service agents, specialists, volunteers.
Date: Yearly
