Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership & Volunteer Development
Leadership and Volunteer Development
Comer, Mayrand, Hamilton
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Empowering Community Leaders (general)
Leadership development can build the capacities of individuals, groups, and organizations to resolve community issues. Volunteer development can enhance the potential for community service. The two disciplines share a common focus: human capacity-building for public well-being (CREES, 2004). The Cooperative Extension Service is an important community partner in developing these capacities. The community of Montgomery County continues to evolve as one engaged in the development of educational, economic, recreational, cultural, historical, leisure, and environmental opportunities. The Cooperative Extension Service takes the lead in providing meaningful leadership opportunities that lead to an enhanced quality of living; addresses community issues; maximizes resources through partnerships and collaborations; and provides guidance to continue the progressive development of an engaged community.
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).
Youth will become productive,contributing adults in the future.
Our community provides meaningful leadership and service opportunities building the human capacity for the good of all the community.
Youth demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives.
Extension leaders serve in volunteer and leadership roles to address emerging community issues.
Youth will learn communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting.
Community members participate in leadership development programs such as Leadership Montgomery County,
Initial Outcome: Youth will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting.
Indicator: Number of youth who indicate they “can finish a job I have started”
Method: Observation, evaluation, achievement report
Timeline: FY'2017-20
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives.
Indicator: Number of 4-H members participating/leading a project group or project club
Method: Observation, evaluation, achievement report
Timeline: FY'2017-20
Long-term Outcome: Youth will be productive, contributing adults in the future.
Indicator: Number of 4-H members serving as direct mentors to younger youth.
Method: Interview/survey 4-H mentors
Timeline: FY'2017-20
Audience: 4-H youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Club meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Volunteer time/support; Extension staff/support staff time; research information
Date: July 2018-August 2019
Audience: Community members
Project or Activity: Leadership Montgomery County
Content or Curriculum: Extension leadership publications,
Inputs: Agent advisor support/time; travel; funding; support staff time;
Date: August-May annually
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
The 4-H program has a long history of emphasizing record-keeping allowing youth to reflect on the importance of their accomplishments and the life skills gained through their experiences. Record-keeping allows young people to track their activities, events, profits and losses, growth, skill development, learning experiences and ultimately determine if their goals were met. The ultimate goal of goals is to be selected among the best-of-the-best in 4-H statewide earning either state Bronze, S
