Washington County CES

Title:

Creating leadership programming to enhance volunteer skills for community leaders

MAP:

Developing Leadership and Volunteers

Agents Involved:

Cabrina Buckman and Dennis Morgeson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Empowering Community Leaders (general)

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Master Gardener

Situation:

Effective leadership is necessary for success within today's communities and organizations. Knowing one's leadership skills and characteristics is key to understanding leadership. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the 4-H program is a priority. By assisting the development of leadership skills in today's youth, we improve the ability to face the challenges of tomorrow. The Washington County Extension Service is dedicated to developing leaders through various programs and opportunities to serve on local, state, and national levels.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Participants of leadership programs will serve as volunteer leaders and/or mentors to others.

Leaders will continue to influence policy and economic growth on local and state levels.

Youth and adults will serve as leaders in community organizations and will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism in their daily life.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Participants are more active as formal and informal community leaders.

Participants collaborate with coalitions, councils, and other leaders.

Youth and adults will demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in their day to day lives.

Youth will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.

Initial Outcomes:

Basic understanding of leadership development and its application to the community.

Develop adequate perceptions of leadership due to training opportunities for organizational and community leaders.

Youth and adults will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics.

Youth and adults will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Basic understanding of leadership development and its application to the community

Indicator: participant responses

Method: class discussion

Timeline: following programs

Intermediate Outcome: Demonstration of leadership skills, teamwork, communication, and diversity awareness

Indicator: leader responses and skills put into practice

Method: evaluations and surveys

Timeline: following each session

Long-term Outcome: Practice of leadership skills, teamwork, communication, and diversity awareness

Indicator: increased volunteerism and participants assuming leadership roles

Method: observation

Timeline: yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 7th grade students, high school juniors and seniors, council and board members, community participants

Project or Activity: Junior Leadership, Teen Leadership, KELD, Master Gardeners, Homemakers, 4-H Council, Agriculture Development Board, WC Cattlemen's Association, Washington on Wellness Coalition

Content or Curriculum: 4-H leadership core curriculum, KELD materials

Inputs: Extension resources and specialists, community and civic organizations

Date: yearly

Success Stories