Developing Leadership and VolunteerismPlan of Work

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Hart County CES

Title:
Developing Leadership and Volunteerism
MAP:
Volunteer and Leadership Enhancement
Agents Involved:
Huffman, Cline
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
4-H Family and Consumer Science Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
4-H Youth Development Programming
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Empowering Community Leaders (general)
Situation:

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”. 

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Indicator:

Method:

 

Timeline: July 2019 – June 2020

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth and Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Leaders Training
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp Training and Youth Protection Training
Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: June 2020


Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Homemaker Leader Trainings
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Materials
Inputs: Homemaker Council
Date: June 2019 to July 2020

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Hart County 4-H Teen Leadership Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Unlock Your Leadership Potential and Step
Up to Leadership
Inputs: Hart County School System
Date: October 2019 – May 2020

Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Leadership Hart County
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Hart County Outline
Inputs: Chamber Office: Business Leaders
Date: September 2019- June 2020

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Leadership Teen Hart County
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Unlock Your Leadership Potential; Step Up
To Leadership: Teen Leadership Outline
Inputs: Chamber Office; Hart County and Caverna School Systems;
Business Leaders
Date: October 2019 – May 2020

Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Council
Content or Curriculum: Conduct and identify issues relating to 4-H and
youth programming.
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: September 2019– August 2020

Audience: Youth and Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Recognition Program
Content or Curriculum: Hart County Recognition Guidelines and 4-H Council
Activity Guide
Inputs: WLOC Radio; Hart County News; 4-H Council
Date: October 2019

Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Project Book Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Leaders; 4-H Council
Date: July 2019

 

Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Homemaker Council Meetings
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Plan of Work
Inputs: Local and Area Homemakers
Date: July 2019 – June 2020

 

Audience: Youth and Adults 

Project or Activity: Master Clothing Volunteer  
Content or Curriculum: Quilting, Clothing Structure
Inputs: Homemakers, 4-H Members
Date: July 2019 – June 2020


Audience:  High School Youth

Project or Activity:  Work Readiness for Youth

Content or Curriculum:  4-H Work Ready

Inputs:  Youth

Date:  November 2019




Success Stories

4-H Livestock Projects Help Youth Succeed

Author: Laura Huffman

Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources

In an effort to promote agriculture and an opportunity for youth to learn more about the livestock industry, volunteers and club leaders work hard year round to provide a 4-H Market Premium Show in Hart County. Twenty-two students tagged market animals this past year.  Four 4-H Livestock Certified Volunteers in Hart County offered trainings for students to receive their six hours of education. Volunteers taught lessons on nutrition, breeds, cuts of meat, livestock selection, and showma

Full Story

Quilting for the Community

Author: Janey Cline

Major Program: Master Clothing Volunteer

The Master Clothing Volunteers in Hart County teach a sewing construction program each month at the University of Kentucky Hart County Cooperative Extension Service to anyone interested in learning to accurately cut fabrics, sew accurate seams, and construct  quilts.  Each month a different quilt block is taught which gives participants a chance to perfect their sewing skills. All day quilting workshops are offered at various times throughout the year to allow Master Clothing Volunteer

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4-H Volunteers are Valuable Resources

Author: Laura Huffman

Major Program: 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Core Curriculum

4-H youth development programs within Extension depend heavily on adult volunteers and provide extensive education to volunteer leaders. 4-H traditionally focuses on positive youth development, but adult volunteers are the mainstay of the programs. A study of Ohio 4-H agents revealed that they believed orienting volunteers is important but lack information on whether their training programs or teaching strategies are effective (Deppe & Culp, 2001).The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is Extension&rs

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4-H Leadership Boot Camp

Author: Laura Huffman

Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum

Kentucky 4-H engages youth through hands-on experiences where they can build leadership competencies starting at an early age.  As 4-H members get older and in the senior level and have a desire to develop their leadership skills the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Boot Camp offers a two-day intensive program focused on leadership development. The youth have the opportunity to participate in exercises that will empower them to lead within their community at an advanced level.    This year

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