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:

• Youth will use skills learned through youth development programs to obtain job or careers in related fields
• Youth and adults will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth. 
• Youth and adults will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.
• Youth and adults will identify and address critical issues that impact the community
• Youth and adults will be productive, contributing adults in the future. 
• Youth and adults will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis. Intermediate goals/outcomes:
• Adults and youth will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis
• Local communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Youth and adults will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives. 
• Youth will 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.
• Youth and adults will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
• Youth and adults will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
• Improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group process in addressing organizational issues and needs.
• Apply skills to assess needs, develop programs and implement solutions for community problems

Initial Outcomes:

• Youth will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting. 
• Youth will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player and communicator.
• Youth will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics.
• Youth and adults will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
• Adults and youth will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement. 
• Adults and youth will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals. 
• KEHA and FCS Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
• Trained volunteers will become active in Extension and other community leadership roles to address community issues. 

Evaluation:

Indicator:

• The number of individuals participating and taking active leadership roles in Leadership Hart County, Teen Leadership Hart County, leadership roles in 4-H, Homemakers, Extension Council, District Board and other Extension activities will increase

Method:

• Written evaluations and personal contact to show knowledge gained and to identify practice and social changes

 

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