Leadership and Volunteer Engagement
Empowering Community Leaders
Hance, Proctor
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Empowering Community Leaders (general)
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen families. Effective leaders are crucial to the health and vitality of every community and the success of every program. More than 350 volunteer leaders have contributed over 6,500 hours of community service to Extension programs, planning and community events. The strengthening of leadership through Council and community participation will allow our community to grow and prosper. Experience, and the acquisition of leadership skills, will equip youth and adults to assume more leadership roles with Extension, school, civic and government organizations, and community activities to foster an improvement of the quality of life. Leadership development can build the capacities of individuals, groups, and organizations to identify and resolve community issues. Through the efforts of the agents and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand family and community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions.
- Kentucky communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership
- Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.
- Community capacity will be strengthened through strong local organization leadership
- Practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools, associations, and community outreach.
- 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
- Volunteers will increase their knowledge and skills in personal leadership.
- KEHA Advisory Council, County Extension Council members, and volunteers increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
- Volunteers will increase their knowledge and skills in community leadership.
Initial Outcome: Volunteers increase their knowledge and skills in personal and organizational leadership
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting improved knowledge, opinions, skills, and/or aspirations regarding: personal and interpersonal leadership, organizational leadership, community leadership, public policy/governmental process.
Method: Observation of members
Timeline: July 2017-2020
Intermediate Outcome:Volunteer leaders will practice personal leadership skills in council meetings, community outreach, and clubs.
Indicator: Number of individuals who practice personal and interpersonal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community outreach; Number of adults and youth utilizing improved skills in communication, problem solving or group process in addressing community issues and needs; Number of Extension programs/activities conducted by Extension Homemaker members; Number of hours KEHA members volunteered for Extension activities/events and community service activities/events.
Method: Observation of members
Timeline: July 2017-2020
Long-term Outcome: Kentucky communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership
Indicator: Number of people who are involved in addressing significant community issues.
Method: Observation of demonstrated leadership for community project management (committee, councils,etc.)
Timeline: July 2017 - June 2020
Audience: Trimble County Homemaker Council, Members
Project or Activity: Leader training's and lessons
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development Program, KEHA Leader lessons
Inputs: Proctor, KEHA
Date: October 2019, November 2019, February 2020, March 2020, April 2020
Audience: Extension Volunteers
Project or Activity: Volunteer Leader Appreciation
Content or Curriculum: Leader Appreciation Event
Inputs: Agents, Extension Council volunteers
Date: Spring 2020
Audience: Potential Extension Council volunteers
Project or Activity: Council Membership recruitment
Content or Curriculum: Volunteer Leader Handbook
Inputs: Agents, Council committee members, Community Leaders
Date: August 2019
Audience: Extension Council Volunteers
Project or Activity: Leader Orientation and Training
Content or Curriculum: SEAL
Inputs: Agents
Date: November 2019, February 2020, April 2020
Audience: 4-H Camp Leaders
Project or Activity: Multi County Training
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp Volunteer Training packet, Expert Online Training and 4-H Online
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers
Date: June 2019
Audience: 4-H School Club Officers
Project or Activity: 4-H Officer Training
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential
Inputs: Agents, Specialists and Local School Teachers
Date: September 2019
Audience: District Board
Project or Activity: Leader Orientation and Training
Content or Curriculum: District Board PowerPoint, Leader Handbook
Inputs: Agents, Specialists
Date: January 2020