Empowering Community Leaders
Empowering Community Leaders
David Fourqurean, Amanda Dame
Community Leadership Development
Community Strategic Planning
Community Engagement
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen McLean County. Through the efforts of the McLean County Cooperative Extension agents, paraprofessionals, and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand family, community, Youth and Agricultural issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions.
McLean County's health and economy are strengthen through strong local organizational leadership.
Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.
Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, organizations and as mentors for younger youth.
Youth will identify and address critical issues that impact the community through leadership opportunities within 4-H.
Youth will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusive and multiculturalism in their daily life.
Through participation and programming efforts in Extension. Citizens will share their time, in an effort to promote their interest and initiatives of the Extension Service.
Practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community outreach as well as taking lead roles in facilitating educational opportunities within the local community.
Applying skills learned 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.
Youth will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives.
Youth will utilize leadership skills learned during time in 4-H clubs and activities in 4-H and other community organizations by engaging in community based service programs and other project based group work.
Citizens will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
McLean County leaders will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.
KEHA, FCS, 4-H & ANR Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
McLean County leaders will increase knowledge and skills in community leadership.
Initial Outcome
Indicator: Increased number of citizens reporting recognition of personal and organizational leadership opportunities.
Method: Personal interview, survey, group discussions
Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks
Initial Outcome
Indicator: McLean County leaders increased knowledge and skills in personal and community leadership.
Method: Personal interview, survey, group discussions
Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks
Outcome: Initial
Indicator: FCS, 4-H & ANR Advisory Council members increased knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
Method: Personal interview, survey, group discussions
Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks
Intermediate Outcome
Indicator: Leaders will report an increase in utilization of communications & leadership skills acquired through Extension programming.
Method: Observation, Self-Reporting
Timeline: 6 months – 1 year
Long Term Outcome: Increased number of individual are actively involved and engaged identifying, planning and solving county issues.
Indicator: Increase in number of individuals that are actively involved and engaged in identifying, planning, and solving county issues.
Method: Observation of Councils and District Board, Self-Reporting
Timeline: 3-4 years
Outcome: Long-term
Indicator: Extension Leadership positions will sustain term limits by recruiting and building new leaders.
Method: Observation, surveys, county data, self-reporting.
Timeline: 3 to 4 years
Outcome: Long-term
Indicator: An increase in the percentage of youth in leadership positions outside of Extension.
Method: Observation, surveys, county data, self-reporting.
Timeline: 3 to 4 years
Outcome: Long-term
Indicator: A 2% increase in the number of youth who are engaged in 4-H special interest clubs.
Method: Observation, surveys, county data, self-reporting.
Timeline: 3 to 4 years
Audience: ANR, 4-H and FCS Advisory Boards
Project or Activity: Office and council training
Content or Curriculum: KELD
Inputs: KELD curriculum, UK specialist, volunteers, Kentucky CES publications and resources.
Date: yearly
Audience: McLean County Extension District Board/ McLean County Extension Council
Project or Activity: Orientation for new CEC members and new District Board members
Content or Curriculum: UK Council Curriculum
Inputs: All agents, UK specialist, volunteers
Date: yearly
Audience: McLean County Extension Council
Project or Activity: Leadership development activities at CEC meetings
Content or Curriculum: UK Council curriculum
Inputs: All agents, UK specialist, Volunteers
Date: yearly CEC meetings
Audience: McLean County Citizens
Project or Activity: Ag Festival, Plant Swap & Sale, Longest Day of Play, Second Sunday, Other Extension Sponsored Community Events
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Decision Making, Marketing, Event Planning,
Inputs: Agents, Community Members/Volunteers, Extension Pubs, CEDIK Specialist
Date: July 2020 through June 2021
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
As Covid -19 subsides in much of Kentucky and many in person activities slowly begin to happen, the McLean County Ag agent saw an opportunity to bring together several groups in McLean County to develop the Extension Facilities at Myer Creek park even further. The McLean County Extension District Board , the McLean County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Mclean County Conservation Board saw fit to forge a partnership to buy 360 chairs and 36 72" round tables and donated them to the My