Leadership and Volunteer DevelopmentPlan of Work

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Woodford County CES

Title:
Leadership and Volunteer Development
MAP:
Community Vitality
Agents Involved:
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Leadership
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Community Leadership Development
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Master Clothing Volunteer
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
Situation:

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. Through the efforts of the extension agents and volunteers, local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions. Woodford County is a community that is maintaining its population with limited amounts of growth. Community volunteers tend to stay involved in the community for long periods of time. Despite this, new volunteers and citizens must be engaged and encouraged to take on leadership roles within their community. An effective Cooperative Extension Service will continue to develop new leadership in order to maintain support and provide input to our programs.


Long-Term Outcomes:

The community will have a diverse mixture of experienced and new volunteer leaders that can effectively determine community needs and assist with the delivery of educational programs to the citizens of Woodford County. Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.

Intermediate Outcomes:

County advisory councils will be composed of individuals representing all areas of the community. Youth will serve as active members of advisory groups. Certified and master volunteers will help deliver educational programs in 4-H animal science, 4-H shooting sports, sewing, horticulture, and cooking.

Initial Outcomes:

Advisory councils will meet on a regular basis and provide input regarding educational needs. Youth will gain experience in communication skills, parliamentary procedure and community leadership. Citizens will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership, citizens will increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Diverse mix of active community volunteers

Indicator: community organizations, advisory councils

Method: review of attendance, minutes, membership rolls

Timeline: Yearly


Intermediate Outcome: Advisory councils with representation from all areas

Indicator: membership, attendance, rotation of officers

Method: review of council minutes, meeting attendance

Timeline: Yearly


Initial Outcome: Youth and volunteers will gain leadership experience

Indicator: 4-H Club officer involvement, meeting activities

Method: evaluation of club/program experiences

Timeline: Yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Local elected officials

Project or Activity: Legislative Appreciation Dinner

Content or Curriculum: Report to the People

Inputs: Open house, multi-media presentation

Date: Annually


Audience: Extension Homemakers

Project or Activity: Monthly Leader Lessons

Content or Curriculum: CES publications

Inputs: Agent's time, Volunteers, Extension Homemakers, Extension Facilities

Date: September-May


Audience: Advisory Council Members

Project or Activity: Council meetings

Content or Curriculum: SEAL materials

Inputs: Agents time, Volunteer Time

Date: Year-round


Audience: High School Seniors

Project or Activity: Woodford Leadership Tomorrow

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: Community organizations to host tours

Date: September - May 


Audience: High School/Middle School Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Leadership Council

Content or Curriculum: Leadership Development/Service Learning

Inputs: Agent time, Volunteer Speakers, Materials, Curriculum

Date: September - May


Audience: Adult volunteers interested in sewing/textiles

Project or Activity: Master Volunteer in Clothing Construction

Content or Curriculum: Master Volunteer in Clothing Construction curriculum

Inputs: Extension agents, Specialists, Past volunteers

Date: Semi-annually


Audience: Adult Volunteers

Project or Activity: Certified 4-H Volunteer programs

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science, 4-H Shooting Sports, 4-H Equine, 4-H Sewing

Inputs: Volunteer Leader Workshops

Date: Year-round


Audience: Community Residents

Project or Activity: Leadership Woodford County

Content or Curriculum: KELD, other extension resources

Inputs: Area Agents Time, Specialists, Community and Civic organizations

Date: Every other year


Audience: Homeowners/Landowners

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Training

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum

Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, CES Publications

Date: Every other year



Success Stories

4-H Election Event Provides Civics Education on Election Day

Author: Ryan Farley

Major Program: Civic Engagement

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the District 4 4-H Inauguration trip scheduled for January 2021 was cancelled. The purpose of this trip was to provide 4-H youth an opportunity to visit Washington D.C. and familiarize themselves with not only our nation’s capital but also everything that accompanies the presidential election and inauguration process. After the trip was cancelled, District 4 4-H agents felt strongly that providing civic and government educational opportunities we

Full Story

Master Clothing Volunteers

Author: M. Elizabeth Coots

Major Program: Master Clothing Volunteer

Many studies have shown that sewing is not only a productive life skill and hobby, but that it can be a stress reliever and can increase a person’s feeling of self worth. The Woodford County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Garrard County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent work together as the coordinators of the Fort Harrod Area Master Clothing Volunteer program. Currently there are six Master Clothing Volunteers (MCV) in the area who share their skills with others. Each vo

Full Story

Mask-Making Partnership

Author: M. Elizabeth Coots

Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

Mask-Making Partnership

The Woodford County Extension Homemakers partnered with Pivot Brewing Company in Lexington, Kentucky to make homemade cloth face coverings for the Kentucky Children's Hospital and University of Kentucky Hospital. The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association was asked to help support the effort of making cloth face coverings for health care workers. At the same time, Pivot Brewing Company, closed for business, wanted to utilize their resources and give back to the community so they reached o

Full Story

4-H Teen Conference Provides Leadership Development

Author: Ryan Farley

Major Program: Leadership

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down programming in March 2020 youth, families, and communities experienced long-term isolation and alteration of their typical lives related to in and out of school activities. Youth out-of-school time programs, such as 4-H, are essential ecological assets and their disruption during the pandemic may have a major impact on youth’s developmental pathways (Ettekal & Aganas, 2020). For many youth COVID-19 will be the defining issue of their lives

Full Story

Working Effectively with Farmers/Producers

Author: T. Adam Probst

Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development

In 2020, the Woodford County Extension Service took part in a virtual workshop with graduate students in the UK Plant Science Department to discuss how to effectively work with farmers in a consultation/educator role.  Nine participants learned more about communication, collaboration, and leadership opportunities in working with farmer clientele.  Specifically, the Woodford County Extension Service discussed ways to develop good reputations with farmers, what to do if you don't kno

Full Story
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