Growing and Empowering Community Leaders
Empowering Community Leaders
T Humble, G. Roberts, D. Shepherd, S. Coffey, C Munsey, D. Adams, S. Hart, T. Bertram
Master Gardener
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Champion Food Volunteers
Family and Consumer Science
Major Program 5: 4-H Ambassadors
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. Within Kentucky there are 16,000 KEHA members, 119 Master Clothing Volunteers, and over 150 Champion Food Volunteers who share their expertise, and volunteer time with youth and families in their community. Through the efforts of the FCS agents, paraprofessionals, and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand family and community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions. Coordinated efforts between Ag, FCS, and 4-H Programs along with efforts with local Food Service Directors assist with access to locally grown foods for the school system with inputs from student and adult volunteers.
Kentucky communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership
Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.
Communities are equipped with competent, effective leaders.
Community members engage others to initiate projects.
Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members.
Citizens put skills into practice by becoming more engaged in the community, taking on leadership roles.
Graduates in formal leadership roles increase their involvement/action.
Graduates of community leadership programs initiate civic engagement.
Number of people who practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools 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
Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.
4-H Members, Leaders, Volunteers, Master Gardeners, KEHA Leaders and Members, Community Coalitions, and Extension Program Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in community leadership.
Increase knowledge of effective leadership skills.
Develop/enhance the leadership skills of youth and adults.
Citizens: Informed about community systems, better connected to communication networks, more confident and skilled in identifying and implementing strategies for systemic change.
Focus - Collect Data - Analyze and deliver training and other resources to
build leadership capacity
Self-assessment tools, indication of increased citizen led activities.
Increased participation on community boards, civic groups and
organizations.
Audience: Extension Homemakers, Lake Cumberland Area Extension Homemakers, 4-H Ambassadors, Volunteer leaders, KEHA members, 4H Leaders/Youth, Wayne County Schools, Organizations, Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs), Social service agencies, Libraries, Schools, Faith-based organizations, Government officials, Chamber of commerce, Advisory Councils
Project or Activity: County Homemaker Leader Lessons, and Homemaker Club lessons, 4-H Ambassadors, Local Work Ready Initiative, Leadership Development, 4-H Leadership, Master Gardener Volunteers and Community Members, School Garden Volunteers
Content or Curriculum: Extension Homemaker Lessons, UK Extension Resources, Empowering Leaders in Kentucky (ELK), Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD), Champion Food Volunteer (CFV) training, Master Clothing Volunteers, Advisory Council Training, SEAL Training, KEHA Leader Training, 4-H Leadership Curriculum and Resources, Master Gardener
Inputs: Extension Staff, Advisory Councils, Community partners, Extension Facility, Volunteers, Wayne County Schools, Hope Center, Health Department, Quilt Guild members, Extension Staff, families, youth, supporters, alumni, professionals in related careers,
Date: July 2020 - June 2024
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills
There were concerns that during COVID-19 connections with community, volunteers and leadership would decrease and there would be a loss of engagement with FCS Extension programming. There was also a concern there would be a decrease in Extension Homemaker membership and involvement. COVID-19 has significantly impacted our ability to meet with community members, volunteers and leadership in person. The majority of our participants do not utilize virtual/technology based programm
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Strong leadership skills are important for a vital Extension Homemaker program. Twenty-eight Wayne County Extension Homemakers participated in Officer and Leadership Training Event. Participants reported before and after knowledge, skills and confidence of key leadership skills via paper survey. 99 % reported a gain in knowledge in KEHA Programming emphases.100% reported a gain in understanding the importance of KEHA reporting.100% reported a gain in KEHA membership campaigns an