Bourbon County CES

Title:

Volunteer Recruitment, Retainment, Education, Leadership and Civic Engagement

MAP:

Leadership and Volunteerism

Agents Involved:

Carter. Denniston, Tackett, Wilson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

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”. Some facts related to this:
* 4 of 5 new jobs are the result of foreign trade.
* The percentage of whites in the population continues to decline. Asians are the fastest growing race group while Hispanics are the largest. By 2050, approximately 1 in 2 people (50%) will be non-white.
* The majority of new workers are women and people of color.
* Taken as a whole, people with disabilities make up the largest minority group (15%) in the US.
* The fastest growing age group are those 75+ years old.

4-H Youth Leadership is about:
* Learning about the concept of leadership and your individual role as a leader.
* Using leadership skills to effectively lead small groups and teams toward common goals.
* Work within your community (club/county/state or beyond) to become an engaged leader who can make a difference.

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

* Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
* Youth will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.
* Youth will identify and address critical issues that impact the community
* Youth will be productive, contributing adults in the future.
* Youth will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis.

*Kentucky communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership
*Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.

Intermediate Outcomes:

* Youth 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 will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
* Youth will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.

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

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 will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
* Youth will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
* Youth will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.
* Youth will listen to people who have different ideas from them.

*Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.
*KEHA and FCS Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
*Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in community leadership

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Number of youth who indicate “they know how to set and accomplish a goal”.

o Number of youth who indicate they “listen to people who have different ideas than

me”.

o Number of youth who indicate they “can finish a job I have started”.

o Number of youth who indicate they “can take responsibility for my actions”.

o Number of youth provided with diversity focused education.

Indicator: Youth report a measurable difference in ability to lead

Method: verbal and written surveys

Timeline: year round

Intermediate Outcome: ? Number of 4-H members leading a project group or project club.

Method: Increased number of Jr. Leaders

Timeline: year round

Long-term Outcome: Number of 4-H members serving as direct mentors to younger youth.

Indicator: Measurable number of mentors in place

Method: verbal and written surveys

Timeline: year round

Number of volunteer hours with KEHA members.

Number of community activities led by Extension Leaders

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Bourbon County Homemakers

Project or Activity:  Leadership Training and monitoring

Content or Curriculum:  Empowering Community Leaders

Inputs:  Agent

Date:  July 2017 - May 2018

Audience: Relatives raising children of relatives

Project or Activity:  RAP (Relatives As Parents) Organization

Content or Curriculum:  Nuturing Parenting

Inputs:  FCS Agent Advisor

Date:July 2017 - June 2018 (and on going)

Audience: Master Clothing Volunteer 

Project or Activity:  Recruit established seamstress and begin sewing classes to establish future

Content or Curriculum:  Master Clothing Volunteer

Inputs:  FCS Agent monirator

Date: July 2017 - June 2018 (and on going)

Audience: Fair Board Members

Activity: Bourbon County Fair Board

Content or Curriculum: Education & Advisory

Date: August 2017 - June 2018

Audience: Council Members and Teens

Activity: County, District & State 4-H Adult & Teen Councils & Teen Retreat

Content or Curriculum: State curriculum

Date: Year round

Audience: 5th grade students

Activity: 4-H Leadership Club Program & 5th grade officer elections

Content or Curriculum: Core Curriculum - Step Up to Leadership

Date: October 2017

Audience: Shooting Sports Parents/Coaches

Project or Activity: Shooting Sports Coaches Certification

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum

Inputs: agent, state staff

Date: Year Round

Audience: Camp counselors

Activity: 4-H Camp Counselor orientation

Content or Curriculum: suggested curriculum

Inputs: agents

Date: June 2018

Audience: Teens

Activity: KY 4-H State Teen Conference

Content or Curriculum: leadership curriculum

Inputs: agents, state staff

Date: June 2018

Audience: Middle School age students

Activity: Teen Summit

Content or Curriculum: Core Curriculum

Inputs: agents, state staff

Date: March 2018

Audience: 4-H Council Members

Activity: 4-H Council

Content or Curriculum: Council Guidelines

Inputs: agent, state staff

Date: year round

Audience: Council members

Activity: County Extension Council

Content or Curriculum: Extension Council Guidelines

Inputs: agents, state staff

Date: year round

Audience: Teens

Activity: Bourbon County Teen Leadership Program

Content: 4-H Leadership Curriculum & County specific materials

Input: Agents, volunteers, community partners

Date: year round

Audience: Middle School students

Activity: Junior Leadership for Middle School

Content: 4-H Leadership Curriculum

Input: Agents, volunteers

Date: year round

Audience: Middle School students

Activity: District Middle School Retreat

Content: 4-H Leadership Curriculum

Input: Agents, volunteers

Date: Fall

Success Stories