Extension
It Starts With Us
Leaders Address Community Needs
Engaged Communities
Graham Cofield, Cecelia Hostilo, Shelley Crawford
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Leadership
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)
The 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Report for Trigg County showed three needs in the area of Community Vitality:1.) more qualified leaders to prepare community for the future; 2.) more active community volunteers; and 3.) more pride in the community and its assets. The work that Extension does in the area of leadership is is important in building engaged and empowered communities. Extension programs such as Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association, 4-H Youth Development, and Agriculture-related leadership groups provide opportunities for our citizens to develop and improve their leadership ability. Through the efforts of the extension agents and volunteers, local citizens are engaged, educated, and empowered to understand family and community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions.
Adults and youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
Adults and Youth will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.
Adults and Youth will identify and address critical issues that impact the community
Youth will be productive, contributing adults in the future.
Adults and Youth will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis.
Adult and youth will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives.
Adult and youth will utilize leadership skills learned through 4-H, Homemakers, Advisory councils and committees, 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.
Homemakers will become leaders of their homemakers club, the county organization, area organization, and in community groups.
Agriculture volunteers will take leadership in the agricultural organizations and advisory boards, agriculture appreciation dinner, and farm tour.
Adult and youth will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
Adult and youth will engage in community based service projects
Adult and Youth will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting.
Adult and Youth will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player and communicator.
Adult and Youth will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics.
Adult and Youth will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
Adult and Youth will recruit and train volunteers and club members
Adult and Youth will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
Adult and Youth will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.
Adult and Youth will listen to people who have different ideas from them
Outcome: Leaders contribute to the improvement of quality of life in Trigg County
Indicator: Number of people who are involved in addressing significant community issues.
Method: program evaluations, surveys
Timeline: on-going
Outcome: Youth will practice service to others
Indicator: Completion of service projects
Method: Civic Engagement projects
Timeline: on-going
Outcome: Volunteer leaders will use improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group process in addressing organizational issues and needs.
Indicator: The number of youth and adults who report knowledge gained though county programing and practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools, committees and community.
Method: program evaluations, surveys
Timeline: on-going
Outcome: Trigg County Extension Homemaker leaders will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership through club lessons and special interest workshops.
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting improved personal and interpersonal leadership knowledge and/or number of individuals reporting improved personal and interpersonal leadership skills.
Method: end of program evaluations, surveys
timeline: on-going
Outcome: Trigg County Homemaker members will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area, and/or state level.
Indicator: Number of Trigg County Homemaker members who utilized knowledge gained to fulfill a leadership role at the club, county, area, and/or state level.
Method: observations, testimonials, review of officer directories
Timeline: on-going
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: club meetings and training opportunities
Content or Curriculum: 4-H leadership training materials
Inputs: volunteers, 4-H Youth Development Agent, CES publications and resources, Club officers
Date: on-going
Audience: High school youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Club
Content or Curriculum: various leadership team building curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Youth Development Agent, CES publications and resources, volunteers,
Date: year around
Audience: 4-H volunteers
Project or Activity: certified and other leaders trainings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H leadership training materials; Certified volunteer trainings
Inputs: volunteers, 4-H Youth Development Agent, CES publications and resources, State staff
Date: ongoing
Audience: Trigg County Adults
Project or Activity: Trigg County Extension Homemaker Association
Content or Curriculum: KEHA lessons, Champion Food Volunteers, Extension publications
Inputs: FCS agents, volunteers
Date: September-June (on-going)
Audience: Trigg County Adults
Project or Activity: Creation of a Trigg County Inter-agency Council
Content or Curriculum: KELD
Inputs: FCS agent, SNAP assistant, PACS related organizations, civic club leaders, Social Services leaders, volunteers
Date: on-going
Audience: Producers
Project or Activity: Trigg County Cattlemen
Content or Curriculum: UK specialists, publications, Recommendations
Inputs: UK specialists, Agents, Ky Beef Network
Date: quarterly meetings
Author: Shelley Crawford
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The educational experience returned to full participation in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down typical programming in 2020 and 2021. After the impact of COVID-19, many youth reported they were eager to return to face-to-face experiences, Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference being one of those. The leadership event attracted 489 individuals to the University of Kentucky campus: 389 youth and 61 adults from 84 Kentucky counties. The event was sponsored by the University of Kentucky College of Agr
