Developing Community LeadersPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Owen County CES

Title:
Developing Community Leaders
MAP:
Empowering Community Leaders
Agents Involved:
FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Master Clothing Volunteer
Situation:

Several years ago, a county assessment report was completed for the Chamber of Commerce. The primary weakness that concerned the assessment team was leadership voids within the county. Research shows that effective leadership is one factor necessary for success within today's communities and organizations. Effective leadership is needed to implant strategies to prompt sustainable development and preserve the rural character of our community. Leadership development can be built to include three levels: personal leadership, organizational leadership and community leadership. Leadership empowers local people to take ownership of community problems and possibilities. Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within the county is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen families.

Long-Term Outcomes:

-Communities health and economy are strengthened through strong local

organizational leadership.

-Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.

-Maurice Bowling Middle School students will develop the leadership skills needed to become contributing community members of Owen County.

-MBMS students will learn about their personal leadership style and how to apply it.

-The base of potential community or organizational leaders will be broader and more diverse.

-Increase in community projects initiated by new leadership.

-Become volunteers to make their community a better place to live for everyone.

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Citizens practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community

outreach.

-Citizens improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group process in

addressing organizational issues and needs.

-Citizens apply skills to assess needs, develop programs and implement solutions

for community problems.

-Students of Maurice Bowling Middle School will develop and have leadership skills that will increase self-awareness as well as self-esteem.

-Participants take on formal community leadership roles.

Initial Outcomes:

-Individuals increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.

-Extension council members and program advisory council members increase

knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.

-Community leaders increase knowledge and skills in community leadership.

-Intends to participate in volunteer activities.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:Individuals will practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools, and community outreach.

Indicator:Number of adults and youth utilizing improved skills in communication, problem-solving or group process in addressing community issues and needs.

Method:6 month follow-up interviews by CEC committee members on how participants have made use of information learned.

Timeline:July-June (2020-2024)


Intermediate Outcome:Extension council members and programs advisory council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.

Indicator: Number citizens indicating increased leadership knowledge, skills or confidence through participation in leadership programs.

Method:Evaluation of members

Timeline: July-June (2020-2024)


Long-term Outcome:Individuals increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.

Indicator: Number citizens indicating increased leadership knowledge, skills or confidence through participation in leadership programs.

Method:Lesson evaluations/observation of members, comments from Master Clothing Volunteers participants as well as observation of leadership skills in use.

Timeline:July-June (2020-2024)

Learning Opportunities:

Intermediate Outcome: individuals will improve leadership skills and become better community leaders 

Audience: Homemaker Club Leaders

Project or Activity: Homemakers Officer Training

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Resource

Inputs: UK resources and KEHA resources, FCS agent and extension homemakers

Date: August (2020-2024)


Long-term Outcome: Participants will become involved in the community and do a service project 

Audience: Community leaders & Organizations

Project or Activity: Leadership Owen County 

Content or Curriculum: Community Resource

Inputs: Community partners, community resources & FCS Agent

Date: Ongoing (2020-2024)


Initial Outcome: Youth will pick a pathway and develop skills

Audience: Owen County Youth Ages 13-18

Project or Activity: Teen Conference

Inputs: 4-H Agent, 4-H State Specialists

Date: June (2020-2024)


Intermediate Outcome: Participants will be equipped to educate 4-H'ers and adults in sewing

Audience: Master Clothing Volunteer

Activity: Training for Volunteers

Content: Resources from UK

Inputs: FCS & 4-H agents, master clothing volunteers, Marjorie Baker, UK specialist

Date: July-June (2020-2024)





Success Stories

Growing Success

Author: David Gabbard

Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development

Growing Success

For most youth across our state the month of August is for finishing up that magical summer must do list and trying to forget that n new school year is about to start. But for some 4-H members in Owen County had something else on their mind, the 2021 Kentucky State Fair. The State Fair was amazing, the Owen County 4-H Youth Development Agent delivered 72 entries, and 7 country hams to Louisville for display and judging in August! Owen County 4-H is so proud of all of our members for all the

Full Story

KEHA Area Leadership Training

Author: Chelsea Young

Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

KEHA Area Leadership Training

Research suggests that leadership and the way people feel about their communities are related to the overall success of rural communities (Ginsberg, 2011). When we think about how to make our communities a success, we need to direct our focus to the community leaders and how we can help them be successful in their skills and abilities.  By reaching those important leaders we can give them the tools they need to return to their communities with motivation and ideas.  This scenario led t

Full Story

You Are Never Alone

Author: Kendal Bowman

Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - ANR

You Are Never Alone

Nestled in rural Kentucky, you will find a tight knit farming community. According to the 2017 Agriculture Census, Owen County Kentucky had 1,308 producers. Currently nationwide, farmers have the highest rate of suicide. Farmers have demanding jobs that are often challenged by economic uncertainty, vulnerability to weather events, and isolation. Rural communities may also have limited access to healthcare and mental health services, which can make it difficult for families to receive support whe

Full Story
Back to Plans for the County