Enhancing Leadership & Communication Skills
Engaging Community Leaders
Madalyn Hale, Levi Berg, Shonda Johnston, Carrie Spry, Aubrey Lawson
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)
Facilitation Training
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Family and Consumer Science
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders is critical for the sustainability of communities that support and strengthen families and the Clark County Community. The Clark County Extension Service is committed to engaging, educating and empowering local citizens to investigate issues, vocalize viewpoints, make responsible decisions, take ownership of solutions and contribute to a work-ready Clark County.
-Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders
-Increased individual skills related to workforce readiness
-Clark County’s community health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership
-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
-Development of soft skills related to employment
-Collaborate with local agencies related to workforce readiness
-Implement individual leadership practices: identifying community needs, parlimentary procedures, interpersonal communication, teamwork
-Empower leaders to assume leadership roles in local decision-making bodies
Outcome: Workforce readiness
Indicator: Individuals are prepared to apply for employment
Method: Post Program Survey
Timeline: Annually
Outcome: Individual Leadership Practices and Empowerment of Leaders
Indicator: Continued involvement in leadership development opportunities
Method: Number of Participants in Leadership and Communication Programs, Involvement of individuals with the County Extension Council and Program Councils
Timeline: Annually
Audience: 4-H Age Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Communication Contest
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff, School Personnel, Community Volunteers
Date: Spring
Audience: 4-H Age Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Art Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff and Facilities, 4-H Volunteers
Date: Monthly
Audience: 4-H Age Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Art and Culture Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff and Facilities, 4-H Volunteers
Date: Monthly
Audience: Community Members
Project or Activity: Leadership Winchester Ag Day
Content or Curriculum: Clark County Ag Tour, leadership discussion
Inputs: Clark County Farmers, City of Winchester, Clark CES, Community Volunteers
Date: Spring
Audience: 4-H Middle and High School Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Teen and Leadership Clubs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content, District and Statewide Events
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff, 4-H Volunteers
Date: Monthly
Audience: 4-H Junior and Teen Leadership Club Officers
Project or Activity: Officer Training
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Meeting Procedures; Expectations; Officer Responsibilities
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff; State 4-H Officer
Date: Fall
Audience: Middle and High School Youth
Project or Activity: Mock Interviews/Career Readiness
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff, 4-H Volunteers
Date: Spring
Audience: 4-H age youth and adult volunteers
Project or Activity: 4-H Leader Training Workshops (Volunteer/4-H Officers)
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content/Guidelines
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff, 4-H Volunteers
Date: Spring
Audience: 14-18 yr old Jr/CIT Counselor, adult counselors
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Counselor training
Content or Curriculum: KY 4-H Camp Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff
Date: Spring
Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce
Project or Activity: 10 Soft Skills for Success
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability
Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders
Date:
Audience: high School youth
Project or Activity: Life Skills Academy
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability, Life Skills Academy
Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders,
Date: Fall
Audience: Beef Industry Leaders
Project or Activity: Clark County Cattlemen’s Events
Content or Curriculum: Agriculture Learning
Inputs: Extension Agents/Specialists (other states), Clark County Cattlemen’s Board, ANR Agent
Date: Quarterly
Audience: Community Leaders
Project or Activity: Program Advisory Councils (4-H/FCS/ANR), County Extension Council, District Board
Content or Curriculum: Extension Guidelines
Inputs: Extension Staff, Community Volunteers
Date: Annually
Audience:Clark County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Officer Training
Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum
Inputs:Clark Co FCS, staff, community leaders
Date:Fall, Annually
Audience: Extension Homemakers/Adults
Project or Activity:Leader Lessons
Content or Curriculum:UK Curriculum
Inputs:Clark Co FCS, staff, Area FCS Agents
Date: Monthly
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Clark County Jr. Cattlemen’s Association
Content or Curriculum: Youth Leadership Development
Inputs: UK Specialist, Community Volunteers, Clark County FFA, Kentucky Beef Council
Date: Monthly
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Master Gardner Volunteer Training
Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum; Specialists
Inputs: UK Extension Agents, staff; community partners
Date: Annually
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Leadership
According to research, middle school is a time where young people explore their strengths and interests in order to find their place in the world (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is essential to provide positive experiences in which young people are able to explore the world in a safe environment. Historically, Kentucky 4-H sees a decline in enrollment numbers for middle school age youth. In an effort to retain this age group, the Area C1-C4 Teen Council worked to plan, implement, and evaluat
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Civic Engagement
In a 2016 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, one in four youth were unable to name the three branches of government. In addition, in July 2018 the Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 158.141 stated a student must pass a civics test at a rate of 60% or higher, composed of 100 questions to graduate from a public high school with a regular diploma. To address this need, Kentucky 4-H Capitol Experience was established with the objectives of: Developing a positive relationship between elec
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Leadership
The objectives of C1-C4 Area 4-H Teen Retreat are to develop leadership and teamwork skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, have fun, make new friends, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills, and develop positive youth-adult partnerships. This overnight educational experience is a culminating event for the C1-C4 Area Teen Council, who worked for several months to plan implement, and evaluate this 2-night, 3-day program for their
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit 2024James Patrick Allen: 4-H Extension SpecialistMiddle school is a crucial period for youth development, marked by significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. Fostering leadership skills in middle school students is essential for preparing them for future challenges and responsibilities. Engaging them through interactive and enjoyable activities not only makes learning fun but also instills vital qualities such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.At th
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Civic Engagement
In a 2016 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, one in four youth were unable to name the three branches of government. In addition, in July 2018 the Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 158.141 stated a student must pass a civics test at a rate of 60% or higher, composed of 100 questions to graduate from a public high school with a regular diploma. To address this need, Kentucky 4-H Capitol Experience was established with the objectives of: Developing a positive relationship between elec
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Community Leadership Development
Extension is the best kept secret" is a phrase every extension employee has heard at one point in time. Clark County Extension decided to try and spread the news about all of the wonderful services extension offers and hopefully reach new people thru a 2023 Fall Fest event. This event was free and open to everyone of all ages. Many steps were made in advertising this event including articles in the local newspaper and shows on local radio. Many activities were offered from fish casting comp