Carter County CES

Title:

Leadership Development in Adults and Youth

MAP:

Empowering Leaders

Agents Involved:

Rebecca Konopka, Rebecca Hayes, and FCS

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Leadership

Situation:

Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field. The skills associated with leadership are necessary when working in a group or communicating with others. Employers look for leadership skills in the persons they hire. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the 4-H program is a priority. By assisting the development of leadership skills in today’s youth, we improve their ability to face the challenges of tomorrow. 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 Carter County there are 200 KEHA members 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. Advisory councils and the Carter County CEC all identified leadership as a main focus for all three program areas.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Youth/adults will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.

• Youth/adults will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.

• Youth/adults will identify and address critical issues that impact the community.

• Youth/adults 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.

• Youth/adults become more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others.

•Kentucky communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership

•Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Youth/adults will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives.

• Youth will utilize leadership and communication 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 assist with 4-H clubs, camps, or other activities with younger 4-H members.

• Youth/adults will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.

• Youth/adults will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.

•Youth/adults will construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing.

•Youth will make a presentation before their family, a group of their peers, a school or county qualifying event.

•Youth/adults will demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups.

•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/adults will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting.

• Youth/adults will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player and communicator.

• Youth/adults will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics.

• Youth/adults will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.

• Youth/adults will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.

• Youth/adults will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.

• Youth/adults will listen to people who have different ideas from them.

•Youth will create a formal presentation or speech to present publicly.

•Carter County residents increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.

•KEHA and FCS Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.

•Carter residents increase knowledge and skills in community leadership.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting.

Indicator: Members complete an officer-training program

Method: Members lead club and council meetings

Timeline: Ongoing

Initial Outcome: KEHA and FCS Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting an increase in knowledge

Method: KELD Evaluations

Timeline: Following the leadership training

Intermediate Outcome: Senior 4-H members will assist with 4-H clubs, camps, or other activities with younger 4-H members.

Indicator: Senior 4-H members volunteer to assist with programs.

Method: Day camps, 4-H camp, club meetings, activity days

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: KEHA and FCS Advisory Council members increase their skills in organizational leadership

Indicator: Number individuals who demonstrate leadership skills in clubs and community

Method: Observation and follow-up evaluation

Timeline: months-year following training

Long-term Outcome: 4-H alumni will assist with 4-H clubs, camps, or other activities with current 4-H members.

Indicator: 4-H alumni volunteer to assist with programs.

Method: Day camps, 4-H camp, club meetings, activity days

Timeline: Ongoing

Long-term Outcome: Youth become more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others.

Indicator: 4-H members are successful in communication contests.

Method: Speech, demonstration, and interview contests

Timeline: November – July

Long-term Outcome: Ag, FCS, & 4-H Leaders use their core leadership skills to volunteer or lead programs in the community or Extension activities

Indicator: Number of hours volunteered, programs implemented, or offices held by leaders

Method: observation, KEHA reports

Timeline: Yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-H members

Project or Activity: Speech, demonstration, and interview contests

Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Communications Curriculum

Inputs: Club leaders, volunteers, staff

Date: November – July

Audience: 4-H members

Project or Activity: 4-H Officer Competition

Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Officer Handbooks

Inputs: Club leaders, staff

Date: January – March

Audience: Middle school & high school 4-H members

Project or Activity: Capitol Experience

Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Civic Engagement materials

Inputs: legislators, volunteers, staff

Date: March

Audience: Middle School 4-H members

Project or Activity: Teen Summit 

Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Leadership materials

Inputs: specialists, volunteers, staff

Date: March

Audience: Extension Homemakers

Project or Activity: Leadership Training- Train the Trainer Lessons-Lunch and Learns

Content or Curriculum:  UK publications, KEHA plan of work, Homemaker lessons

Inputs: FCS Agents, Leaders

Date: leader training August, lessons monthly

Audience: Advisory Council members and CEC

Project or Activity: Leader Training and orientation

Content or Curriculum: KELD, UK publications

Inputs: Agents, Specialists

Date: January

Audience: Ag Organization Officers

Project or Activity: Meetings & Trainings 

Content or Curriculum: KELD, UK Publications

Inputs: Agents

Date: January - December 

Success Stories