Russell County CES

Title:

Developing Leadership and Communication Skills

MAP:

Empowering Community Leaders

Agents Involved:

Pam York

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Empowering Community Leaders (general)

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Agritourism Planning

Situation:

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. The Cooperative Extension Service is highly dependent on volunteers to help teach, reach and impact county clientele. The value of volunteer’s effort is $23.56 per hour in Kentucky (Independent Sector’s Value of Volunteer Time). This figure helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents and energy to making a difference. Strong leaders are vital to the future of our communities and to the organizations with whom Cooperative Extension works.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

*Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.

Intermediate Outcomes:

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:

* 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:

Outcome: Extension Homemaker council members will attend council meetings to strengthen leadership skills

Indicator: Attendance and participation in council meetings

Method: Attendance rosters

Timeline: August 2017-May 2018

Outcome: Extension Homemaker will gain knowledge on teamwork

Indicator: Evaluation

Method: Number of members who report increased teamwork in clubs

Timeline: 

Outcome: Extension Homemaker clubs will volunteer within the community with various service organizations

Indicator: ½ of the clubs will adopt a new service project and/or volunteer time in the community

Method: VSU logs, Number of clubs and members who volunteer and take on new service projects

Timeline: All Year

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Extension Homemakers

Project or Activity: Lesson on 

Content or Curriculum: KELD, FCS fact sheet

Inputs: KEHA, Extension Homemakers

Date: 

Audience: Extension Homemakers

Project or Activity: Officer’s Training

Content or Curriculum: KEHA Manual

Inputs: KEHA, KELD

Date: Fall 2017

Audience: FCS Advisory Council

Project or Activity: FCS Advisory Council Meetings (2)

Content or Curriculum: KEHA manual

Inputs: KELD, community leaders

Date: Fall 2017 and Spring 2018

Success Stories