Extension
It Starts With Us
Encouraging youth to become skillful, productive, contributing members of our community.
Empowering Community Leaders
4-H, ANR and FCS agents
Community Leadership Development
Communications
Family and Consumer Science
Communication Programs are one of the seven core content areas in the Kentucky 4-H Program. Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. Using age appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communications Curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading and personal communication capacities. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006)
Strong writing, reading and presentation skills present youth with the dexterity of being good communicators as well as allowing them to form receptive relationships with peers and adults. When young people are confident and capable in presenting their thoughts and feelings they are more likely to accept roles of responsibility in their communities and enhance their contribution to society. This development of internal and external assets, as researched by the Search Institutes “The 40 Developmental Assets” helps to develop youth into competent, caring and contributing adults. (Jones, K.R. 2006)
Bullying is an issue of concern for 4-H leaders and community members at listening sessions that can be addressed through 4-H Curriculum. The 4-H Summer Camp experience is one way to give children a means to learn team work, conflict management and other interpersonal skills. Our advisory committees suggest that we work towards providing youth with skills that will allow them to be skillful and productive community members in the future.
Youth gain confidence in setting goals and completion of projects. By providing special interest clubs and special interest activities allow youth to socialize, establish a goal and work to achieve that goal. Club and project work is judged by the Danish system and allows youth to measure the quality of their work and reset their new goals.
Young adults are prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and skills necessary to be a productive member of society. Youth display a new found empathy for those around them. Youth will have developed a better self-esteem and sense of accomplishment through 4-H programs.
Youth will:
-use strong team skills to accomplish tasks
-take responsibility for tasks from beginning to completion.
-learn respect,tolerance,and empathy while working with others.
-demonstrate skills and work habits that lead to success in future schooling and work
-demonstrate positive growth in self-concept through appropriate tasks or projects
-students demonstrate the ability to become self-sufficient individuals.
Number of youth who participate in and
-research, write and present a speech or demonstration as a part of classwork
-become more comfortable with speaking in public
-attend anti bullying classes
-become a member in the area teen council
-become a member in community leadership organizations such as county chamber
-become a member in the 4-H Advisory council
-become a part of step-up to leadership classes
-become a member of extension advisory board
-become a member of teen leadership board
-establish personal goals, identify steps to achieve those goals, achieve their goals
Long-Term Outcome: Students are able to use basic communication for purposes and situations they will encounter throughout their lives.
Indicator: students who report back to Extension or serve as a member on an extension advisory board
Method: Written data, pre & post test, focus groups
Timeline: After Graduation
Intermediate Outcome: Students demonstrate skills and work habits that lead to success in future schooling and work.
Indicator: School Success
Method: 4-H Club and student assessment scores
Timeline: yearly
Initial Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to be adaptable and flexible through appropriate tasks or projects.
Indicator: Participation in individual and group projects
Method: Project completion
Timeline: End of project
Audience: 4-H Members (9 -19 years old)
Project or Activity: Club meetings, special interest clubs, 4-H activities
Content or Curriculum: Youth Development, Leadership, Team Building, Communications
Inputs: 4-H Leaders and agent
Date: Monthly club meetings
Audience: 4-H Members (High School)
Project or Activity: Teen Conference, Teen Retreat, Area Teen Council
Content or Curriculum: Basic communication skills, Parliamentary Procedures
Inputs: Older 4-H members, 4-H agents, Leaders
Date: Summer, Spring, Bi-monthly
Audience: 4-H Members (9-19 years old)
Project or Activity: Speech & Demonstration
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum plus supporting materials & score sheets
Inputs: Leaders, Teachers, School Administrator, Parents, and 4-H agent.
Date: February, March & April Annually
MEASURE: Grades given in schools/4-H scores
Audience: 9-14 years old
Project or Activity: 4-H Camping Experience
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H agent, ANR agent, FCS agent & volunteers
Date: Summer
Audience: 15-19 years old & Adult Volunteers/Parents
Project or Activity: Truth and Consequences
Inputs: 4-H, ANR and FCS agents
Dates: Annually
Audience: 12-14 years old
Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Summit
Inputs: 4-H agents, ANR, & volunteers
Dates: Spring
Audience: 14-19 years old
Project or Activity: Teen Retreat
Inputs: 4-H agents, ANR, & volunteers
Dates: Spring and summer
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
On the evening of October 28, 2023, Livingston County gathered for the 2nd Annual Bale Blast, the grand finale of our month-long Bale Trail fundraiser. First held to honor Bale Trail winners and showcase Livingston County Extension, the event faced an unexpected hurdle as the weather threatened to move the festivities indoors. Organizers quickly adapted, transforming the plans and relocating the event inside. This turned a potential setback into a heartwarming showcase of community spirit.Inside
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Leadership
Amidst the excitement and learning opportunities of a leadership trip, Livingston County 4-H encountered a student who was dealing with anxiety. Recognizing the importance of addressing his needs promptly and professionally, we engaged in a one-on-one conversation. We were able to tailor strategies to help him manage his anxiety and reframe negative thoughts into positive ones.In our discussion, we emphasized the importance of self-awareness and self-care, providing practical coping mechanisms t
