McLean County CES

Title:

Empowering Community Leaders

MAP:

Empowering Community Leaders

Agents Involved:

David Fourqurean, Kelly Bland and 4-H agent

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Community Leadership Development

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Community Strategic Planning

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Community Engagement

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)

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 McLean County. Through the efforts of the McLean County Cooperative Extension agents, paraprofessionals, and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand family, community, Youth and Agricultural issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions.

Long-Term Outcomes:

McLean County's health and economy are strengthen through strong local organizational leadership.

Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders. 

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

Youth will identify and address critical issues that impact the community through leadership opportunities within 4-H.

Youth will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusive and multiculturalism in their daily life. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Through participation and programming efforts in Extension. Citizens will share their time, in an effort to promote their interest and initiatives of the Extension Service. 

Practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community outreach as well as taking lead roles in facilitating educational opportunities within the local community.

Applying skills learned 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.

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

Youth will utilize leadership skills learned during time in 4-H clubs and activities in 4-H and other community organizations by engaging in community based service programs and other project based group work.

Initial Outcomes:

Citizens will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement. 

McLean County leaders will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.

KEHA, FCS, 4-H & ANR Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.

McLean County leaders will increase knowledge and skills in community leadership.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome

Indicator: Increased number of citizens reporting recognition of personal and organizational leadership opportunities.

Method: Personal interview, survey, group discussions

Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks

Initial Outcome

Indicator: McLean County leaders increased knowledge and skills in personal and community leadership. 

Method: Personal interview, survey, group discussions

Timeline: 2024

Outcome: Initial 

Indicator: FCS, 4-H & ANR Advisory Council members increased knowledge and skills in organizational leadership. 

Method: Personal interview, survey, group discussions

Timeline: 2023

Intermediate Outcome 

Indicator: Leaders will report an increase in utilization of communications & leadership skills acquired through Extension programming. 

Method: Observation, Self-Reporting  

Timeline: 6 months – 1 year

 

Long Term Outcome: Increased number of individual are actively involved and engaged identifying, planning and solving county issues. 

Indicator: Increase in number of individuals that are actively involved and engaged in identifying, planning, and solving county issues.

Method: Observation of Councils and District Board, Self-Reporting

Timeline: 3-4 years

Outcome: Long-term

Indicator: Extension Leadership positions will sustain term limits by recruiting and building new leaders. 

Method: Observation, surveys, county data, self-reporting. 

Timeline: 3 to 4 years

Outcome: Long-term

Indicator: An increase in the percentage of youth in leadership positions outside of Extension. 

Method: Observation, surveys, county data, self-reporting. 

Timeline: 3 to 4 years

Outcome: Long-term

Indicator: A 2% increase in the number of youth who are engaged in 4-H special interest clubs.

Method: Observation, surveys, county data, self-reporting. 

Timeline: 3 to 4 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: ANR, 4-H and FCS Advisory Boards

Project or Activity: Office and council training 

Content or Curriculum: KELD

Inputs: KELD curriculum, UK specialist, volunteers, Kentucky CES publications and resources.

Date: yearly

Audience: McLean County Extension District Board/ McLean County Extension Council 

Project or Activity: Orientation for new CEC members and new District Board members

Content or Curriculum: UK Council Curriculum

Inputs: All agents, UK specialist, volunteers

Date: yearly

Audience: McLean County Extension Council 

Project or Activity: Leadership development activities at CEC meetings

Content or Curriculum: UK Council curriculum 

Inputs: All agents, UK specialist, Volunteers

Date: yearly CEC meetings 

Audience: McLean County Citizens

Project or Activity: Ag Festival, Plant Swap & Sale, Longest Day of Play, Second Sunday, Other Extension Sponsored Community Events

Content or Curriculum: Leadership Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Decision Making, Marketing, Event Planning, 

Inputs: Agents, Community Members/Volunteers, Extension Pubs, CEDIK Specialist

Date: July 2023 through June 2024

Success Stories