Extension
It Starts With Us
7. Community and 4-H Leadership Development
Sustaining Leadership & Community Vitality in Morgan County
all agents
Communications
Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Community Leadership Development
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills
Situation: Leadership is a growing need in our changing rura lcounty. With the trend of Morgan County population growth declining there is a stronger need to develop leaders of all ages. Morgan County CES feels it is important to focus and provide opportunities for youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create a positive impact on their future. Morgan County need more youth/adult with basic leadership knowledge and skills which will carry over into almost any field and are essential when working with/in a group or communicating with others. The development of leadership skills are crucial today as employers are looking for more and more employeesthat can take the lead.
•Communities are equipped with competent, effective leaders
•Community members engage other develop local projects/initiatives
•Civic engagement is desired by community members
•Communities become more prosperous
*Youth put skills into practice by becoming more engaged, and taking on more leadership roles
•Youth and adult participants will improve skills in communication or problem solving in addressing community issues and needs
•Youth and adult participants will participants become more engaged in non-formal leadership roles which increases involvement/action
•Youth and adult participants will participants initiate projects that meet the needs of their community
•Youth and adult participants will are inclusive of all individuals
•Youth and adult participants will volunteer and participate in community service
•Youth and adult participants will engage in civic involvement
•Youth and adult participants will maintain future intentions for civic engagement
*Youth and adult participants will increase knowledge of effective leadership skills
•Youth and adult participants will develop/enhance leadership skills and communication abilities
•Youth and adult participants will be informed of community systems, are better connected to communication networks, are more confident and skills in identifying and implementing strategies for change in their community (local/state/national/global)
Outcome: Participants become more engaged as a leader in their community (planning a service project, serving as a mentor, increasing participation in local/state/national levels)
Indicator: Participants plan a community service project in their community; Participants report they serve as a mentor for a younger participant; Participants serve as leaders within their club or county programs; Participants serve in a state or national leadership position
Method: Number of participants who served as group leaders or officers (PRACTICE); Number of participants who received education related to diversity and inclusivity (KOSA); Number of participants who serve as direct mentors (SEEC)
Timeline: Upon completion of formal programs
Audience: Teen Club Members
Activity: Leadership Development
Curriculum: 4-H Leadership In Club meetings. Trainings for Camp and Teen Conference
Inputs: 4-H agent, 4-H Council and Teen Club
Date: ongoing August 2023– July 2024Audience: Selected Teens grades 9-12
Activity: Teen Leadership Academy
Content/Curriculum: 4-H Leadership/Citizenship
Inputs: 4-H Agent, Teen Club
Date: October 2023-May 2024
Audience: Female Farmers
Project or Activity: Women in Agriculture
Content or Curriculum: FarmHer series, SAWG, Farmer Appreciation Grant
Inputs: leadership materials; ANR Agent
Date: Fall, 2024Audience: New and potential CEC members
Project or Activity: County Extension Council Community Support Activities
Content or Curriculum: CEDIK initiatives, recognition
Inputs: agents training; all agents
Date: ongoing
Audience: Volunteers
Project or Activity: County/Area Work Days
Content or Curriculum: Volunteers get together as determined by their Co. Agent to work on service projects
Inputs: FCS & 4-H Agents or other Volunteers
Date: on-going
Audience: Morgan County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: KEHA Officer and Chairman Training / County KEHA Kickoff/ Officer and Chairman Training
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Training Toolkit, KEHA Manual, KEHA Website
Inputs: KEHA County officers and FCS Agent County
Date: Annually each fall 2022
Audience: Family & Consumer Sciences Advisory Council
Project or Activity: Committee meetings, program planning
Content or curriculum: KELD and leadership materials
Inputs: FCS Agent, State Advisors
Date: October 2023 & April 2024
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Speeches and Demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: Communications Curriculum
Inputs: Teachers, FRC Directors and Teen Council, 4-H agent
Date: Fall 2023-Spring 2024Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Visual Arts
Content or Curriculum: Photography Basics, KET Toolkit
Inputs: specialist and club leaders , 4-H agent
Date: Fall 2023
Author: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - ANR
Farming is rated the sixth most dangerous occupation, beating out powerline workers and steelworkers (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). There is also a high concentration of mental illness among farmers, including depression. These conditions are often stress-induced and can be life-threatening if left untreated.Building on last year’s success, Extension engaged additional community organizations for the USDA “Raising Hope – Supporting Healthy
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Morgan County 4-H Council has partnered with the Family Resource Center Directors, and four Elementary school staff for the past thirteen years to provide an educational environmental overnight camping program for all 4th graders in Morgan County. This partnership was developed to provide hands on applicable learning experiences for all 4th graders. However, Covid has altered this experience for Morgan County youth. After several planning meetings the decision to move forward,
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Leadership
Middle 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 this age, youth encounter numerous physical, cognitive,
Author: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Economic Development and Workforce Preparation - ANR
Morgan County Extension District Board, City of West Liberty Tourism Committee and Chamber of Commerce jointly commissioned a study to gauge how first-time visitors perceive the strengths and shortcomings of the community. These perceptions are critical to building a larger workforce, attracting new businesses, promoting tourism, and creating new jobs.The study was conducted by the University of Kentucky Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky housed in the Martin Gatton
