Boone County CES

Title:

4-H Leadership

MAP:

Leadership Education and Volunteer Development

Agents Involved:

Cathy Fellows, Rusty Wolf

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Leadership

Situation:

Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in Kentucky 4-H.  The Cooperative Extension Service provides opportunities for youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create a positive impact on their future.  Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success. 

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 future employees.   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 (Unlock Your Leadership Potential, University of Florida, 2017). 

Kentucky 4-H provides opportunities for youth to actively engage locally and globally to promote life skills [such as leadership] that prepare them for the global marketplace. Through 4-H youth exercise critical thinking skills, learn to appreciate diversity, practice tolerance, develop socio-emotionally, and strive to contribute to their environment (United States Department of Education International Affairs Office of International Strategy).  4-H participants rate their leadership life skills above average, have a positive view of their leadership ability, and have a positive attitude toward diversity and acceptance of others (Locke, Boyd, Fraze, and Howard, 2007).    

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Communities are equipped with competent, effective leaders 
• Community members engage others to initiate projects 
• Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members 
• Communities become more prosperous 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Youth put skills into practice by becoming more engaged, taking on leadership roles
• You improve skills in communication or problem solving in addressing community issues and needs
• Youth participants become more engaged in non-formal leadership roles which increases involvement/action
• Youth participants initiate projects that meet the needs of their community 
• Youth are inclusive of all individuals 
• Youth will volunteer and participate in community service 
• Youth will engage in civic involvement 
• Youth will maintain future intentions for civic engagement 

Initial Outcomes:

• Youth increase knowledge of effective leadership skills
• Youth develop/enhance leadership skills 
• Youth are 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) 

Evaluation:

• Outcome to be Evaluated
  • Youth 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 of Success for Outcome
  • Youth report they serve as a mentor for a younger participant 
  • Youth serve as leaders within their club or county programs
  • Youth serve in a state or national leadership position

• Method of Evaluation
  • Oral or 4-H Common Measures Universal Survey at conclusion of learning activity
  • Program Indicators
• Number of youth who served as group leaders or officers?(PRACTICE)
• Number of youth who received education related to diversity and inclusivity? (KOSA)
• Number of youth who served as direct mentors to one or more younger youth? (SEEC)
• Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #6 “Is 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself?” (SEEC)
• Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #13 “Is 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader?” (SEEC)

Learning Opportunities:

• 4-H Leadership
  • 4-H Teen Club 24-25
  • State and National Programs: 4-H State Teen Council and Leadership Boards, 4-H Leadership Boot Camp, 4-H Teen Conference, 4-H Achievement Program, 4-H Summit, 4-H Camp Counselors, Local Leadership Clubs/Events  
  • 4-H Council Officer Training (Sept. 2024)
  • 4-H Camp AC/JC Training (May 2025)
  • 4-H Livestock Committee Officer Training (Sept. 2024)

Success Stories

Boone County 4-H Teen Club

Author: Rusty Wolf

Major Program: Leadership

The Boone County Extension Affirmative action plan lists increasing teen involvement in 4-H programs as a priority. And our 4-H group enrollment in Boone County shows a sharp decline in high school aged youth being involved in our program vs middle and elementary. In 2022-23 4-H Program year our program saw 1380 8th grade youth and only 404 9-12th grade youth. So, there is a need for more teenage involvement in Boone County. With this decline we are not getting the long-term outcomes in the thri

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Youth learn civic engagement at 2024 4-H Issues Conference

Author: Rusty Wolf

Major Program: Civic Engagement

Kentucky 4-H provides opportunities for youth to actively engage locally and globally to promote life skills [such as leadership] that prepare them for the global marketplace. Through 4-H youth exercise critical thinking skills, learn to appreciate diversity, practice tolerance, develop socio-emotionally, and strive to contribute to their environment (United States Department of Education International Affairs Office of International Strategy). Young voices are the future of this country, and it

Full Story

Boone County youth attend 4-H Leadership summit

Author: Rusty Wolf

Major Program: Leadership

4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year's Summit was a success. With 115 middle school youth, 33 Teen Leaders, and 43 adults in attendance, the event highlighted the power of social activities, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment.Social activities are crucial for youth development. At 4-H Summit, 57% of attendees were motivated by the opportunity to meet new people, while 51% enjoyed spending time with friends. These interactions build social a

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