Leadership Development & Volunteerism 2020-25
Strengthening Individuals & Families
Tyler Miller, Jody Paver
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General
Leadership
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long-term commitment to strengthen families. The Independent Sector estimates the hourly value of volunteer time is $25.43, a cost that county programs could not provide to salaried staff. Strong leaders are vital to the future of our communities, and to the organizations with whom Cooperative Extension works. Workshops, conferences, and training programs aid in building leadership skills of clientele who will continue to be a vital part of Extension. These leaders form the basis of our support mechanism and are an asset to their communities.
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 the persons they hire. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in Extension programs is a priority.
The development of life skills, such as leadership, allows youth and adults to cope with their environment by making responsible decisions, having a better understanding of their values, and being better able to communicate and get along with others. (Boyd, Herring & Briers, 1992, Journal of Extension).
- The health and economic stability of Kentucky communities will continue to be strengthened through strong, vocal, and organizational leadership.
- Extension leaders will assist others to improve various aspects of their lives.
- Individuals will enhance personal, interpersonal, and group leadership skills.
- Groups and/or committees will have stronger, more productive leaders to address public issues and solve community problems.
- Youth and adults will serve as leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
- Youth and adults will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.
- Youth and adults will identify and address critical issues that impact the community
- Youth will be productive, contributing adults in the future.
- Youth and adults will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis.
- Youth and adults will participate in workshops and programs and will accept leadership positions on the county, area, and state levels.
- Leaders will demonstrate increased confidence in conducting and organizing meetings and activities.
- Council members and leaders will increase their roles in decision making and planning. They will be actively involved in the planning of various county, area, and state programs.
- Leaders will have improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group processes in addressing organizational issues and needs. They will apply skills to assess needs, develop programs and implement solutions.
- Youth and adults will learn basic parliamentary procedure skills and conduct monthly club meetings.
- Youth and adults will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
- Youth and adults will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
- Extension leaders will increase their knowledge and skills in personal, organizational, and community leadership. In doing so, they will increase their knowledge of effective meeting skills, leadership styles, team building skills, and of the many Extension programs and services available to all people.
- Youth and adults will acquire skills and knowledge that will help them become more effective leaders.
- Youth and adults will gain knowledge of democratic processes, the duties of club officers and how to conduct a business meeting.
- Youth and adults will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player and communicator.
- Youth and adults will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
- Youth and adults will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
- Youth and adults will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.
- Youth and adults will listen to people who have different ideas from them.
Initial Outcome: Youth and adults will gain knowledge of democratic processes, the duties of club officers and how to conduct a business meeting.
Indicator: Club meetings lead by elected officers
Method: Observation
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults will participate in workshops and programs and will accept leadership positions on the county, area, and state levels.
Indicator: Lincoln County program participants hold leadership positions at the county, area, or state levels.
Method: Survey
Timeline: Annually
Long-term Outcome: Youth and adults will serve as leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
Indicator: Adults serve as leaders in other community organizations
Method: Survey
Timeline: 2+ years
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Audience: Officers, Chairpersons, and General Public
Activity: Leadership Training
Content or Curriculum: State and local chairpersons, officer training guidelines, and CLD materials
Inputs: Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: THroughout the year as program allows
Audience: Extension Homemakers and General Public
Activity: Leader Lesson Trainings
Content or Curriculum: State and local chairpersons, officer training guidelines, and FCS materials
Inputs: Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: Monthly during the year
Audience: 4-H Club Members & Officers
Activity: 4-H Club Officer Training
Content or Curriculum-4-H Officer Handbook
Inputs:Community Partners: County Extension Council Members, 4-H Council Members, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, others
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: All year at club meetings
Audience: Community Businesses and Organizations
Activity: 4-H Reality Store and/or 4-H Dollars & Sense
Content or Curriculum: Reality Store Curriculum, Census Data, Leadership Development, Program Planning
Inputs: Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, 4-H Council Members, District Board Members, Goat Association, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, Dairy Association, Main St. Renaissance Program, Farmers Market Association, local business owners, others
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: September - May
Audience: 4-H Council Members
Activity: County 4-H Council Meetings
Content or curriculum-State, District & Local Information, program planning/evaluation, issues identification, leadership development.
Inputs: Community Partners: County Extension Council Members, 4-H Council Members, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, others
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: Fall, Winter and Spring (3 meetings)
Audience: Camp Leaders
Activity: 4-H Camp Leader and JC Training
Content or Curriculum-4-H Camp Handbook and Youth Protection/Risk Management
Inputs:Community Partners: County Extension Agents, Ephraim McDowell Hospital Fort Logan Hospital, County Extension Council Members, 4-H Council Members, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, others
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, Boyle County Extension Office, Powell County Extension Office, Feltner 4-H Camp Facilities, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: Summer
Audience: Extension Homemaker Members
Activity: Statewide leadership Seminar/Training at KEHA State Meeting/Area Leadership Training
Content or Curriculum: FCS materials
Inputs: Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: All year
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Activity: Extension Homemaker Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: KEHA materials, UK publications from leader trainings, meetings, etc. - leadership development, community service, and educational opportunities
Inputs:Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: All year
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Activity: Extension Homemakers Council Meetings
Content or Curriculum: KEHA materials
Inputs: Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: All Year
Audience: CEC Members
Activity: County Extension Council Meetings
Content or Curriculum: State, local information, program planning/evaluation, issues identification, leadership development, etc.
InputsCommunity Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: All Year
Audience: Extension District Board Members
Activity: Extension District Board Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Extension-related information and guidance
Inputs:Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: All Year
Audience: AG Development Board Members
Activity: AG Development Board Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Extension-related information and guidance, GOAP Guidance
Inputs:Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: All Year
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Activity: County, Area, and State Meeting Participation and Attendance
Inputs: Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: All Year
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Activity: Various Extension Homemakers Sponsored Programs -- Leader Organized and Led Events (club, county, area, and state levels)
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Development and other FCS publications
Inputs: Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: All Year
Audience: General Public
Activity: FCS Program Advisory Council Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Needs/issues identification, program planning, evaluation
Inputs: Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: Meets 3 times per year
Audience: Farmers
Activity: Assisting Commodity Groups and Farm Organizations
Content or Curriculum: Current Ag, FCS, and 4-H along with Department of Agriculutre and other
Inputs: Community Partners: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,Fair Board, County Extension Council Members, Farm Bureau, District Board Members, Chamber of Commerce, School system, Vo-Ag program, FCS Program, FCCLA, FFA, Local Farmers Markets, Broughtontown Community Center, City and County Government, Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court, local businesses, and other community partners.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, schools, others depending upon the specific program
Date: Monthly meetings, annual meeting, board activities
Audience: 4-H Council Members and Committees
Activity: 4-H Achievement Banquet
Content or Curriculum: Annual recognition event for outstanding 4-H achievement at county, district, state, and/or national levels
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office
Date: Fall
Audience: 4-H Volunteers (teens and/or adults)
Activity: Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum
Content or Curriculum: The Kentucky 4-H Volunteer forum is a bi-annual leadership conference for 4-H volunteers. A 4-H volunteer is anyone who contributes time, energy or talent to the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program and is not paid by University of Kentucky funds. These volunteer roles involve working directly with other; others do not. There are seven specific types of 4-H volunteer roles in Kentucky. These include Community Club Leader, Project Club Leader, Special Interest Volunteer, School Enrichment Volunteer, 4-H Committee Member, 4-H Council Member or 4-H Youth Volunteer.
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, local business owners, Kentucky State 4-H Specialists, Kentucky 4-H Agents and other volunteers, and others.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, Lexington-area hotel and/or convention center.
Date: February 2026
Audience: Senior 4-H Members
Activity: Kentucky 4-H Teen Council & other State-wide Leadership Boards
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council and other leadership boards are made up of delegates selected from each of the seven districts in Kentucky. They are selected at the district level and serve for one to two years. As a member of a state-level leadership board, youth help to plan events like 4-H Teen Conference, review educational materials for teens, learn about teamwork and leadership, assist with the Kentucky Teen Summit (program for 6th-8th grade youth) and much more. All participants are expected to attend all meetings and events, come prepared to work and contribute to the best of their ability and to represent the best that Kentucky 4-H can offer.
Inputs: Community Partners include State 4-H Specialists, STC Contact Agents, 4-H Council Members, local business owners, and others.
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office
Date: Annual terms, September thru June
Audience: Senior 4-H Members
Activity: Area C1-C4 4-H Teen Council
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, District 4 4-H Agents, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Fayette County Extension Office, Madison County Extension Office, North Central 4-H Camp and/or Feltner 4-H Camp, and the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Center.
Date: August – June
Audience: Senior 4-H Members
Activity: Area C1-C4 4-H Teen Retreat
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, District 4 4-H Agents, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Fayette County Extension Office, Madison County Extension Office, North Central 4-H Camp and/or Feltner 4-H Camp, and the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Center.
Date: Winter
Audience: Middle School age youth and Senior 4-H Members
Activity: Area C1-C4 Middle School 4-H Retreat
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, District 4 4-H Agents, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Fayette County Extension Office, Madison County Extension Office, North Central 4-H Camp and/or Feltner 4-H Camp, and the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Center.
Date: Fall
Audience: Senior 4-H Members
Activity: Issues Conference
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Youth who participate in Issues Conference are exposed to a variety of opportunities for personal development. Leadership activities help youth develop confidence, improve their self-esteem, enhance their communication skills, understand the importance of diversity, learn effective decision making methods, and experience problem-solving situations.
Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, District 4 4-H Agents, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Kentucky 4-H Leadership Center.
Date: Fall
Audience: Middle School age youth
Activity: Kentucky 4-H Summit
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, state Extension Specialists, District 4 4-H Agents, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Kentucky 4-H Leadership Center.
Date: March
Audience: High school age youth
Activity: Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, state Extension Specialists, District 4 4-H Agents, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: University of Kentucky
Date: June
Audience: School age youth
Activity: 4-H Capital Experience
Content or Curriculum: The Capitol Experience is an opportunity for youth from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky to come to Frankfort during a Congressional session. While there, they have the opportunity to visit their legislators, view a committee meeting or meet representatives from government agencies. Additionally, they may have the chance to tour the Governor’s Mansion or the Capitol, visit the House and Senate and hear a presentation from the Governor. Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, state Extension Specialists, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Kentucky State Capital
Date: February or March
Audience: 8th-12th grade youth
Activity: 4-H Teen Club
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, state Extension Specialists, District 4 4-H Agents, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Lincoln County Extension Office, others
Date: September – June
Audience: High school age youth
Activity: Camp Counselor Volunteerism, including training
Content or Curriculum: Camp training handbook, Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, state Extension Specialists, District 4 4-H Agents, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Lincoln, Boyle, and Powell County Extension Offices, Feltner 4-H Camp, etc.
Date: May – July
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Achievement Program
Content or Curriculum: The 4-H Achievement Program is intended to recognize 4-H participants who have outstanding accomplishments and to provide incentive for youth to increase their knowledge, skills and abilities. Every effort is made to make this 4-H program inclusive to all eligible youth.
Inputs: Community Partners include 4-H Council Members, state Extension Specialists, District 4 4-H Agents, Club leaders, local business owners, and others
Facilities Used: Various
Date: September – May, annually
Audience: Ag Council
Activity: Ag Council Member Board
Content or The Ag Council aids in helping the Ag Agent come up with programming ideas and meeting topics.
Inputs: UK Extension Specialist, Ag Agent, Community Members, Extension office staff
Facilities Used: Various
Date: February
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Fort Harrod Area Extension Homemaker 2024-2025 Officer and Chairperson Training Success Story? Research shows when people understand their purpose, they are more likely to engage deeply in their personal activities, such as being an Extension Homemaker. Whether you joined a homemaker club recently, or have been a member for years, now is the perfect time to refresh your perspective on what it means to be an Extension Homemaker. The Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Sciences Age