Extension
It Starts With Us
Growing and Empowering Community Leaders
Empowering Community Leaders
T Humble, G. Roberts, D. Shepherd, S. Coffey, D. Adams, S. Hart, T. Bertram
Leadership
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Civic Engagement
Family and Consumer Science
Major Program 5: Community Leadership
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen families. Within Kentucky there are over 20,000 4-H adults, and 4,500 4-H youth volunteers who share their expertise, and volunteer time with youth and families in their community. Through the efforts of the 4-H Agents, paraprofessionals, and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand family and community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions. Coordinated efforts between 4-H, Ag, FCS Programs along with efforts with local National Guard Family Support group will assist with supporting families and unit members during deployment
Kentucky communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership.
Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.
Communities are equipped with competent, effective leaders.
Community members engage others to initiate projects.
Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members.
Citizens put skills into practice by becoming more engaged in the community, taking on leadership roles.
Graduates in formal leadership roles increase their involvement/action.
Graduates of community leadership programs initiate civic engagement.
Number of people who practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community outreach.
Improved skills 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.
Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.
4-H Members, Leaders, Volunteers, KEHA Leaders and Members, Community Coalitions, and Extension Program Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in community leadership.
Increase knowledge of effective leadership skills.
Develop/enhance the leadership skills of youth and adults.
Citizens: Informed about community systems, better connected to communication networks, more confident and skilled in identifying and implementing strategies for systemic change.
Focus - Collect Data - Analyze and deliver training and other resources to
build leadership capacity.
Self-assessment tools, indication of increased citizen led activities.
Increased participation on community boards, civic groups and
organizations.
Audience: Extension Homemakers, Lake Cumberland Area Extension Homemakers, 4-H Ambassadors, Volunteer leaders, KEHA members, 4H Leaders/Youth, Wayne County Schools, Organizations, Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs), Social service agencies, Libraries, Schools, Faith-based organizations, Government officials, Chamber of commerce, Advisory Councils
Project or Activity: County Homemaker Leader Lessons, and Homemaker Club lessons, 4-H Ambassadors, Local Work Ready Initiative, Leadership Development, 4-H Leadership, Master Gardener Volunteers and Community Members, School Garden Volunteers, Health & Wellness Ambassadors, Master Clothing Volunteers
Content or Curriculum: Extension Homemaker Lessons, UK Extension Resources, Empowering Leaders in Kentucky (ELK), Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD), Champion Food Volunteer (CFV) training, Master Clothing Volunteers, Advisory Council Training, SEAL Training, KEHA Leader Training, 4-H Leadership Curriculum and Resources, Master Gardener, Health & Wellness Ambassadors Certification Training
Inputs: Extension Staff, Advisory Councils, Community partners, Extension Facility, Volunteers, Wayne County Schools, Hope Center, Health Department, Quilt Guild members, Extension Staff, families, youth, supporters, alumni, professionals in related careers,
Date: July 2024 - October 2025
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Strong leadership skills are important for a vital Extension Homemaker and Family & Consumer Sciences Extension program. These learned leadership skills also benefit other community organizations in which members participate. Extension Homemakers reported difficulties in recruiting new officers, maintaining membership interest in club activities and membership recruitment. They had also reported still feeling a lack of connection. Wayne County Extension Homemakers p
