Union County CES

Title:

Strengthening Leaders to Expand Community Leadership and Economic Development

MAP:

Jobs, Infrastructure, and Community Vitality

Agents Involved:

FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Community Strategic Planning

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

Union County’s population is 12,691. The median income in 2022 was $58,223 and the poverty rate was 17.2% according to SAIPE by the U.S. Census Bureau.. Kindergarten Readiness and 4^th grade reading proficiency have improved but are below the state average. 8^th grade math proficiency and high school graduation over time have improved and exceed the state average. Since 2020 and various natural disasters across the Commonwealth, Emergency management have stepped up to minimize the effects of future disasters through mitigation, planning and training.  Union County Emergency Management play a pivotal role in ensuring public safety and coordinating resource during times of crisis.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Residents are qualified for good paying jobs with benefits. Extension clients take pride in their community. Extension adults and youth serve as leaders in the community, region, and state.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Demonstrate teamwork. Apply leadership skills at activities and community organizations. Engage in community service activities. Adopt habits that contribute to future employability. KEHA members will practice leadership skills in local, areas, regional, and state roles.

Initial Outcomes:

Learn communication, leadership, and procedural skills. Demonstrate inclusiveness. Listen to others with different ideas. Identify civic needs. Gain knowledge through annual chair trainings.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Develop or enhance leadership skills in youth and adults; number of youth who gained knowledge in communication and leadership skills.

Indicator: 2001.1, 2001.2, 2005.1, 3011.3, 3012.3, 3015.1, 3015.2

Method: 4-H club membership activities, KEHA club membership activities

Timeline: 1 year

Intermediate Outcome: Apply leadership skills in community.

Indicator: 2001.3, 2001.5, 2005.5, 2005.2, 2005.3, 4011.5, 3016.1

Method: Number of youth and adults who serve in leadership roles (local, district, state, or national level), demonstration of skills in Extension and community activities, number of youth and adults who participate in civic activities.

Timeline: 2 years

Long-term Outcome: Community members initiate, conduct, and/or participate in civic projects.

Indicator: 2001.5, 2001.3, 2005.6, 2005.5, 3012.2, 4011.6, 3015.4

Method: Qualitative description of Extension participation, leadership, and benefit to the community.

Timeline: 4 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4- H Members

Project or Activity: Teen Leadership Academy (TLA)

Content or Curriculum: Agent developed

Inputs: Area 4-H agents, leaders, volunteers, 4-H publications and resources

Date: Spring

Project or Activity: 4-H Speeches and Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: Leadership and volunteer development curriculum

Inputs: UK publications, elementary teachers and administrators

Date: Fall, Spring, Summer

Audience: Extension Sponsored Groups

Project or Activity: Cattlemen's Associations

Content or Curriculum: Master Cattlemen, Master Grazer, back to basic 

Inputs: UK publications and specialists, agribusinesses

Date: Winter/spring 

Project or Activity: KEHA

Content or Curriculum: KELD curriculum, leader trainings, monthly newsletter, advisory council

Inputs: State leadership, district and state leaders, FCS specialists

Date: On-going

Audience: Community Leaders

Project or Activity: Advisory Councils

Content or Curriculum: KELD curriculum, UK publications

Inputs: UK publications

Date: Monthly