Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth and Volunteer Development
Community Leadership Development
4-H
Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Many leadership scholars and youth development professionals agree that leadership development is an important, but often overlooked facet of youth development and education (MacNeil ,2000). The development of leadership contributes greatly to the positive development of young people and their communities. Leadership skills, such as goal-setting, problem-solving and sound decision-making, are not just necessary for leaders-these skills are needed for success in today's world (MacNeil, 2000). Furthermore, helping young people develop leadership competencies makes them better able to solve community problems and enhances their civic participation (O'Brien & Kohlmeier, 2003). Young leaders also demonstrate higher career aspirations, increased self-esteem, and improved high school completion rates (Bloomberg, Ganey, Alba, Quintero, & Alcantara, 2003).
By supporting and engaging young leaders, adults, organizations and communities experience direct benefits, through stronger connections to other young people in the community (Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001). They have a greater understanding of the problems facing other youth, and fresh perspectives for how to address these problems (Des Marais, Yang, & Farzanehkia, 2000; Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001; McGillicuddy, 1991). Additionally, young people help to re-energize adults and counteract negative stereotypes of youth when they are successfully engaged in leadership within their communities (Zeldin, & Camino, 1999; Fiscus, 2003).
Becoming an active part of the community necessitates that youth and adults value the diversity present and promote inclusivity at all levels of programming and involvement. The demographic makeup of the US has changed significantly over the last few decades and will continue to change in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status (SES), special needs and educational attainment. This changing population and awareness of diversity will continue to change into the future. Three powerful trends in society have contributed to a focus on diversity, inclusiveness and education about this topic. These trends are: 1) a competitive, globalized market in which the US conducts business; 2) substantial changes in the makeup of the US population and, 3) the celebration of individual differences and a movement away from “fitting in”. Some facts related to this:
-4 of 5 new jobs are the result of foreign trade.
-The percentage of whites in the population continues to decline. Asians are the fastest growing race group while Hispanics are the largest. By 2050, approximately 1 in 2 people (50%) will be non-white.
-The majority of new workers are women and people of color.
-Taken as a whole, people with disabilities make up the largest minority group (15%) in the US.
-The fastest growing age group are those 75+ years old.
Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and
as mentors for younger youth.
Youth will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their
daily life.
Youth will identify and address critical issues that impact the community
Youth will be productive, contributing adults in the future.
Youth will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on
a daily basis.
Youth will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives.
Youth will utilize leadership skills learned during their time in 4-H in clubs, activities and other
venues with 4-H and other community organizations.
Senior 4-H members will become leaders or co-leaders of a 4-H project club, day camp or other
project based group of younger 4-H members.
Youth will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal
lives.
Youth will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
Youth will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run
a meeting.
Youth will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team
player and communicator.
Youth will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative
leadership characteristics.
Youth will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
Youth will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
Youth will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.
Youth will listen to people who have different ideas from them.
Initial Outcome: Participants will increase knowledge of effective leadership skills
Indicator: # of individuals participating in leadership programming and % of knowledge gained
Method: Post evaluation and # of participants
Timeline: 2017-2018
Intermediate Outcome: Individuals will actively engage in leadership and volunteer roles
Indicator: Volunteer hours and # of volunteers
Method: observation, personal testimonies
Timeline: 2017-2018
Long-term Outcome: Individuals will serve as leaders in their community and community organizations
Indicator: # of effective leaders in significant leadership roles
Method: observation, follow-up surveys, testimonies
Timeline: 2017-2018
Audience: 4-H Council officers and members
Project or Activity: meetings
Content or Curriculum: reports and updates
Inputs: agent, volunteers, agendas, minutes, reports
Date: meetings held in July, Sept. Nov. (2017) Jan. March May July (2018)
Audience: 4-H club leaders and volunteers
Project or Activity: various clubs and projects
Content or Curriculum: UK and CES publications/curriculum, adapted resources/materials
Inputs: volunteers, agents, cert. hours, training
Date: 2017-2018
Audience: 4-H Teen club/volunteers
Project or Activity: MS club, day camp, 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum: leadership development
Inputs: agents, teens, planning, resources, handbooks
Date: 2017-2018
Audience: 8th graders
Project or Activity: Leadership Academy
Content or Curriculum: UK/4-H Resources
Inputs: agents, volunteers, teachers, school staff
Date: 2017-2018
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
After an eight year hiatus from being involved in the local community's Christmas parades, the Bracken County 4-H clubs joined forces to create an entry. The theme this year was: Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child. The planning committee decided that the Bracken County 4-H's float would be Santa's Toyland. With the help of 10 youth and adults, we created Santa's workshop on a 25 foot trailer. On parade day, there were 15 youth and adults that represented Bracken County 4-H. We
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Core Curriculum
According to a 2012 survey conducted by The American Red Cross, good babysitters are often hard to find. The survey reviled that fifty five percent of parents stay home from activities because they could not find a sitter. (http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/Survey-Shows-Parents-Struggling-to-find-Trusted-Babysitters-and-Would-Pay-More-for-Well-Trained-Teens). This same survey also found that nearly 30 percent of parents rejected a potential babysitter due to safety concerns.During the m
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
If you were to ask any youth in Bracken County what the best part about 4-H is, some would say livestock, some would say day camps, BUT the majority of all kids would excitedly say 4-H CAMP! In Kentucky the 4-H Camping Program is strong. It is more than just a week away from parents…it is a week full of new experiences, a chance to meet new friends, and an array of activities that focus on teamwork, physical activity, and personal development. Once the camp dates were released, it wa
