Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership and Volunteer Development
Leadership and Volunteerism
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Master Gardener
Master Clothing Volunteer
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
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. Through the efforts of the extension agents and volunteers, local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions. Woodford County is a community that is maintaining its population with limited amounts of growth. Community volunteers tend to stay involved in the community for long periods of time. Despite this, new volunteers and citizens must be engaged and encouraged to take on leadership roles within their community. An effective Cooperative Extension Service will continue to develop new leadership in order to maintain support and provide input to our programs.
The community will have a diverse mixture of experienced and new volunteer leaders that can effectively determine community needs and assist with the delivery of educational programs to the citizens of Woodford County. Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.
County advisory councils will be composed of individuals representing all areas of the community. Youth will serve as active members of advisory groups. Certified and master volunteers will help deliver educational programs in 4-H animal science, 4-H shooting sports, sewing, horticulture, and cooking.
Advisory councils will meet on a regular basis and provide input regarding educational needs. Youth will gain experience in communication skills, parliamentary procedure and community leadership. Citizens will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership, citizens will increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
Long-Term Outcome: Diverse mix of active community volunteers
Indicator: community organizations, advisory councils
Method: review of attendance, minutes, membership rolls
Timeline: Yearly
Intermediate Outcome: Advisory councils with representation from all areas
Indicator: membership, attendance, rotation of officers
Method: review of council minutes, meeting attendance
Timeline: Yearly
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain experience in parliamentary procedure
Indicator: 4-H Club officer involvement, meeting activities
Method: review of minutes, written evaluation from club leaders
Timeline: Yearly
Audience: Local elected officials
Project or Activity: Legislative Appreciation Dinner
Content or Curriculum: Report to the People
Inputs: Open house, multi-media presentation
Date: Annually
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Monthly Leader Lessons
Content or Curriculum: CES publications
Inputs: Agent's time, Volunteers, Extension Homemakers, Extension Facilities
Date: September-May
Audience: Advisory Council Members
Project or Activity: Council meetings
Content or Curriculum: SEAL materials
Inputs: Agents time
Date: Year-round
Audience: High School Seniors
Project or Activity: Woodford Leadership Tomorrow
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: Community organizations to host tours
Date: September - May
Audience: Adult volunteers interested in horticulture
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Program
Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener Manual
Inputs: Extension agents, Specialists
Date: Fall of every other year
Audience: Adult volunteers interested in sewing/textiles
Project or Activity: Master Volunteer in Clothing Construction
Content or Curriculum: Master Volunteer in Clothing Construction curriculum
Inputs: Extension agents, Specialists, Past volunteers
Date: Semi-annually
Audience: Youth age 9-18
Project or Activity: 4-H Communications Day
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Communications Curriculum
Inputs: Sponsorship from Kiwanis, Homemakers Organization, Volunteer Judges
Date: January - July
Audience: Fifth Grade students
Project or Activity: 4-H Parliamentary Procedure Lesson
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: classroom club presentation
Date: Yearly
Audience: Adult Volunteers
Project or Activity: Certified 4-H Volunteer programs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science, 4-H Shooting Sports, 4-H Equine, 4-H Sewing
Inputs: Volunteer Leader Workshops
Date: Year-round
Audience: Community Residents
Project or Activity: Leadership Woodford County
Content or Curriculum: KELD, other extension resources
Inputs: Area Agents Time, Specialists, Community and Civic organizations
Date: Every year
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Developing the next generation of leaders is a key component of the Woodford County 4-H program. One approach in this process is participation in state-level 4-H programming that seeks to provide teens with the skills and mindset to enact change within their own communities. Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference allows 4-H’ers to connect with other teens from around the state over pertinent issues facing them while learning what it takes to address those issues back at home. Woodford County 4-H s
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
The 95th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 10-13, 2019. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develop youth-adult partnerships, and become acquainted with
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Master Clothing Volunteer
Many studies have shown that sewing is not only a productive life skill and hobby, but that it can be a stress reliever and can increase a person’s feeling of self worth. The Woodford County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Garrard County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent work together as the coordinators of the Fort Harrod Area Master Clothing Volunteer program. Currently there are five Master Clothing Volunteers (MCV) in the area who share their skills with others. Each v
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Empowering Community Leaders (general)
In 2016 the Woodford County Extension Council determined a need for a leadership program within the county in order to empower citizens to be involved in challenges and opportunities the community faces. As a result of this, the Woodford County Extension Office in collaboration with the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce developed Leadership Woodford County. The program gives participants the opportunity to better understand their community and learn the skills they will need to prepare for the
