Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Leaders in Breathitt County
Developing Community Leadership
Kayla Watts, Reed Graham
Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Farmer's Markets
Empowering Community Leaders (general)
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).
More so, 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 16,000 KEHA members, 119 Master Clothing Volunteers, and over 150 Champion Food Volunteers who share their expertise, and volunteer time with youth and families in their community. Through the efforts of the FCS agents, paraprofessionals, and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand family and community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions.
-Youth and adults will serve as leaders in their communities, community organizations, and
as mentors.
-Youth and adults will identify and address critical issues that impact the community.
-Youth and adults will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on
a daily basis.
-Youth and adults 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.
-Youth and adults will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal
lives.
-Youth and adults will partner and engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
-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 leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics.
-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:
Indicator: Number of youth and adults who indicate they "know how to set and accomplish a goal."
Method: Pre/Post Evaluations
Timeline: 2017
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Number of youth and adults leading a project or leadership initiative
Method: Evaluation, Active communication with members
Timeline: 2017
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Number of youth and adults in leadership roles within the community
Method: Evaluation, Active communication with members
Timeline: 2017-2020
Audience: Teens
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Teen Counselors
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camping, Leadership Curriculum, Camp Leader Training Manual
Inputs: Agent, Volunteers
Date: Summer 2018
Audience: 4-6 graders
Project or Activity: 4-H School Clubs
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Curriculum, Speeches and Demonstrations Materials
Inputs: Agent, 4-H Assistant, Volunteers
Date: Fall 2018-Spring 2020
Audience: Teens
Project or Activity: 4-H Issues Conference
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Curriculum, Community Development
Inputs: Agent, Volunteers
Date: Fall 2018
Audience: Youth in Grades 7-9
Project or Activity: Natural Resources Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci)
Content or Curriculum: Leadership, Natural Resources, SET/STEM
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Instructors
Date: Fall 2018-Spring 2019
Audience: Community Members
Project or Activity: Program Area Councils and Workgroups
Content or Curriculum: Communications, Leadership, Economic Development, Tourism
Date: 2017-2020
Audience: Community Members
Project or Activity: Extension Expo
Content or Curriculum: Communications, Leadership, Economic Development, Tourism
Date: 2016-2020
Audience: Community Members
Project or Activity: Information Tables in Local Businesses
Content or Curriculum: Extension Promotion; Volunteer Recruitment
Date: 2017-2020
Author: Kayla Watts
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H emphasizes youth development in areas of healthy living, citizenship, STEM, agriculture and many others. According to Mark Mains, Assistant Director of 4-H Youth Development, “For many youth in Kentucky, 4-H Camp is their first exposure to all that 4-H Youth Development can offer.” Attending camp, for some youth, is their first-time away from home, and allows them to explore all the various facets of 4-H Youth Development. Because we know that 4-H camp helps bui
