Breathitt County CES

Title:

Developing Leaders in Breathitt County

MAP:

Developing Community Leadership

Agents Involved:

Kayla Watts, Reed Graham

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farmer's Markets

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Empowering Community Leaders (general)

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

-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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

-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.

Initial Outcomes:

-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.

Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

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

Success Stories