4-H LeadershipPlan of Work

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Boone County CES

Title:
4-H Leadership
MAP:
Leadership Education and Volunteer Development
Agents Involved:
Steve Conrad, Christy Eastwood
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
Situation:

Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in Kentucky 4-H. The Cooperative Extension Service provides opportunities to youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create most positive futures. Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success.


Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field. The skills associated with leadership are necessary when working in a group or communicating with others. Employers look for leadership skills in the persons they hire. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the 4-H program is a priority. By assisting the development of leadership skills in today’s youth, we improve their ability to face the challenges of tomorrow. (Unlock Your Leadership Potential, University of Florida)


The development of life skills, such as leadership, allows youth to cope with their environment by making responsible decisions, having a better understanding of their values, and being better able to communicate and get along with others. (Boyd, Herring & Briers, 1992, Journal of Extension)

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

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 need.

Initial Outcomes:

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.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Greater understanding of different personalities

Indicator: Increased tolerance of one another

Method: written evaluation

Timeline: after program


Intermediate Outcome: 4-H youth serving as leaders in school/other organizations

Indicator:class/club officers with 4-H background

Method:observation & survey

Timeline:6-18 months


Long-term Outcome:4-H youth joining/serving as leaders in community organizations

Indicator:Community leaders with 4-H background

Method: observation & possible survey

Timeline: 15-20 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: teens, 16-18

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp

Content or Curriculum: state supported

Inputs: extension staff and resources; adult volunteers; camp staff

Date: summer


Audience: 4th & 5th Grade students

Project or Activity: 4-H Leadership Club

Content or Curriculum: state supported

Inputs: Elementary Schools, curriculum, Extension staff & resources

Date: October 2019-March 2020


Audience: 6th-12th Grade Students

Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Leadership academy/council, 4-H Teen Summit,  4-H State Teen Conference, and 4-H Issues Conference

Content or Curriculum: state supported 

Inputs: School Volunteers; Extension Staff & Resources

Date: September 2019-July 2020


Audience: 4-H Youth in established clubs

Project or Activity: 4-H members will volunteer to lead other activities in various settings utilizing skills gained from participation in 4-H club work.

Curriculum: state supported

Inputs: 4-H clubs, Extension staff and resources

Date: year long (2019/2020)



Success Stories

Leadership

Author: Stephen Conrad

Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum

Research has shown that youth leadership development can have positive effects on behaviors and skills including communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and goal achievement (21 Progress). Each of these skills is linked to higher student achievement, lower drop-out rates, and better post school outcomes. For these reasons, The Boone County Cooperative Extension Service offered youth leadership programming to students at Yealey and Mann Elementary Schools.  58 students (selected

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