Extension
It Starts With Us
4-H Leadership
Leadership Education and Volunteer Development
Steve Conrad, Christy Eastwood
4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
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)
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 need.
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: 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
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)
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
