Extension
It Starts With Us
Butler County Rural Development Program
Rural and Community Development
Drake, Saylor, Cowles
First Impressions
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
Butler County has a long tradition of Rural Development. Butler County was a pilot county for a federal rural development program in the 1950's. Since the program's inception, the Extension Rural Development program has led the way on many positive changes in Butler County. Butler County has 4 functioning rural development clubs. The clubs maintain their own community centers and provide a foundation for community activity where they are located. Each club meets monthly. They provide educational and leadership development opportunities for their members. There is also a steering committee of delegates from each club. The steering committee bi-annually to direct rural development activities on a county-wide basis.
Rural Development communities are progressive and sustainable. They improve quality of life in the community.
Community service projects are completed by clubs. Clubs maintain and improve their properties.
Club members receive adult education by attending club meetings. Club members and officers gain leadership skills. Clubs host functions and allow policy makers to interact with citizens.
Initial Outcome: Leadership skills gained
Indicator: New people in leadership
Method: Leadership Roster
Timeline: January 2020
Intermediate Outcome: Community service projects
Indicator: Clubs list activities at annual meeting
Method: Take notes from club presidents
Timeline: November 2019
Long-term Outcome: Rural Development Club remain in existence.
Indicator: Clubs remain in operation
Method: Observation
Timeline: November 2019
Audience: Rural Development Club Members, Elected Officials
Project or Activity: Monthly Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Clubs have program committee and determine their needs.
Inputs: Agent time, volunteers, club facilities
Date: Monthly - July 2019-June 2020
Audience: Rural Development Club Members, Elected Officials
Project or Activity: R.D. Annual Meeting
Content or Curriculum: Program, business meeting
Inputs: Club member time, agent time, city building, steering committee funds
Date: November 2019
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Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Empowering Community Leaders (general)
The Butler County Extension Council has identified community and economic development as an important issue for the extension service. The 5 Rural Development clubs functioning here are a great example of a program that works to address rural issues. Rural Development was started by the extension service in the 1950’s. It has been leader led and successful ever since. The Rural Development Program in Butler County has beef functioning for 62 consecutive years. &nbs
Author: Tracy Cowles
Major Program: Economic Development
The Community Assessment conducted through Focus Groups identified Community & Economic Development as an important issue for Butler County. The local Extension Agents presented the information to each programs council and to the Butler County Extension Council. The County Extension Council identified rural development clubs as a way the extension service could address community and economic development. The five Rural Development Clubs functioning here are a great example of a program that
