Extension
It Starts With Us
Volunteer Recruitment, Retainment, Education, Leadership and Civic Engagement
Leadership and Volunteerism
Carter. Denniston, Tackett, Slusher
4-H Family and Consumer Science Core Curriculum
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). By supporting and engaging young leaders, adults, organizations and communities experience direct benefits, through stronger connections to other young people in the community (Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001). They have a greater understanding of the problems facing other youth, and fresh perspectives for how to address these problems (Des Marais, Yang, & Farzanehkia, 2000; Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001; McGillicuddy, 1991). Additionally, young people help to re-energize adults and counteract negative stereotypes of youth when they are successfully engaged in leadership within their communities (Zeldin, & Camino, 1999; Fiscus, 2003). Becoming an active part of the community necessitates that youth and adults value the diversity present
and promote inclusivity at all levels of programming and involvement. The demographic makeup of the US has changed significantly over the last few decades and will continue to change in terms of race,ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status (SES), special needs and educational attainment. This changing population and awareness of diversity will continue to change into the future. Three powerful trends in society have contributed to a focus on diversity, inclusiveness and education about
this topic. These trends are: 1) a competitive, globalized market in which the US conducts business; 2) substantial changes in the makeup of the US population and, 3) the celebration of individual differences and a movement away from “fitting in”. Some facts related to this:
* 4 of 5 new jobs are the result of foreign trade.
* The percentage of whites in the population continues to decline. Asians are the fastest growing race group while Hispanics are the largest. By 2050, approximately 1 in 2 people (50%) will be non-white.
* The majority of new workers are women and people of color.
* Taken as a whole, people with disabilities make up the largest minority group (15%) in the US.
* The fastest growing age group are those 75+ years old.
4-H Youth Leadership is about:
* Learning about the concept of leadership and your individual role as a leader.
* Using leadership skills to effectively lead small groups and teams toward common goals.
* Work within your community (club/county/state or beyond) to become an engaged leader who can make a difference.
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 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.
*Kentucky communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership
*Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.
* 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 needs.
Number of people who:
*Practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community outreach.
*Improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group process in addressing organizational issues and needs.
*Apply skills to assess needs, develop programs and implement solutions for community problems
* 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.
*Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.
*KEHA and FCS Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
*Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in community leadership
Initial Outcome: Number of youth who indicate “they know how to set and accomplish a goal”.
o Number of youth who indicate they “listen to people who have different ideas than
me”.
o Number of youth who indicate they “can finish a job I have started”.
o Number of youth who indicate they “can take responsibility for my actions”.
o Number of youth provided with diversity focused education.
Indicator: Youth report a measurable difference in ability to lead
Method: verbal and written surveys
Timeline: year round
Intermediate Outcome: ? Number of 4-H members leading a project group or project club.
Method: Increased number of Jr. Leaders
Timeline: year round
Long-term Outcome: Number of 4-H members serving as direct mentors to younger youth.
Indicator: Measurable number of mentors in place
Method: verbal and written surveys
Timeline: year round
Number of volunteer hours with KEHA members.
Number of community activities led by Extension Leaders
Audience: Bourbon County Homemakers
Project or Activity: Leadership Training and monitoring
Content or Curriculum: Empowering Community Leaders
Inputs: Agent
Date: July 2017 - May 2018
Audience: Relatives raising children of relatives
Project or Activity: RAP (Relatives As Parents) Organization
Content or Curriculum: Nuturing Parenting
Inputs: FCS Agent Advisor
Date:July 2017 - June 2018 (and on going)
Audience: Master Clothing Volunteer
Project or Activity: Recruit established seamstress and begin sewing classes to establish future
Content or Curriculum: Master Clothing Volunteer
Inputs: FCS Agent monirator
Date: July 2017 - June 2018 (and on going)
Audience: Fair Board Members
Activity: Bourbon County Fair Board
Content or Curriculum: Education & Advisory
Date: August 2017 - June 2018
Audience: Council Members and Teens
Activity: County, District & State 4-H Adult & Teen Councils & Teen Retreat
Content or Curriculum: State curriculum
Date: Year round
Audience: 5th grade students
Activity: 4-H Leadership Club Program & 5th grade officer elections
Content or Curriculum: Core Curriculum - Step Up to Leadership
Date: October 2017
Audience: Shooting Sports Parents/Coaches
Project or Activity: Shooting Sports Coaches Certification
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum
Inputs: agent, state staff
Date: Year Round
Audience: Camp counselors
Activity: 4-H Camp Counselor orientation
Content or Curriculum: suggested curriculum
Inputs: agents
Date: June 2018
Audience: Teens
Activity: KY 4-H State Teen Conference
Content or Curriculum: leadership curriculum
Inputs: agents, state staff
Date: June 2018
Audience: Middle School age students
Activity: Teen Summit
Content or Curriculum: Core Curriculum
Inputs: agents, state staff
Date: March 2018
Audience: 4-H Council Members
Activity: 4-H Council
Content or Curriculum: Council Guidelines
Inputs: agent, state staff
Date: year round
Audience: Council members
Activity: County Extension Council
Content or Curriculum: Extension Council Guidelines
Inputs: agents, state staff
Date: year round
Audience: Teens
Activity: Bourbon County Teen Leadership Program
Content: 4-H Leadership Curriculum & County specific materials
Input: Agents, volunteers, community partners
Date: year round
Audience: Middle School students
Activity: Junior Leadership for Middle School
Content: 4-H Leadership Curriculum
Input: Agents, volunteers
Date: year round
Audience: Middle School students
Activity: District Middle School Retreat
Content: 4-H Leadership Curriculum
Input: Agents, volunteers
Date: Fall
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
Kentucky 4-H aims to engage youth through hands-on experiences where they can build leadership competencies at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council, Fashion Leadership Board, Performing Arts Troupe, Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador Board, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy, and the Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Board provide experiences for senior 4-H’ers to build upon their leadership skills in the core area
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: 4-H Volunteer Programming
Volunteers play integral roles in 4-H programs, performing a variety of duties, functions, and tasks and possessing varied and rich knowledge, skills, and backgrounds (Radhakrishna & Ewing, 2011). The success of Extension programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher, & Klingborg, 2005). Although highly valued, volunteer involvement does not guarantee achievement of Extension's goals and fulfillment of learners' needs (Bolton, 1992).
