Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership and Volunteer Development
Leadership and Volunteerism
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
4-H Family and Consumer Science Core Curriculum
Master Gardener
Master Clothing Volunteer
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
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. Through the efforts of the extension agents and volunteers, local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions. Woodford County is a community that is maintaining its population with limited amounts of growth. Community volunteers tend to stay involved in the community for long periods of time. Despite this, new volunteers and citizens must be engaged and encouraged to take on leadership roles within their community. An effective Cooperative Extension Service will continue to develop new leadership in order to maintain support and provide input to our programs.
The community will have a diverse mixture of experienced and new volunteer leaders that can effectively determine community needs and assist with the delivery of educational programs to the citizens of Woodford County. Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.
County advisory councils will be composed of individuals representing all areas of the community. Youth will serve as active members of advisory groups. Certified and master volunteers will help deliver educational programs in 4-H animal science, 4-H shooting sports, sewing, horticulture, and cooking.
Advisory councils will meet on a regular basis and provide input regarding educational needs. Youth will gain experience in communication skills, parliamentary procedure and community leadership. Citizens will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership, citizens will increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
Long-Term Outcome: Diverse mix of active community volunteers
Indicator: community organizations, advisory councils
Method: review of attendance, minutes, membership rolls
Timeline: Yearly
Intermediate Outcome: Advisory councils with representation from all areas
Indicator: membership, attendance, rotation of officers
Method: review of council minutes, meeting attendance
Timeline: Yearly
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain experience in parliamentary procedure
Indicator: 4-H Club officer involvement, meeting activities
Method: review of minutes, written evaluation from club leaders
Timeline: Yearly
Audience: Local elected officials
Project or Activity: Legislative Appreciation Dinner
Content or Curriculum: Report to the People
Inputs: Open house, multi-media presentation
Date: Annually
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Monthly Leader Lessons
Content or Curriculum: CES publications
Inputs: Agent's time, Volunteers, Extension Homemakers, Extension Facilities
Date: September-May
Audience: Advisory Council Members
Project or Activity: Council meetings
Content or Curriculum: SEAL materials
Inputs: Agents time
Date: Year-round
Audience: High School Seniors
Project or Activity: Woodford Leadership Tomorrow
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: Community organizations to host tours
Date: September - May
Audience: Adult volunteers interested in horticulture
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Program
Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener Manual
Inputs: Extension agents, Specialists
Date: Fall of every other year
Audience: Adult volunteers interested in sewing/textiles
Project or Activity: Master Volunteer in Clothing Construction
Content or Curriculum: Master Volunteer in Clothing Construction curriculum
Inputs: Extension agents, Specialists, Past volunteers
Date: Semi-annually
Audience: Youth age 9-18
Project or Activity: 4-H Communications Day
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Communications Curriculum
Inputs: Sponsorship from Kiwanis, Homemakers Organization, Volunteer Judges
Date: January - July
Audience: Fifth Grade students
Project or Activity: 4-H Parliamentary Procedure Lesson
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: classroom club presentation
Date: Yearly
Audience: Adult Volunteers
Project or Activity: Certified 4-H Volunteer programs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science, 4-H Shooting Sports, 4-H Equine, 4-H Sewing
Inputs: Volunteer Leader Workshops
Date: Year-round
Audience: Community Residents
Project or Activity: Leadership Woodford County
Content or Curriculum: KELD, other extension resources
Inputs: Area Agents Time, Specialists, Community and Civic organizations
Date: Every year
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
Developing educational experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic for 4-H audiences in Woodford County provided a way for 4-H to actively engage clientele while more traditional delivery methods were not an option. The use of social media and email allowed for contact between families and provided a means to communicate opportunities directly to youth. In partnership with the Woodford County Historical Society, Woodford County 4-H developed the Woodford County 4-H Explores! Program. Designed to en
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Master Gardener
Certified Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) play crucial roles in county extension offices throughout the state of Kentucky. After receiving training and certification, they are expected to serve their communities by conducting educational programs and service projects in addition to continuing education. An important component to the program nationally is leadership development, however there is no official leadership development training for EMG in most Kentucky counties.Because these volunteer
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Master Gardener
The Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) Program is a volunteer management and outreach program of the Cooperative Extension Service. It is an intensive fifteen week horticultural training for individuals who then volunteer as Master Gardeners in their communities. Based on data from 2015 and 2016, 50 counties in Kentucky have EMG programs that engage 1,445 active volunteers across the state.The Woodford County Extension Horticulture Agent partners with the Franklin County Extension Horticulture Age
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
Woodford County 4-H is in prime position to provide leadership development opportunities for high school youth in the community. As the community seeks more opportunities to develop youth into career and college ready, opportunities to meet, lead, plan and serve help prepare youth for their next steps. In response, Woodford County 4-H created the 4-H Teen Leadership Council for current 8th grade students through 12th grade students. The council met monthly and not only participated in leadership
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
According to the recent Community Needs Assessment, Woodford County youth need more opportunities to prepare themselves for the workforce. One such soft-skill necessary for a successful career is organization and writing. In an effort to provide such an opportunity and encourage Woodford County 4-H Youth to participate in the state 4-H Achievement program, a workshop was provided. Participants not only spent time learning about the Achievement application but also were able to begin work on thei
