Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Leaders in Breathitt County
Community Leadership
Kayla Watts, Reed Graham
4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Farmer's Markets
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).
More so, 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 and adults will serve as leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors.
-Youth and adults will identify and address critical issues that impact the community.
-Youth and adults will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on
a daily basis.
-Youth and adults 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.
-Youth and adults will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
-Youth and adults will partner and engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
-Youth and adults will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player and communicator.
-Youth and adults will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics.
-Youth and adults will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
-Youth and adults will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.
-Youth and adults will listen to people who have different ideas from them.
Initial Outcome: Youth and Community members will learn about how they can develop leadership skills through Extension programming
Indicator: Youth and Community members will recognize/know outlets for leadership development with Extension
Method: Evaluations after programs/lessons on leadership
Timeline: 2019-2020
Intermediate Outcome: Membership will increase in Extension organizations; More youth will be involved in speech and demonstration contests
Indicator: Number of youth and adult participation in Extension organizations/clubs; Increase in youth speeches and demonstrations
Method: Records/Sign-In Sheets, Membership drives; School and youth participation in speeches and demonstrations contests
Timeline: 2019-2020
Long-term Outcome: Members of Extension organizations will implement community enrichment activities; Youth and adults will advocate for the Extension Service based on personal experiences
Indicator: Number of Extension Club/Organizational members that initiate and complete community service; Community members that advocate and support Extension Services in Breathitt County
Method: Observation; Evaluation of community enrichment activities
Timeline: 2019-2020
Audience: 4-6 Graders
Project or Activity: 4H School Clubs
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Curriculum, Speeches and Demonstrations Materials
Inputs: Agents, 4H Assistant, Volunteers
Date: Fall 2018-Spring 2020
Audience: Community Members
Project or Activity: Extension Expo
Content or Curriculum: Communications, Leadership, Economic Development, Tourism
Inputs: Information Tables (Extension and Extension Councils/Groups), Local Businesses
Date: 2016-2020
Audience: 4H NRESci Students
Project or Activity: 4H NRESCi Academy
Content or Curriculum: Leadership, Natural Resources, SET/STEM
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Instructors/Specialist
Date: Fall 2018-Spring 2020
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
According to Kentucky: By The Numbers, Breathitt County’s poverty rate was at 34.3% in 2016. Breathitt County’s Agent for 4-H Youth Development believes that the best way to combat this issue is to teach the children of Breathitt County about the leadership skills they need to achieve, and to be able to overcome the problems of poverty. One of the agents focuses for the 4-H program of Breathitt County is to take 4-H’ers each year to the J.M. Feltner 4-H Camp located in London,
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
According to Kentucky: By the Numbers, Breathitt County in 2017 had 2,114 youth between the ages of 5-19. Of those youth, 284 had a disability, making the percent of youth with a disability over 13% for the county. Breathitt County’s Agent for 4-H Youth Development believes that the best way to reach this population is to teach them different concepts and skills that they will need to succeed with their disability. He partnered with the Breathitt High School life skills classes to schedule
