Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership and Volunteer Development
Community Vitality
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
Leadership
Community Leadership Development
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 and volunteers will gain leadership experience
Indicator: 4-H Club officer involvement, meeting activities
Method: evaluation of club/program experiences
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, Volunteer 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: High School/Middle School Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Leadership Council
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Development/Service Learning
Inputs: Agent time, Volunteer Speakers, Materials, Curriculum
Date: September - May
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: 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 other year
Audience: Homeowners/Landowners
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Training
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum
Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, CES Publications
Date: Every other year
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Civic Engagement
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the District 4 4-H Inauguration trip scheduled for January 2021 was cancelled. The purpose of this trip was to provide 4-H youth an opportunity to visit Washington D.C. and familiarize themselves with not only our nation’s capital but also everything that accompanies the presidential election and inauguration process. After the trip was cancelled, District 4 4-H agents felt strongly that providing civic and government educational opportunities we
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Master Clothing Volunteer
Many studies have shown that sewing is not only a productive life skill and hobby, but that it can be a stress reliever and can increase a person’s feeling of self worth. The Woodford County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Garrard County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent work together as the coordinators of the Fort Harrod Area Master Clothing Volunteer program. Currently there are six Master Clothing Volunteers (MCV) in the area who share their skills with others. Each vo
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The Woodford County Extension Homemakers partnered with Pivot Brewing Company in Lexington, Kentucky to make homemade cloth face coverings for the Kentucky Children's Hospital and University of Kentucky Hospital. The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association was asked to help support the effort of making cloth face coverings for health care workers. At the same time, Pivot Brewing Company, closed for business, wanted to utilize their resources and give back to the community so they reached o
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Leadership
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down programming in March 2020 youth, families, and communities experienced long-term isolation and alteration of their typical lives related to in and out of school activities. Youth out-of-school time programs, such as 4-H, are essential ecological assets and their disruption during the pandemic may have a major impact on youth’s developmental pathways (Ettekal & Aganas, 2020). For many youth COVID-19 will be the defining issue of their lives
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
In 2020, the Woodford County Extension Service took part in a virtual workshop with graduate students in the UK Plant Science Department to discuss how to effectively work with farmers in a consultation/educator role. Nine participants learned more about communication, collaboration, and leadership opportunities in working with farmer clientele. Specifically, the Woodford County Extension Service discussed ways to develop good reputations with farmers, what to do if you don't kno
