Strengthening and Empowering Community Leaders, Volunteers, and YouthPlan of Work

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Casey County CES

Title:
Strengthening and Empowering Community Leaders, Volunteers, and Youth
MAP:
Volunteerism and Leadership Development
Agents Involved:
Reiss Baxter, Meagan Klee, FCS Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Volunteer Development
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Leadership
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Situation:

Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in Kentucky 4-H.  The Cooperative Extension Service provides opportunities for youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create a positive impact on their future.  Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success. 

Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field.  The skills associated with leadership are necessary when working in a group or communicating with others.  Employers look for leadership skills in future employees.   Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the 4-H program is a priority.  By assisting the development of leadership skills in today’s youth, we improve their ability to face the challenges of tomorrow (Unlock Your Leadership Potential, University of Florida, 2017). 

Kentucky 4-H provides opportunities for youth to actively engage locally and globally to promote life skills [such as leadership] that prepare them for the global marketplace. Through 4-H youth exercise critical thinking skills, learn to appreciate diversity, practice tolerance, develop socio-emotionally, and strive to contribute to their environment (United States Department of Education International Affairs Office of International Strategy).  4-H participants rate their leadership life skills above average, have a positive view of their leadership ability, and have a positive attitude toward diversity and acceptance of others (Locke, Boyd, Fraze, and Howard, 2007).    

Building the capacity of volunteer leaders in Casey County is critical for the sustainability of the community’s infrastructures which support long term commitment to strengthen families. Through local efforts for leadership development through the Cooperative Extension Service, youth, teens, and adults will continue to gain beneficial information to be applied to leadership positions.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:
Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Casey County 4-H Council, Homemakers Council, FCS Council, ANR Advisory Board, County Extension Council, general public, and Chamber of Commerce Leadership Programs

Project/Activity: Leadership Development Training

Content/Curriculum: KELD, Councils 101

Input: Volunteers, Council/Board Members, Community Partners

Date: September – May


Audience: Casey County Extension Council, Homemakers Council, FCS Council, ANR Advisory Board, 4-H Council

Project/Activity: Casey County Extension Expo

Content/Curriculum: KELD

Input: Extension Council members and volunteers plan and implement community event.

Date: October


Audience: Casey County 4-Hers (6th – 12th grade)

Project/Activity: 4-H Teen Council

Content/Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Curriculum, Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)

Inputs: Monthly meetings, coordinated service projects, fundraisers.

Date: July – June


Audience: 4-H Club Officers

Project/Activity: 4-H Officer Training

Content/Curriculum: 4-H Club Officer Training Manual, Parliamentary Procedure

Inputs: Training, monthly meetings

Date: August – May


Audience: 6th – 12th Graders

Project/Activity: In School 4-H Club/Enrichment

Content/Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Step Up to Leadership, Backpack 4-H Curriculum

Input: Students will participate in leadership development through hands-on activities.

Audience: Casey County 4-H Teen Council


Project/Activity: Angel Tree Service Project

Content/Curriculum: 4-H Civic Engagement Curriculum

Input: Donation collection, Christmas shopping for youth and families

Date: November – December


Audience: Casey County High School Youth

Project/Activity: Issues Conference

Content/Curriculum: Leadership and Community Needs Identification and Problem Solving

Input: Extension Staff, Extension Specialists, Local Volunteers

Date: November


Audience: Casey County Middle School Youth

Project/Activity: Kentucky 4-H Summit

Content/Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Curriculum

Input: Extension Staff, Extension Specialists, Local Volunteers

Date: March


Audience: 4-H Camp CITs, Teens, and Adults

Project/Activity: 4-H Camp Leader Training, 4-H Camp-a-Palooza

Content/Curriculum: 4-H Camp Leadership Curriculum

Input: Extension Staff, Extension Specialists, Local Volunteers

Date: April - May


Audience: Casey County 4-Hers (8th – 12th grade)

Project/Activity: Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

Content/Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Curriculum

Input: Extension Staff, Extension Specialists, Local Volunteers

Date: June

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