Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Leadership and Volunteerism
Volunteer and Leadership Enhancement
Huffman, Clark, Cline
Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
4-H Youth Development Programming
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:
- The fastest growing age group are those 75+ years old. An Overview of Diversity Awareness (http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/w/3/30/An_Overview_of_Diversity_Awareness.pdf) 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.
- Creating a program that encourages, values, promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity at all levels. Long Term goals/outcomes:
- Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organization
- Youth and adults will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
- Youth and adults will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.
- Youth and adults will identify and address critical issues that impact the community
- Youth and adults will be productive, contributing adults in the future.
- Youth and adults will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis. Intermediate goals/outcomes:
- Adults and youth will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis
- Local communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership
- 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.
- 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 and adults will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
- Youth and adults will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
- 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 and adults will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
- Adults and youth will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
- Adults and youth will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.
- KEHA and FCS Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
Outcome:
- Trained volunteers will become active in Extension and other community leadership roles to address community issues.
Indicator:
- The number of individuals participating and taking active leadership roles in Leadership Hart County, Teen Leadership Hart County, leadership roles in 4-H, Homemakers, Extension Council, District Board and other Extension activities will increase
Method:
- Written evaluations and personal contact to show knowledge gained and to identify practice and social changes
Timeline: July 2017 – June 2018
Audience: Youth and Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Leaders Training
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp Training and Youth Protection Training
Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: June 2016
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Homemaker Leader Trainings
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Materials
Inputs: Homemaker Council
Date: June to July
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Hart County 4-H Teen Leadership Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Unlock Your Leadership Potential and Step
Up to Leadership
Inputs: Hart County School System
Date: October 2016 – May 2017
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Leadership Hart County
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Hart County Outline
Inputs: Chamber Office: Business Leaders
Date: September 2016- May 2017Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Leadership Teen Hart County
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Unlock Your Leadership Potential; Step Up
To Leadership: Teen Leadership Outline
Inputs: Chamber Office; Hart County and Caverna School Systems;
Business Leaders
Date: October 2016 – May 2017
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: American Private Enterprise Systems Program
Content or Curriculum: APES
Inputs: Business Leaders; School Systems
Date: Spring 2017
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Council
Content or Curriculum: Conduct and identify issues relating to 4-H and
youth programming.
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: September 2016– August 2017
Audience: Youth and Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Recognition Program
Content or Curriculum: Hart County Recognition Guidelines and 4-H Council
Activity Guide
Inputs: WLOC Radio; Hart County News; 4-H Council
Date: November 2016
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Project Book Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Leaders; 4-H Council
Date: July 2016
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Homemaker Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Leader Training
Inputs: Local and Area Homemakers
Date: July - Aug 2017
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Homemaker Council Meetings
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Plan of Work
Inputs: Local and Area Homemakers
Date: July 2017 – June 2018
Audience: Youth and Adults
Project or Activity: Master Clothing Volunteer
Content or Curriculum: Quilting, Clothing Structure
Inputs: Homemakers, 4-H Members
Date: July 2017 – June 2018
Audience: High School Youth
Project or Activity: Work Readiness for Youth
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Work Ready
Inputs: Youth
Date: November 2017
Author: Janey Cline
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The Kentucky Homemaker Association is a volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for the families and communities in which they live. To be able to accomplish this goal they must continually develop and improve upon their leadership skills. With local, state, and national budgets experiencing large cuts a need exist for Homemakers to contact elected officials through written communication in regards to various programs throughout the community. &n
Author: Laura Huffman
Major Program: Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
The Tuft University study of 4-H Youth Development has shown students that participation in 4-H tend to excel over peers that choose not to participate in the program. However, with many of our 4-H programs it is sometimes hard to see that impact in a short period of time. Ten years ago the Hart County 4-H Youth Development Agent made a presentation at an elementary school promoting 4-H Camp. Two 3rd grade students signed up for 4-H Camp the next week. These same two students have now been to 4-
