Extension
It Starts With Us
Engaging Clientele in Community Events and Decisions
Community Engagement
Carter, Denniston, Tackett
Leadership
Community Leadership Development
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Master Clothing Volunteer
Volunteers are important in building engaged and empowered communities. Bourbon County priority responses on the statewide community assessment identified "more qualified leaders to prepare community for the future" as the number one need in community vitality!
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).
KEHA - The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association mission is to improve the quality of life for families and communities through education, leadership development and volunteer service. With membership totaling more than 13,000 statewide and 234 in Bourbon County, KEHA members are engaged leaders and active volunteers.
MCV - Home sewing is now considered an "uneconomic use of time" because today's marketplace is flooded with easily available, low-priced clothing and other sewn products. In the past, home sewing was a necessity to save money; today it is usually cheaper to buy an off-the-rack item. Although this may decrease the economic need for sewing skills, it is still important to make sure that the craft of sewing and clothing construction is taught and maintained so that thee kills are not forgotten.
- Communities are equipped with competent, effective leaders
- Community members engage others to initiate projects
- Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members
- Communities become more prosperous
KEHA - KEHA members serve as active Extension and community volunteers engaged in addressing community needs.
MCV provide the counties with experienced leaders who can assist in the implementation of sewing-related programs; develop lasting friendships with other volunteers thereby gaining a support-grouop that can improve quality of life
Participants of MCV-led programs - continue to engage in sewing-related activities, sustain or increase the participation in sewing-related activities - sew for pleasure or selff-expression; gain skills that can be used to benefit livelihood; save money by mending or altering clothing and by sewing home decor items.
- Youth put skills into practice by becoming more engaged, taking on leadership roles
- You improve skills in communication or problem solving in addressing community issues and needs
- Youth participants become more engaged in non-formal leadership roles which increases involvement/action
- Youth participants initiate projects that meet the needs of their community
- Youth are inclusive of all individuals
- Youth will volunteer and participate in community service
- Youth will engage in civic involvement
- Youth will maintain future intentions for civic engagement
KEHA - KEHA leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, count, area and/or state level. The number of KEHA volunteer service hours reported annually for KEHA, Bourbon County Extension and Community activities will increase.
MCV continue to improve their skills and increase confidence; seek out teaching and leadership opportunities in their communities; generate interest in sewing related activities within their communities.
Participants of MCV-led programs learn more skills, consider mending clothing lieu of replacing it, sew their own clothing or craft items; are provided with a creative outlet.
- Youth increase knowledge of effective leadership skills
- Youth develop/enhance leadership skills
- Youth are informed of community systems, are better connected to communication networks, are more confident and skills in identifying and implementing strategies for change in their community (local/state/national/global)
KEHA - KEHA members will gain organizational knowledge through annual officer and chairman training. - KEHA members will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership through club lessons and special interest workshops.
MCV are accepted into a group of individuals tht share a passion for sewing; through MCV training, volunteers learn standard sewing skills and are exposed to advancements in sewing equipment; they may change point-of-view about the way some sewing techniques can be taught or implemented.
Participant of MCV-led programs learn basic sewing skills, accept sewing as a valid hobby, become interested in learning more sewing techniques; improve hand/eye coordination.
Initial Outcome:
- Youth become more engaged as a leader in their community (planning a service project, serving as a mentor, increasing participation in local/state/national levels)
Indicator:
- Number of youth who served as group leaders or officers?(PRACTICE)
- Number of youth who received education related to diversity and inclusivity? (KOSA)
- Number of youth who served as direct mentors to one or more younger youth? (SEEC)
- Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #6 “Is 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself?” (SEEC)
- Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #13 “Is 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader?” (SEEC)
Method:
- 4-H Common Measures Universal Survey
Timeline: Year Round
Intermediate Outcome: Youth serve in a variety of local leadership positions
Indicator: 4-H Youth elected into leadership roles in various school clubs
Method: Reports schools and youth
Timeline: year round
Long-term Outcome: Youth Engaged in Community
Indicator:
- Youth plan a community service project in their community
- Youth report they serve as a mentor for a younger participant
- Youth serve as leaders within their club or county programs
- Youth serve in a state or national leadership position
Method: Direct reports from youth and community
Timeline: Year Round
Outcome: KEHA members will gain organizational knowledge through annual officer and chairman training.
Indicator: Number of KEHA members who report knowledge gained through count and/or area officer and chairman training.
Method: Program evaluation with pre and post assessment questions
Timeline: On-going
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Outcome: KEHA members will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership through club lessons and special interest workshops.
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting improved personal and interpersonal leadership skills
Method: End of program evaluations, surveys
Timeline: On-going
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Outome: KEHA leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area and/or state level.
Indicator: Number of KEHA members who utilized knowledge gained through officer training to fulfill a KEHA leadership role at the club, count, area and/or state level.
Method: Observation review of officer directories
Timeline: On-going
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Outcome: MCV's increase knowledge and become experienced leaders
Indicator: Number of volunteers whose personal and interpersonal leadership knowledge and skills improved through the MCV program
Number of volunteers who practice personal and interpersonal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community outreach
Method: Attend Statewide MCV Fall training; lead classes at statewide MCV fall training and throughout county and area
Timeline: On-going
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Outcome: Sewing class participant gain skills
Indicator: Number of volunteers addressing community issues by assessing needs, developing programs and/or implementing solutions
Number of Extension programs/activities conducted by volunteers
Number of hours volunteers spent training others on behalf of Extension
Number of youth reached through volunteers conducting Extension programs and/or activities
Number of adults reached through volunteers conducting Extension programs and/or activities
Method: Attend MCV-led classes
Timeline: On-going
Audience: Council Members and Teens
Activity: County, District & State 4-H Adult & Teen Councils & Teen Retreat
Content or Curriculum: State curriculum
Audience: 5th grade students
Activity: 4-H Leadership Club Program & 5th grade officer elections
Content or Curriculum: Core Curriculum - Step Up to Leadership
Date: October 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Audience: Shooting Sports Parents/Coaches
Project or Activity: Shooting Sports Coaches Certification
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum
Inputs: agent, state staff
Date: Year Round
Audience: 4-H Camp counselors
Activity: 4-H Camp Counselor orientation/training
Content or Curriculum: State curriculum and Guidelines
Inputs: agents
Date: June 2021, 2022,, 2023
Audience: 4-HG Teens
Activity: KY 4-H State Teen Conference
Content or Curriculum: leadership curriculum
Inputs: agents, state staff
Date: June 2021, 2022, 2023
Audience:4-H Middle School age students
Activity: Teen Summit
Content or Curriculum: Core Curriculum
Inputs: agents, state staff
Date: March
Audience: 4-H Council Members
Activity: 4-H Council
Content or Curriculum: Council Guidelines
Inputs: agent, state staff
Date: year round
Audience: Council members
Activity: County Extension Council
Content or Curriculum: Extension Council Guidelines
Inputs: agents, state staff
Date: year round
Audience: Teens
Activity: Bourbon County Teen Leadership Program
Content: 4-H Leadership Curriculum & County specific materials
Input: Agents, volunteers, community partners
Date: year round
Audience: Middle School students
Activity: Middle School Leadership Academy - district
Content: 4-H Leadership Curriculum
Input: Agents, volunteers
Date: year round
Audience: Middle School students
Activity: District Middle School Retreat
Content: 4-H Leadership Curriculum
Input: Agents, volunteers
Date: Fall
Audience: Fair Board Members
Project or Activity: Bourbon County Fair Board
Content or Curriculum:Education & Advisory
Inputs: agents
Date: August 2020 - June 2021
Audience: Bourbon County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: KEHA Officer and Chairman Training/County Kickoff
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Training Toolkit, KEHA Manual, KEHA Website
Inputs: FCS Agents an state staff
Date: Fall
Audience: Bourbon County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: KEHA Leader Training and/or Special Interest Workshops
Content or Curriculum: FCS Extension Lesson Resources, FCS Curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors
Date: Monthly
Audience: Bourbon County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: KEHA State Meeting
Content or Curriculum: Officer Training & Educational Chairman Workshops
Inputs: FCS Agents, State Adviors
Date: Spring
Audience: Master Clothing Volunteers
Project or Activity: Statewide Training
Content or Curriculum: Classes based on certification needs or requests from members or as determined by the MCV Steering committee
Inputs: State Coordinator, Agents, Steering Committee, other MCV's
Date: Fall
Audience: Master Clothing Volunteers
Project or Activity: Area Work Days
Content or Curriculum: MCV's get together as determined by Area Contact or other MCV's to work on service projects
Inputs: FCS & 4-H Agents or other MCV's
Date: On-going
Author: Karen Denniston
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
COVID-19 has impacted the lives of everyone. Some of the impacts have been positive and some not so positive. The Bourbon County Extension Homemakers, in typical Homemaker fashion, have stepped up during this pandemic to support and assist our community in overcoming some of the day-to-day obstacles presented. In the middle of face masks shortages, the Homemakers took on the task of making handmade masks for Bourbon Community Hospital, Paris Independent Elementary Schools, and local
