Strengthening leaders to expand community leadership and economic developmentPlan of Work

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Breckinridge County CES

Title:
Strengthening leaders to expand community leadership and economic development
MAP:
Leadership and Community Development
Agents Involved:
Allen, Bryant, Hinton
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Arts Engagement
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within Breckinridge County is critical for the sustainability of the community’s rural, agriculture infrastructure. With limited industry and businesses many youth and adults travel outside the county for jobs and work force training. Through the efforts of the Extension agents, paraprofessionals, and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions that will support the strengthening of families and the county.

In addition, 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).
Long-Term Outcomes:
Breckinridge County's health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership that is engaged to solve local problems.
Cattleman's, Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Young Farmers, will provide leadership for Extension Programing.
Intermediate Outcomes:
Extension volunteers, Farm Bureau Leaders, Cattleman's Association and Young Farmer and youth will practice and sharpen personal leadership and communication skills in clubs, schools and community outreach while assessing needs, developing programs and implementing solutions for community problems.

We will nominate local leaders to programs such as the Soybean Associaiton young leaders program as well as KALP, and Farm Bureau LEAD program.





Initial Outcomes:
Extension participants will gain an increased awareness and desire to participate in programs to improve their communication, organizational and leadership skills and serve as officers and club/workshop leaders.
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will gain an increased knowledge base, self-confidence, willingness and desire to serve their community

Indicator: Increased number of volunteers participating and assisting in programs

Method: Monthly statistical reports

Timeline: Program year 2017-2018


Intermediate Outcome: Growth in volunteer led programs and clubs

Indicator: Increased number of volunteers serving on councils and committees

Method: Monthly statistical reports

Timeline: Program year 2017-2018


Long-term Outcome: Extension leadership involved in policy, systems and environment development work.

Indicator: Extension leadership serving with community organizations to strengthen communities.

Method: Monthly statistical

Timeline: Program year 2017-2018

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 6th graders across the county

Project or Activity: Grow It, Wear It and Eat It

Content or Curriculum: Promotion of Agriculture commodities

Inputs: Materials designed by all commodity groups on the importance of them

Date: October 2017


Audience: Community

Project or Activity: County wide event

Content or Curriculum: Beef, Eggs and Ag Issues

Inputs: County and state commodity groups and local leadership from the Extension Council, farm groups (BCCCA and Farm Bureau)

Date: April 2018


Audience: Extension Volunteers and Officers, KEHA, 4-H Council members, CEC members

Project or Activity: Officer training and leader updates

Content or Curriculum: KELD, Step Up to Leadership, Unlock Your Leadership Potential

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers

Kentucky CES publications and resources

Date: 2017-2018 program year


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Teen Leadership Academy

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved core curriculum

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents and facilities, volunteer leadership, community and business leadership

Date: 2017-2018 program year


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Leadership Board

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved core curriculum for leadership and civic engagement

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents and facilities, volunteer leadership, community and business leadership

Date: 2017-2018 program year


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H School Clubs

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved core curriculum for leadership and civic engagement

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents and facilities, volunteer leadership, community and business leadership

Date: 2017-2018 program year


Audience: Young Farmers

Project or Activity: Leadership programs

Content or Curriculum: Prepare nomination forms and application and prepare for interviews.

Inputs: Ag Agent and other organizations

Timeline: 2017-2018



Success Stories

Strengthening Volunteerism in Breckinridge County

Author: Lynnette Allen

Major Program: Empowering Community Leaders (general)

~~According to the Corporation for National and Community Civic Engagement, volunteerism is the cornerstone of a strong nation.  When considering volunteerism in local communities, Kentucky is ranked 36 of the 50 states and has only an average of 23.5% residents volunteering. In Breckinridge County local stakeholders continue to identify leadership development as a significant need to help advance community economic development and employment opportunities. The 2017-18 the local Extension P

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