Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership Enhancement and Community Development
Community Vitality
Amburgey, Gwishiri, Clemons
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills
Community Leadership Development
Economic Development
Improving the education environment was identified as a pressing need in Bath County by focus group participants. Poor internet connections, business development, and creation of job opportunities are issues identified as important. Overarching community issues of poverty, hunger, and health were also identified as issues needing attention in Bath County. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bath County’s total population is estimated to be 12,378 with 1,706 over the age of 65. That number is expected to increase by 44.8% in 2025. The total number of jobs in Bath County in 2016 was 3,776. There were 140 total businesses in the county. In 2016, of the 4,432 workers age 16 and over, only 40.3% worked inside the county. In 2016, 24.9% of Bath County’s population was officially under the poverty level. The development of local leadership can assist the cooperative extension service, along with our sister organizations across the community, to develop programs that will address the identified needs in this community. Strong leaders can bring together county government, community based organizations and industry leaders to bring about a positive change in the county’s rural infrastructure, telecommunications, and employment.
Extension and extension leadership being involved in successful programs that bring about an economic impact to the community.
· Business expansion and retention, infrastructure enhancement and a positive relationship with community organizations working toward economic sustainability.
· Extension participation in community decision making indicate a need for extension education in these areas.
· An increase in economic activity through efforts made by organizations supported by extension is a good indication of success within our community.
· Community members that have gained leadership experience through extension work will share their talents through leadership involvement in regional and state organizations.
Work with the cities and county government, along with sister organizations to develop working plans that will bring jobs and stimulate economic growth in the community.
· Extension leadership work along-side schools and the community to support the work ready initiative.
· Extension leaders are seen as vital assets in the community
· Extension leadership are consulted when decisions affecting various aspects of the community are being discussed. Their input is important
* Youth 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 will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
* Youth will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
* Extension utilizes volunteers in a number of roles which provide them with confidence and leadership experience that can allow them to work within the community to address many of the issues that have been identified.
* Extension leadership will be empowered to work with elected officials to develop ideas that can improve the community we live in. Conversations can take place to start developing outlines of what we want this community to look like.
* Extension leadership volunteer to serve on boards and decision-making committees
* Extension leadership plan and promote extension activities
* Extension leadership work closely with elected officials on ag and community issues 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 will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
* Youth will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement. * Youth will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals.
* Youth will listen to people who have different ideas from them.
Outcome: Extension volunteers accept leadership roles
Indicator: More leaders volunteering to serve in various capacity
Method: evaluation of boards and committees
Timeline: throughout the year
Outcome: More extension leadership involvement with local government
Indicator: More involvement of extension leaders in addressing community issues
Method: board and committee discussions, surveys
Timeline: throughout the year
Outcome: Leaders involved in bringing about a positive change
Indicator: improvement in business development or infrastructure
Method: County assessment, statistical analysis,
Timeline: throughout the year.
Audience: commodity groups
Project or Activity: board leadership development
Content or Curriculum: decision making and planning, online discussions and leadership programs
Inputs: agent support and specialist
Date: spring
Audience: County Extension Council
Project or Activity: Orientation of New Members and Continuing Training for past members
Content or Curriculum: KELD
Inputs: Agent support and volunteer specialist
Date: Fall
Audience: Teens and Tweens
Project or Activity: Wildcat Leadership Council
Content or Curriculum: YELP
Inputs: Extension Staff, Community Leaders, Volunteers
Date: School Year
Audience: EXTENSION VOLUNTEERS
Project or Activity: Officer trainings and workshops
Content or Curriculum: Extension guides, Roberts rules of order, KELD
Inputs: Extension agents, volunteers
Date: year-round
Project or Activity: Volunteers and agents promote local tourism
Content or Curriculum: CEDIK, hook to cook
Inputs: UK specialists, fish and wildlife,
Date: summer
Audience: Community groups such as: * Chamber of Commerce * Library *Fiscal Court * Health Department
Project or Activity: collaboration , team building, needs assessment
Content or Curriculum: facilitation, social media and online programs
Inputs: UK specialists, community partners
Date: May - December
Project or Activity: Improved infrastructure in rural areas
Content or Curriculum: work with various organizations
Inputs: service providers, county and state government, focus groups
Date: year round
Author: Terence Clemons
Major Program: Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
In its 9th year of collaboration between Bath County 4-H and Bath County Community Education (in the infancy years, U. K. CEDIK supported efforts through funding, guidance, and resources), the Wildcat Leadership Council has had over 100 youth receive educational instruction since its conception. Over 85% of youth have graduated and/or currently enrolled in college or technical school, throughout the state. Numerous members have used their experience on college application, scholarship appl
