Extension
It Starts With Us
Develop Individuals for Volunteer Roles and Community Leadership--2020
Community Vitality
Nanette Banks, Crystal Smith, Shad Baker
Economic Development
Community Leadership Development
Community Engagement
Volunteer Development
According to the Community Needs Assessment, there is a need for more qualified leaders to prepare the community for the future and more citizens to solve local issues. Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen families. Within Kentucky there are KEHA members, Master Clothing Volunteers, Master Gardner’s, Livestock Volunteers and adult 4-H volunteers who share their expertise, and volunteer time with youth and families in their community. Through the efforts of the FCS agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, paraprofessionals, and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand family and community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions.
- Kentucky communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership
- Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders
- Practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community outreach.
- 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.
- Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership.
- KEHA, FCS, ANR, and 4H Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
- Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in community leadership
Outcome: Volunteers understand they have a voice in local decision making
Indicator: Increase in meeting participation at councils
Method: past to present comparison, observation
Timeline: 2021-2024
Outcome: Community minded, action-oriented volunteers engaged in local decision making.
Indicator: Increased number of people serving on boards and councils making important decisions the moves the economy toward sustainability
Method: Observation, surveys of organizations run by boards and councils
Timeline: 2021-2024
Audience: Adults, Youth, Seniors, Community Members
Project or Activity: KEHA
Content or Curriculum: KEHA leader trainings, lessons, manual, and website
Inputs: FCS agent, assistant, and Homemakers
Date: Monthly
Project or Activity: East Kentucky Heritage Foundation
Content or Curriculum: CEDIK, UK CED Materials
Inputs: ANR Agent
Date: Monthly
Project or Activity: Master Clothing Volunteers
Content or Curriculum: Fall Training, Area Work Days, & Level-Specific Sewing Classes
Inputs: FCS Agent, 4-H Agent and Assistants
Date: Monthly
Project or Activity: Volunteer Forum
Content or Curriculum: Program Curriculums
Inputs: 4-H Agents, Specialists
Date: Fall 2022
Project or Activity: Teen Club/Council
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent & Assistant
Date: Monthly
Project or Activity: Pine Mountain Trail, Great Eastern Trail, Tanglewood Trail, Horse Trail
Content or Curriculum: CEDIK, CED Materials, USFS Materials
Inputs: ANR Agent and Assistant
Date: Monthly
Project or Activity: Homemaker Council
Content or Curriculum: KEHA, KELD
Inputs: FCS Agent and Extension Homemakers
Date: Quarterly
Project or Activity: FCS Council
Content or Curriculum: KELD Publications
Inputs: FCS Agent and Extension Homemakers
Date: Bi-annually
Project or Activity: AAC / ADC
Content or Curriculum: KADF Materials, KELD Publications
Inputs: ANR Agent
Date: Monthly
Project or Activity: 4-H Council
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent
Date: Bi-annually
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts
A collaboration was requested from Ben Fink and Nell Fields, that I had formally worked with through Roadside Theater. Ben introduced me to Elisabeth Cohen, brilliant K-12 humanities teacher in New York City, who is a very close friend of a very close friend, that is from here in Letcher County. Elisabeth who has a deep interest in cross-cultural work. Ben who has spent several years here in Letcher County working with Appalshop and Roadside Theater Company. Nell who is from Letcher County and i
Author: Shad Baker
Major Program: Economic Development
The greatest testimony to the work of Extension, is when the community embraces our programs and designates them as critical to the future health of the county. This endorsement comes when our efforts are truly locally driven and with our neighbors' best interest at heart. The Letcher County Extension Office has taken a broad approach in our programming, often thinking outside the box of what is expected of Extension. Listening to the community and evaluating the assets of what we have, rath
Author: Shad Baker
Major Program: Community Strategic Planning
The Letcher County Extension Service has partnered with the East Kentucky Heritage Foundation to plan forward-looking and transformational projects for the county and region. The objective is to fully utilize the region's natural resources to boost future economic potential. Extension's role has been advisory and supportive. Our skills in trail-development have served as the backbone of the vision, enabling the group to secure trail and tourism-specific monies and to diversify offerings
