Extension
It Starts With Us
Enhancing Leadership, Volunteerism, and Public Policy Awareness
Community Leadership Development
Connor Cooper, Katie Mills, and Erika Wood, ANR and FCS Agents
Community Strategic Planning
Leadership
Master Gardener
Camping
Leadership development, community analysis and a constant need for volunteers continues to be a fundamental issue faced by various agencies and non-profit entities in Hopkins County. According to the Center for Economic Development in Kentucky, in 2010 Hopkins County had 46,718 citizens. Volunteerism is valued at $21.42 per hour in Kentucky according to Independent Sector. With that said, Hopkins County Extension volunteer hours annually account for over $150,000 in donated time. Extension in Hopkins County will continue to provide enhancement opportunities and strive to promote community based programming that encourages leadership candidates and volunteers.
Hopkins County will be equipped with competent, effective leaders.
Community members engage others to initiate projects.
Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members.
Citizens put skills into practice by becoming more engaged in the community, taking on leadership roles. Graduates in formal leadership roles increase their involvement/action. Graduates of Extension community leadership programs initiate civic engagement.
Increase knowledge of effective leadership skills.
Develop/enhance the leadership skills of youth and adults.
Citizens: Informed about community systems, better connected to communication networks, more confident and skilled in identifying and implementing strategies for systemic change.
Initial Outcome: Analyze and deliver training and other resources to
build leadership capacity.
Indicator: Trainings and activity involvement
Method: Surveys and assessments
Intermediate Outcome: Increased participation on community boards, civic groups and organizations.
Indicator: Number of people who reported new leadership opportunities
Method: Surveys and community statistics
Long-term Outcome: Leaders initiate projects
Indicator: Numbers of community events and programs increase.
Method: Chamber of Commerce Data and post-assessment surveys.
Audience: New and current leaders; 4-H Club Members
Project or Activity: Parliamentary Procedure Training
Content or Curriculum: Robert's Rules of Order
Inputs: Manuals, Research information, meeting space and extension agents
Time Frame: Fall
Audience: Volunteer, leader and officer trainings.
Project or Activity: Creating reflective learning in leadership classes
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Skills and modules
Inputs: Research information, Partnerships, Materials and Meeting space
Time Frame: Spring and Fall
Audience: Hopkins County Extension Council
Project or Activity: Public Policy and Community Partnerships
Content or Curriculum: KELD curriculum and CEDIK Resources
Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialists, and CEC Members
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: Leadership Hopkins County Group
Project or Activity: Leadership Hopkins County Program Days, Ag Leadership Day
Content or Curriculum: Extension Agriculture curriculum and Specialist presentations
Inputs: Extension Agents, Producers, Specialists and Volunteers
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: Master Gardeners
Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialist, and Volunteers
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: 4-H Teens
Project or Activity: 4-H Achievement Program, 4-H Adulting, 4-H Midnight Walkers Community Service Club, 4-H Club Officers
Content or Curriculum: Team Building with Teens, Team Challenges, Character Counts
Inputs: Extension Agents, Volunteers
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: 4-H Councilor in Training, 4-H Teen Leader, and 4-H Adult Volunteer
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp Manuel
Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialist
Time Frame: Summer
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Leadership
Hopkins County 4-H collaborated with the Hopkins County Board of Education to help promote team bonding and to strengthen relationships in an office. The event “Summer Summit” benefited around 90 professionals in Hopkins County that hold title Principle, Vice Principle, Guidance Counselor, Curriculum Coordinator and many other professions in education. Summer Summit was a two day event where 4-H utilized different learning skills to help each individual grow.Some of the activi
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Master Gardener
The Extension Master Gardener program is a volunteer organization dedicated to teaching and training people about horticulture related topics. This program is a part of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and assists county extension agents in providing education and outreach in the community. Master Gardeners are required to undergo training and complete 40 hours of volunteer service in their first year before becoming certified. After the first year, Master Gar
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Leadership
Teen Conference 2022 Success Story The 98th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 14-17, 2022. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: to develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develo
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Emergency Disaster Preparedness
On December 10, 2021, a violent tornado moved across Western Kentucky, producing severe to catastrophic damage in numerous towns, including Mayfield, Princeton, Dawson Springs, Barnsley and Bremen.[1] Crossing through eleven counties of the Jackson Purchase and Western Coal Field regions during its lifespan, the tornado was exceptionally long-tracked, traveling a total of 165.7 miles. It was the deadliest and longest-tracked tornado in an outbreak that produced numerous strong tornadoes in sever
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Volunteer Development
Volunteers play a vital role in the 4-H world and their willingness to share their knowledge with the youth is important. Without individuals that want to volunteer their time and give back to the community, there would not be as many 4-H Clubs and Projects in Hopkins County. Extension Agents have the passion to help youth grow and prosper but need the help of others because there are people that are proficient in various areas.The Kentucky Volunteer Forum, a bi-annual event, is the perfect plac
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Volunteer Development
2022 Kentucky Volunteer ForumVolunteers play a vital role in the 4-H world and their willingness to share their knowledge with the youth is important. Without individuals that want to volunteer their time and give back to the community, there would not be as many 4-H Clubs and Projects in Hopkins County. Extension Agents have the passion to help youth grow and prosper, but need the help of others because there are people that are proficient in various areas.The Kentucky Volunteer Forum, a bi-ann
