Extension
It Starts With Us
Empowering Community Leaders
Empowering Leaders and Volunteers
Darrell Simpson, Mackenzie Pogue
Community Engagement
Family and Consumer Science
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen youth, families, farm businesses and organizations. According to the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Muhlenberg County report, 21.15% of the survey respondents said that having more qualified leaders to prepare the community for the future was a priority when asked about community vitality. Through the efforts of Extension agents and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions.
Muhlenberg County's youth and adults, and local as well as area organizations are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership.
Leaders practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community outreach and improve skills in communication and problem solving in addressing organizational issues and needs. Leaders take active roles in Extension and non Extension related organizations to improve their communities.
Citizens increase knowledge and skills in personal, organizational and community leadership.
Long-Term Outcome: Strong local organizational leadership
Indicator: Participation and leadership in county projects and organizations
Indicator: Improved use of agendas and parliamentary procedure skills
Method: Evaluate at end of club year
Method: Agent observation at organization meetings
Timeline: 2021-2022
Intermediate Outcome: Improved skills in order to lead clubs, groups, and organizations
Indicator: Participation in leadership positions
Indicator: Correct use of agendas and parliamentary procedures
Method: Surveys and self critiquing of meetings
Method: Agent observation of leaders
Timeline: 2021-2022
Initial Outcome: increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership
Indicator: participation of club and organization members
Method: activities and participation
Timeline: 2021-2022
Audience: Muhlenberg Extension Homemaker's Association
Project or Activity: Lesson Trainings and Council Trainings
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Materials
Inputs: ANR/FCS Agent, Area FCS Agents, KEHA members
Date: KEHA Program Year
Audience: Adult and Teen Volunteers
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: Camp Counselors 101
Inputs: Staff and Specialist Input
Date: June
Audience: Extension Council, 4-H Council, ANR Council, Homemaker Council
Project or Activity: Educational Programs
Content or Curriculum: SEAL, Speakers
Inputs: Staff, Volunteers
Date: Annually 2021-2022
Audience: Members of Commodity Organizations
Project: Organized Commodity Group Members
Content or Curriculum: Parliamentary Procedure Publication, agent and leader one to one trainings
Date: Monthly Meetings
Audience: 4-H Teen Club
Project or Activity: Food for Kids Backpack Program/ Fundraising
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, KY 4-H Leadership Curriculum
Inputs: Volunteers, Staff, Community Leaders,
Date: Fall/Winter
Audience: 4-H Project Leaders
Project or Activity: Various Projects, Horse, Ham, Shooting Sports, Poultry, Sewing
Content/Curriculum: National 4-H, KY 4-H Certification
Input: Staff, Volunteers, Program support funds
Date: Year Long
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Community Engagement
Backyard gardening has become a popular past time of many local families over the last year. Parents find themselves outdoors with with children actively tending to a family garden during the recent pandemic. The Muhlenberg County Extension Office provided the necessary starter kits for many families to learn the basics of successful gardening to enjoy with their children. During the 2020 Pandemic, extension staff prepared resources for families to grab-and-go at their conven
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Master Clothing Volunteer
According to the University of Kentucky Master Volunteer Clothing site,the Kentucky Master Volunteer in Clothing Program is an outgrowth of volunteer interest and concern for a longtime Extension program (sewing). This carefully structured interdisciplinary statewide venture between Home Economics and 4-H/Youth that focused on clothing construction is a model program to expand current educational offerings and increase outreach opportunities to clientele. Although the Muhlenberg County Cooperati
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Agriculture, like any industry needs leaders to promote it so that it continues to grow. In 2012,Muhlenberg County corn, soybean, and wheat farmer Brent Gatton, approached this agent about participating in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment program known as (KALP) Kentucky Ag Leadership Program. His nomination to participate in the two year leadership program was successful. Upon his completion of the program, he became active in local agriculture oriented org
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Muhlenberg County Cooperative Extension Service hosted their inaugural Extension Extravaganza in May of 2022. The Muhlenberg County Extension Council planned, prepared, and hosted the Extension Extravaganza as a way of showcasing the variety of Extension opportunities community members can become involved in. The concept came about after office staff members discussed ways to involve the whole family and provide research-based materials that participants could not only learn abou
