Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Leadership and Volunteer Skills for Engagement with Community, Country and World
Leadership Development, Civic Engagement, and Community Pride
Hagler, Howard, Smith
Leadership
Volunteer Development
Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General
The nation is at a time of public discourse and significant conflict. Nelson County’s leaders are predominantly older white males, while the demographics of the county have changed to reflect more diversity.
The recent statewide needs assessment identified Leadership Development, Civic Engagement and Community Pride as a high priority for Cooperative Extension. In Nelson County, 469 respondents ranked 62 community issues on a scale of “very important” to “not important.”?In the community vitality portion of the survey, the community identified the following three priorities:
1.More qualified leaders to prepare community for the future
2.More youth community leadership opportunities
3.More citizens helping to solve local issues
When focus groups were asked about their vision for a vibrant community in Nelson County, they indicated a desire to see a community with progressive leadership and open-minded citizens, where people feel connected and aware of resources (human capital) in the community. Improved infrastructure, facilities for community activities and increased youth development opportunities were also noted.
Youth and adults in Kentucky need programming support to enhance skills for influencing change. Extension can provide educational opportunities that build and nurture effective and engaged adult and youth leaders in and for our communities. Community leaders and citizens will benefit from the use of civic engagement techniques and listening sessions.
Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. The Cooperative Extension Service provides opportunities for youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create a positive impact on their future. Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success.
Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field. The skills associated with leadership are necessary when working in a group or communicating with others. Employers look for leadership skills in future employees. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the Nelson County Cooperative Extension program is a priority.
Communities are equipped with competent, knowledgeable and effective leaders.
Community members engage others to initiate projects.
Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members.
Communities become more prosperous.
Citizens put skills into practice by becoming more engaged and taking on leadership roles.
Leaders and citizens use improved skills in communication or problem solving in addressing organizational issues and needs.
Graduates of leadership programs initiate civic engagement and move from informal leadership roles into increased involvement/action.
Strategic plans are inclusive and strategies are adopted by communities and organizations.
Increase in diversity of individuals taking on leadership roles.
Youth engage in current and future civic involvement, community service and volunteerism.
Increase knowledge of effective leadership skills.
Develop/enhance the leadership skills of youth and adults.
Citizens are informed about community systems, better connected to communication networks, more confident and skilled in identifying and implementing strategies for systemic change.
Outcome: Increased knowledge of leadership skills
Indicator: Number of individuals attending programs
Method: Retroactive pre-post, 4-H Common Measures
Timeline: Following every leadership training, 6 month follow-up with 5 questions.
Outcome: Increased abilities in communication/problem solving
Indicator: Number of individuals who attend training
Method: Retroactive pre-post, 4-H Common Measures
Timeline: Following any program that includes communication skills training.
Outcome: Citizens (adults and youth) taking new leadership roles,
Indicator: Number of people reporting new leadership roles
Method: observation, Survey and/or interview
Timeline: Post training, 3, 6 and 12 month with survey and/or phone call.
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Leadership Training: Teen Council and Leadership Boards, 4-H Leadership Boot Camp, 4-H Teen Conference, 4-H Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference, 4-H National Congress, 4-H Achievement Program, 4-H National Conference, 4-H Summit, 4-H Camp Counselors, Local Leadership Clubs/Events?
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Development Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers,
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Adult community leaders (existing or rising leaders)
Project or Activity: Chamber Leadership Program
Content or Curriculum: KELD
Inputs: Agents, Community Partners
Date: Fall/Spring
Project or Activity: Master Clothing Volunteers
Content or Curriculum: Master Clothing curriculum
Inputs: Agents, volunteers
Date: Fall
Audience: ANR Clientele and Volunteers
Project or Activity: Ky Agriculture Leadership Program (KALP), Community Innovation Lab, Ky Water Quality Program, County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) Master Gardener, Master Horseman, Master Grazer, Master Naturalist, Master Woodlands Stewards Program, Master Cattleman, Master Logger, Ky Beef Leadership Forum.
Content or Curriculum: Packaged programs from Specialists, Beef IRM Group,
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and Volunteers.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: FCS Clientele and Volunteers
Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association, Master Clothing Volunteers,
Content or Curriculum: KELD Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and Volunteers
Date: ongoing
Project or Activity: KY Forest Leadership Program
Inputs: Agents, UK Specialists
Date: Winter
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills
During the vacancy for a Family Consumer Science Agent in Nelson County, the remaining Cooperative Extension Agents worked to maintain programs and support for existing FCS programs. Danielle Hagler, Nelson County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, worked closely with the County Homemaker President to develop and deliver an officer training for the 6 homemakers clubs in the county. 13 participants, holding various officers positions participated in the 2 hour training. The tr
Author: Hollyn Howard
Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts
Nelson County does not have any community theater opportunities available to youth outside of school drama clubs or electives. Earlier in the year, a program with teen "young leaders" within the county identified that teens feel there is a lack of "things to do for young people." Therefore, this opportunity was created to allow teens to help create a program for other youth. This leadership program was developed to build teen leadership skills, confidence, self awareness
Author: Hollyn Howard
Major Program: Civic Engagement
Youth understanding of local government, news, and history can allow them to be better equipped when taking on adult responsibility and the workforce. This program was designed to allow youth participants to be better connected to their local civics through visiting local government building, new/radio, historical landmark, their first responders, and local politicians. The Nelson County 4-H Agent partnered with local entities to schedule and prepare tours. The entities prepared 30 minute t
