Bath County CES

Title:

Leadership Enhancement and Community Development

MAP:

Community Vitality

Agents Involved:

Amburgey, Gwishiri, Clemons

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Community Leadership Development

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Economic Development

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

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.

Initial Outcomes:

* 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.

Evaluation:

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.

Learning Opportunities:

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

Success Stories