Leadership & Volunteerism Development
Empowering Community Leaders & Volunteers
Schalk, Tarry,
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Master Gardener
Family and Consumer Science
Volunteer Development
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 Barren County there are homemaker members, 4-H members, 4-H volunteers and leaders, KY Extension Master Gardener volunteers, Master Cattlemen, and Master Marketers who share their expertise, and volunteer time with youth and families in their community. Through the efforts of the Barren County Extension Agents, 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.
Volunteers actively engage in community programs which will enhance the socio economic and personal development of the individual
Adults and youth will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis
Number of people who:
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 and FCS Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in community leadership.
Volunteers obtain a better understanding of group dynamics, decision making, team building, conflict resolution and/or long and short range planning
Evaluation: Volunteer Service Unit Evaluation
Outcome: Increase in Volunteer Service Unit Hours
Indicator: Number of people turn in hours
Method: Evaluation, volunteer service unit hour form
Timeline: June, 1 year follow up
Outcome: Extension Volunteers strengthen community through obtained leadership skills
Indicator: Number of Extension volunteers in leadership roles
Method: Evaluations and records
Timeline: July - June
Outcome: Volunteers plan and organize effective programs
Indicator: Number of programs
Method: Evaluations and observation
Timeline: Immediately following program
Outcome: Volunteers increase knowledge and skills in personal, organizational and community leadership roles
Indicator: Number of volunteers developing skills
Method: survey and observation
Timeline: July to June
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Councils, Boards, Leadership Activities & Events
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Manual, KELD
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, CES Facilities & Equipment
Date: July - June
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Volunteer Service Unit Hours Lesson
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Manual, KELD
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, CES facilities & Equipment
Date: Following specific event
Audience: Adult and Youth Extension Volunteers
Project or Activity: Extension Councils, Boards and other community volunteer roles, leadership and volunteer development sessions
Content or Curriculum: SEAL, KELD, Extension Youth Administrator’s Volunteer Handbook
Inputs: Agents, CES publications, specialists
Date: July – June
Audience: Citizens
Project or Activity: Festivals and Fairs Content or Curriculum: Extension Publication Resources
Inputs: Agents, Chamber of Commerce, Community Committees, Civic Groups, Organizations
Date: following specific event
Audience: Extension Volunteers
Project or Activity: Client Protection Programs/Develop Expansion & Review Committee (A committee to perform duties outlined for committee in Client Protection Manual.)
Content or Curriculum: Client Protection manual
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, CP Committee
Date: July – June (New volunteer background and reference checks and interviews are a year round responsibility to be in compliance with the guidelines of the Client Protection Manual.)
Audience: Extension Master Gardener Association Volunteers
Project or Activity: Councils, Boards, Committees, Leadership Activities & Events, Volunteer Projects
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Manual & Guidelines, (BRAEMGA) Barren River Area Extension Master Gardener Association bylaws
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, CES Facilities & Equipment, CES publications
Date: July - June
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Barren County has had a county agriculture extension agent since 1920. I am the fourth, so needless to say folks in this position stay. The South Central Kentucky Cultural Center holds an annual program entitled, Harvest of History. The Harvest of History is held general close to Halloween, and is features local historical figures portrayed by community members. The program takes place in the historic Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. In the 2022 Harvest of History I was