Leadership and Volunteer DevelopmentPlan of Work

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Woodford County CES

Title:
Leadership and Volunteer Development
MAP:
Community Vitality
Agents Involved:
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Leadership
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Community Leadership Development
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Master Clothing Volunteer
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
Situation:

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. Through the efforts of the extension agents and volunteers, local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions. Woodford County is a community that is maintaining its population with limited amounts of growth. Community volunteers tend to stay involved in the community for long periods of time. Despite this, new volunteers and citizens must be engaged and encouraged to take on leadership roles within their community. An effective Cooperative Extension Service will continue to develop new leadership in order to maintain support and provide input to our programs.


Long-Term Outcomes:

The community will have a diverse mixture of experienced and new volunteer leaders that can effectively determine community needs and assist with the delivery of educational programs to the citizens of Woodford County. Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.

Intermediate Outcomes:

County advisory councils will be composed of individuals representing all areas of the community. Youth will serve as active members of advisory groups. Certified and master volunteers will help deliver educational programs in 4-H animal science, 4-H shooting sports, sewing, horticulture, and cooking.

Initial Outcomes:

Advisory councils will meet on a regular basis and provide input regarding educational needs. Youth will gain experience in communication skills, parliamentary procedure and community leadership. Citizens will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership, citizens will increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Diverse mix of active community volunteers

Indicator: community organizations, advisory councils

Method: review of attendance, minutes, membership rolls

Timeline: Yearly


Intermediate Outcome: Advisory councils with representation from all areas

Indicator: membership, attendance, rotation of officers

Method: review of council minutes, meeting attendance

Timeline: Yearly


Initial Outcome: Youth and volunteers will gain leadership experience

Indicator: 4-H Club officer involvement, meeting activities

Method: evaluation of club/program experiences

Timeline: Yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Local elected officials

Project or Activity: Legislative Appreciation Dinner

Content or Curriculum: Report to the People

Inputs: Open house, multi-media presentation

Date: Annually


Audience: Extension Homemakers

Project or Activity: Monthly Leader Lessons

Content or Curriculum: CES publications

Inputs: Agent's time, Volunteers, Extension Homemakers, Extension Facilities

Date: September-May


Audience: Advisory Council Members

Project or Activity: Council meetings

Content or Curriculum: SEAL materials

Inputs: Agents time, Volunteer Time

Date: Year-round


Audience: High School Seniors

Project or Activity: Woodford Leadership Tomorrow

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: Community organizations to host tours

Date: September - May 


Audience: High School/Middle School Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Leadership Council

Content or Curriculum: Leadership Development/Service Learning

Inputs: Agent time, Volunteer Speakers, Materials, Curriculum

Date: September - May


Audience: Adults and 4-H Youth

Project or Activity: Beginning Sewing Classes

Content or Curriculum: UK Beginning Sewing Publications, 4-H Youth Sewing Curriculum

Inputs: Agent Time, Master Clothing Volunteers

Date: Annually


Audience: Adult Volunteers

Project or Activity: Certified 4-H Volunteer programs

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science, 4-H Shooting Sports, 4-H Equine, 4-H Sewing

Inputs: Volunteer Leader Workshops

Date: Year-round


Audience: Community Residents

Project or Activity: Leadership Woodford County

Content or Curriculum: KELD, other extension resources

Inputs: Area Agents Time, Specialists, Community and Civic organizations

Date: Every other year


Audience: Homeowners/Landowners

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Training

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum

Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, CES Publications

Date: Every other year



Success Stories

Master Gardener Volunteer Development

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Master Gardener

The mission of the Woodford County Extension Master Gardener (WCEMG) volunteer program is to share research-based horticultural knowledge and practices, cultivate community collaborations, supports project-based volunteer activities and inspire change to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet. The WCEMG group has grown significantly over the last two years with the development of leadership opportunities for members. The horticulture agent collaborated with special

Full Story

4-H Capitol Experience provides Civics Opportunities

Author: Ryan Farley

Major Program: Leadership

In a 2016 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, one in four youth were unable to name the three branches of government. In addition, in July 2018 the Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 158.141 stated a student must pass a civics test at a rate of 60% or higher, composed of 100 questions to graduate from a public high school with a regular diploma. To address this need, Kentucky 4-H Capitol Experience was established with the objectives of: Developing a positive relationship between

Full Story

Teen Conference Provides Opportunity for Skill Development

Author: Ryan Farley

Major Program: Natural Resources

The 99th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 13-16, 2023. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: 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, develop youth-adult partnerships, and become acquainted with

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