Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership and Volunteer Development
Community Vitality
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
Leadership
Community Leadership Development
Master Clothing Volunteer
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
