Wayne County CES

Title:

Growing and Empowering Community Leaders

MAP:

Empowering Community Leaders

Agents Involved:

T Humble, G. Roberts, D. Shepherd, S. Coffey, D. Adams, S. Hart, T. Bertram

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Master Gardener

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Champion Food Volunteers

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Family and Consumer Science

Situation:

Major Program 5: Community Leadership

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 Kentucky there are 16,000 KEHA members, 119 Master Clothing Volunteers, over 150 Champion Food Volunteers, over 20,000 4-H adults, and 4,500 4-H youth volunteers who share their expertise, and volunteer time with youth and families in their community. Through the efforts of the FCS Agents, 4-H Agents, paraprofessionals, and volunteers local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand family and community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions. Coordinated efforts between Ag, FCS, and 4-H Programs along with efforts with local Food Service Directors assist with access to locally grown foods for the school system with inputs from student and adult volunteers.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Kentucky communities’ health and economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership.

Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders. 

Communities are equipped with competent, effective leaders. 

Community members engage others to initiate projects. 

Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Citizens put skills into practice by becoming more engaged in the community, taking on leadership roles. 

Graduates in formal leadership roles increase their involvement/action. 

Graduates of community leadership programs initiate civic engagement. 

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. 

Initial Outcomes:

Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership. 

4-H Members, Leaders, Volunteers, Master Gardeners, KEHA Leaders and Members, Community Coalitions, and Extension Program Advisory Council members increase knowledge and skills in organizational leadership. 

Kentuckians increase knowledge and skills in community leadership. 

Increase knowledge of effective leadership skills. 

Develop/enhance the leadership skills of youth and adults. 

Citizens: Informed about community systems, better connected to communication networks, more confident and skilled in identifying and implementing strategies for systemic change. 

Evaluation:

Focus - Collect Data - Analyze and deliver training and other resources to

build leadership capacity.

Self-assessment tools, indication of increased citizen led activities.

Increased participation on community boards, civic groups and

organizations.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Extension Homemakers, Lake Cumberland Area Extension Homemakers, 4-H Ambassadors, Volunteer leaders, KEHA members, 4H Leaders/Youth, Wayne County Schools, Organizations, Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs), Social service agencies, Libraries, Schools, Faith-based organizations, Government officials, Chamber of commerce, Advisory Councils 

Project or Activity: County Homemaker Leader Lessons, and Homemaker Club lessons, 4-H Ambassadors, Local Work Ready Initiative, Leadership Development, 4-H Leadership, Master Gardener Volunteers and Community Members, School Garden Volunteers, Champion Food Volunteers, Health & Wellness Ambassadors, Master Clothing Volunteers

Content or Curriculum: Extension Homemaker Lessons, UK Extension Resources, Empowering Leaders in Kentucky (ELK), Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD), Champion Food Volunteer (CFV) training, Master Clothing Volunteers, Advisory Council Training, SEAL Training, KEHA Leader Training, 4-H Leadership Curriculum and Resources, Master Gardener, Health & Wellness Ambassadors Certification Training

Inputs: Extension Staff, Advisory Councils, Community partners, Extension Facility, Volunteers, Wayne County Schools, Hope Center, Health Department, Quilt Guild members, Extension Staff, families, youth, supporters, alumni, professionals in related careers,  

Date: July 2021 - June 2024 

Success Stories