Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership & Volunteer Development
Leadership and Volunteer Development
Comer & Hamilton
Community Leadership Development
Community Engagement
Leadership
Volunteer Development
Leadership development builds the capacities of individuals, groups, and organizations to resolve community issues. Volunteer development can enhance the potential for community service. The two disciplines share a common focus: human capacity-building for public well-being (CREES, 2004). The Cooperative Extension Service is an important community partner in developing these capacities. The community of Montgomery County continues to evolve as one engaged in the development of educational, economic, recreational, cultural, historical, leisure, and environmental opportunities. The Cooperative Extension Service takes the lead in providing meaningful leadership opportunities that lead to an enhanced quality of living; addresses community issues; maximizes resources through partnerships and collaborations; and provides guidance to continue the progressive development of an engaged community.
Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in Kentucky. The Cooperative Extension Service provides opportunities for youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create a positive impact on their future. Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success.
4-H provides youth opportunities to engage in developmentally-appropriate experiences to advance their leadership skills:
- Youth need opportunities to develop social skills, civic and leadership skills, create strong connections with caring adults, have access to safe places to interact with their peers, and support services to allow them to become more independent adults (Blank, M. J., 2017).
- Youth need the opportunity to exercise or develop creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration skills (21st Century Skills, 2009).
- Youth success is situated around four foundational components: self-regulation, knowledge and skills, mindsets, and values (Nagakoa, et al., 2015).
- 4-Hers are four times more likely to give back to their communities (Learner, R. M., & Learner, J. V., 2013).
- 4-Hers in grades 6-12 are nearly four times more likely to make contributions to their communities (Learner, R. M., & Learner, J. V., 2013).
Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field. The skills associated with leadership are necessary when working in a group or communicating with others. Employers look for leadership skills in future employees. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the 4-H program is a priority. By assisting the development of leadership skills in today’s youth, we improve their ability to face the challenges of tomorrow (Unlock Your Leadership Potential, University of Florida, 2017).
Through 4-H, youth exercise critical thinking skills, learn to appreciate diversity, practice tolerance, develop socio-emotionally, and strive to contribute to their environment (United States Department of Education International Affairs Office of International Strategy).
Communities are equipped with competent, effective leaders
Community members engage others to initiate projects
Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members
Communities become more prosperous
Extension leaders put skills into practice by becoming more engaged and taking on leadership roles to prepare the community for the future
Extension leaders are inclusive of all individuals
Extension leaders engage in civic involvement to solve local issues
Youth improve skills in communication or problem-solving in addressing community issues/ needs
Youth become more engaged in non-formal leadership roles to increase their leadership involvement and opportunities
Youth participants initiate projects that meet the needs of their community
Youth will volunteer and participate in community service
Youth will maintain future intentions for civic engagement
Community members participate in leadership development programs such as Leadership Montgomery County.
Community members are informed of community systems, are better connected to communication networks, are more confident, knowledgeable, and skilled in identifying and implementing strategies for change in their community (local/state/national/global)
Community members take on new leadership roles in Agricultural related organizations.
Youth learn skills in communication, leadership and meeting procedure that allow them to run an effective club meeting.
Youth increase knowledge of effective leadership skills
Youth develop/enhance leadership skills
Outcome to be evaluated: Youth become more engaged as a leader in their community (planning a service project, serving as a mentor, increasing participation in local/state/national levels)
Indicator of Success for Outcome
- Youth plan a community service project in their community
- Youth report they serve as a mentor for a younger participant
- Youth serve as leaders within their club or county programs
- Youth serve in a state or national leadership position
Method of Evaluation
- 4-H Common Measures survey questions
- Number of youth who served as group leaders or officers?(PRACTICE)
- Number of youth who received education related to diversity and inclusivity? (KOSA)
- Number of youth who served as direct mentors to one or more younger youth? (SEEC)
- Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the question: “Is 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself?” (SEEC)
- Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the question: “Is 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader?” (SEEC)
Timeline: FY'2021-24
Initial Outcome: Community members take on new leadership roles in Agricultural related organizations.
Indicator: Number of Community members take on new leadership roles in Agricultural related organizations.
Method: Observation and evaluation
Timeline: FY'2021-24
Intermediate Outcome: Extension leaders serve in volunteer and leadership roles to address emerging community issues.
Indicator: Number of Extension and Community leaders serving in volunteer and leadership roles
Method: Observation and evaluation
Timeline: FY'2021-24
Long-term Outcome: Our community provides meaningful leadership and service opportunities building the human capacity for the good of all the community.
Indicator: Number of leader driven activities that help to benefit the lives of county citizens.
Method: Observation and evaluation
Timeline: FY'2021-24
Audience: 4-H youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Club meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: Volunteer time/support; Extension staff/support staff time; research information
Date: July 2022-August 2023
Audience: Community members
Project or Activity: Leadership Montgomery County
Content or Curriculum: Extension leadership publications,
Inputs: Agent advisor support/time; travel; funding; support staff time;
Date: July 2022 through May 2023
Audience: Agriculture Community members
Project or Activity: Agricultural Related Organizations
Content or Curriculum: Meetings and Activities
Inputs: Agent advisor support/time; travel; funding; support staff time;
Date: July 2022 through May 2023
Learning Opportunities
4-H Leadership
- Curriculum: Unlocking Your Leadership Potential, Teambuilding with Teens, My Leadership Workbook (Level 1), My Leadership Journal (Level 2), My Leadership Portfolio (Level 3), Leadership Mentor Guide 1: K-5, Leadership Mentor Guide 2: 6-12
- Date: July 2022 through June 2023
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Civic Engagement
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: Charles Comer
Major Program: Leadership
According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, they are exploring where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is imperative to provide positive experiences where young people may explore the world in a safe environment. Historically, there is a decline in enrollment numbers throughout the middle school years in 4-H programming, Kentucky 4-H hosts the Kentucky 4-H Summit Leadership Conference for middle schoolers
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Leadership
The Kentucky Leadership Summit was held at the KSU Benson Farm on May 24, 2023. Nearly 80 participants representing 32 leadership programs from across Kentucky participated in the summit. To host the event, University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension partnered with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives to invite community leadership program planners to this important networking event. Core planning was organized by Daniel Kahl, UK Community and Leadership Dev
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Leadership
Research conducted by 4-H in the past suggested that youth aren’t getting the leadership opportunities they want and need. In the 2016 4-H National Youth Survey on Leadership, two-thirds of respondents said they don’t have the tangible skills they needed to lead. Half of high school students said they don’t feel prepared to lead in college or a future career. (Sirangelo, March 2018, 4-H Is Growing True Leaders). Kentucky 4-H addresses this issue and concern through t
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts
Fear of speaking in front of an audience ranks as one of the top things people fear most. But becoming an effective public speaker is the difference between success and failure in life. (Fischlschweiger, S. 2018, Public Speaking: A Vital Skill for All Youth). In Kentucky, providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is important. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individu
