Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Leaders for our Communities, Country and World
Leadership and Volunteer Skills
Cathy Sparks, Kristen Stumbo, Stefaine Back
Family and Consumer Science
Community Leadership Development
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills
Many leadership scholars and youth development professionals agree that leadership development is an important, but often overlooked facet of youth development and education (MacNeil, 2000). The development of leadership contributes greatly to the positive development of young people and their communities. Leadership skills, such as goal-setting, problem-solving, and sound decision-making, are not just necessary for leaders - these skills are needed for success in today's world (MacNeil, 2000). Furthermore, helping young people develop leadership competencies makes them better able to solve community problems and enhances their civic participation (O'Brien & Kohlmeier, 2003). Young leaders also demonstrate higher career aspirations, increased self-esteem, and improved high school completion rates (Bloomberg, Ganey, Alba, Quintero, & Alcantara, 2003).
In addition to improving these skills in youth, leadership and volunteer development are also important for adult leaders in Extension. Adult leaders can have great impact on their communities, and their help in recognizing and addressing community issues is critical.
* Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
* Youth and adults will identify and address critical issues that impact the community
* Youth will be productive, contributing adults in the future.
* Youth and adults will use leadership and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace and effective leaders in their community on a daily basis.
* Youth and adults will demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in their day to day lives.
* Youth will utilize leadership skills learned during their time in 4-H Clubs, activities, and other venues with 4-H and other community organizations.
* Senior4-H members will become leaders or co-leaders of a 4-H project club, day camp, or other project based group of younger 4-H members.
* Youth and adults will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
*Youth and adults will learn the communication, leadership, and procedural skills that will allow them to effectively run a meeting.
* Youth and adults will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player, and communicator.
* Youth and adults will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics.
* Youth and adults will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity.
* Youth and adults will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
*Youth and adults will listen to people who have different ideas than themselves and take those ideas into consideration.
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Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Summer Day Camp
Content or Curriculum: Various 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Staff, State Staff, 4-H Council members, Extension Facilities
Date: Summer 2023
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Council
Content or Curriculum: Leadership, Team building, Community Service
Inputs: Staff and Volunteers, Community Partners
Date: Ongoing
Audience: 4-H Summer Camp
Project or Activity: Camping Curriculum
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Inputs: Staff, Volunteers, Camping Facilities, State Staff
Date:Summer 2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: School Clubs
Content or Curriculum: Inclusion of all 7 Core Areas
Inputs: Staff and Teachers
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Leadership Academy
Content or Curriculum: Team building with Teens, Community Service
Inputs: Staff
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Leadership, Magoffin County
Content or Curriculum: KELD, CES Publications
Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK CES Specialists, UK CED Staff
Date: December - October
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Extension Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: KELD, CES Publications
Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK CES Specialists, UK CED Staff
Date: December-October
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Extension Homemaker Leader Lessons
Content or Curriculum: KELD, CES Publications
Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK FCS Specialists, UK CED Specialists
Date: Ongoing
