Graves County CES

Title:

Developing Youth and Adult Leaders in the Community

MAP:

Developing Leadership Skills

Agents Involved:

Chadwick, Wooley, Rudolph

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Leadership

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR

Situation:

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). By supporting and engaging young leaders, adults, organizations and communities experience direct benefits, through stronger connections to other young people in the community (Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001). They have a greater understanding of the problems facing other youth, and fresh perspectives for how to address these problems (Des Marais, Yang, & Farzanehkia, 2000; Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001; McGillicuddy, 1991). 

Additionally, young people help to re-energize adults and counteract negative stereotypes of youth when they are successfully engaged in leadership within their communities (Zeldin, & Camino, 1999; Fiscus, 2003). Becoming an active part of the community necessitates that youth and adults value the diversity present and promote inclusivity at all levels of programming and involvement. The demographic makeup of the US has changed significantly over the last few decades and will continue to change in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status (SES), special needs and educational attainment. This changing population and awareness of diversity will continue to change into the future. Three powerful trends in society have contributed to a focus on diversity, inclusiveness and education about this topic. These trends are: 1) a competitive, globalized market in which the US conducts business; 2) substantial changes in the makeup of the US population and, 3) the celebration of individual differences and a movement away from “fitting in”. 

4-H Youth Leadership is about learning about the concept of leadership and your individual role as a leader, using leadership skills to effectively lead small groups and teams toward common goals, working within your community (club/county/state or beyond) to become an engaged leader who can make a difference, and creating a program that encourages, values, promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity at all levels. 

Volunteers are also important in building engaged and empowered communities.  4-H programs are led by qualified volunteers from the community. It is important to continue developing their leadership skills through training and advanced opportunities. In adddition, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association mission is to improve the quality of life for families and communities through education, leadership development and volunteer service. With membership totaling more than 13,000 statewide, KEHA members are engaged leaders and active volunteers. Master Food and Clothing Volunteers also contribute to the body of community leadership, as well as District Board and County Extension Council members.

Youth and adults in Kentucky need programming support to enhance skills for influencing change. Extension should provide educational opportunities that build and nurture effective and engaged adult and youth leaders. Extension should also encourage the use of civic engagement techniques and listening sessions.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth

Youth will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life

Youth will identify and address critical issues that impact the community

Youth will be productive, contributing adults in the future

Youth will use leadership and communications skills needed to be successful in the workplace on a daily basis

KEHA members serve as active Extension and community volunteers engaged in addressing community needs.

Master Clothing and Foods Volunteers provide the counties with experienced leaders who can assist in the implementation of sewing and food related programs; develop lasting friendships with other volunteers thereby, and gaining a support-group that can improve quality of life

Participants of MCV -led Programs continue to engage in sewing-related activities, sustain or increase the participation in sewing-related activities – sew for pleasure or self-expression; gain skills that can be used to benefit livelihood; save money by mending or altering clothing and by sewing home décor items.

Communities will be equipped with competent, effective leaders

Community members will engage others to intiate projects

Community members will find it possible to participate in civic engagement

Communities will become more prosperous

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth 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 in clubs, activities and other venues with 4-H and other community organizations

Youth will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives

Youth will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs

Youth will participate in community service and volunteer

Youth will engage in civic involvement

Youth will maintain future intentions for civic engagement

Senior 4-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

KEHA leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area and/or state level

Number of KEHA volunteer service hours reported annually for KEHA, Extension and Community activities will increase

Master Clothing and Food Volunteers continue to hone their skills and increase confidence; seek out teaching and leadership opportunities in their communities; generate interest in sewing and food related activities within their communities

Participants of MCV -Led Programs learn more skills, consider mending clothing in lieu of replacing it, sew their own clothing or craft items; are provided with a creative outlet

Graduates of leadership programs will initiate civic engagement

Graduates of leadership programs will increase their involvement/action through informal leadership roles

Community members will put skills into practice by becoming more engaged, taking on leadership roles

Community members will improve skills in communication or problem-solving in addressing organizational issues and needs

Community members will create strategic plans that are inclusive and adopt strategies

Community members will increase new alliances

Community members will increase diversity of individuals taking on leadership roles

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting

Youth will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player and communicator

Youth will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics

Youth will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity

Youth will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement

Youth will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals

Youth will listen to people who have different ideas from them

 KEHA members will gain organizational knowledge through annual officer and chairman training

KEHA members will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership through club lessons and special interest workshops.

Master Clothing and Food Volunteers will be accepted into a group of individuals that share a passion for sewing or food; through our MCV training, our volunteers learn standard sewing skills and are exposed to advancements in sewing equipment; they may change point-of-view about the way some sewing techniques can be taught or implemented.

Participants of MCV/MFV-Led Programs will learn basic sewing and cooking skills, accept sewing and cooking as a valid hobby, become interested in learning more sewing and cooking techniques; improve hand/eye coordination

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increase in leadership skills

Indicator: Increase in communication, teamwork, and confidence

Method: Surveys and 4-H Common Measures

Timeline: Ongoing evaluation

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Producers, Farm Service Agency, Soil Conservation

Project or Activity: Agriculture Development Board

Content or Curriculum: Extension agriculture resources and information

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: Meets throughout the year

Audience: Citizens of Graves County

Project or Activity: Extension Homemakers Association

Content or Curriculum: Leader trainings, homemaker lessons, officer reports

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: September - June

Audience: Citizens of Graves County

Project or Activity: Extension District Board

Content or Curriculum: Leader trainings, meetings, officer reports

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: Meets year-round

Audience: Citizens of Graves County

Project or Activity: County Extension Council

Content or Curriculum: Leader trainings, meetings, officer reports

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: Meets year-round

Audience: 4-H volunteers, alumni, and supporters

Project or Activity: Graves County 4-H Council

Content or Curriculum: KELD, 4-H curriculum and resources

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: Meets bimonthly

Audience: Youth aged 14-18

Project or Activity: Teen Conference

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership curriculum

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: June 

Audience: Youth aged 11-13

Project or Activity: Teen Summit

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership curriculum

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: March

Audience: Youth aged 14-18

Project or Activity: Graves County Teen Club

Content or Curriculum: Citizenship, leadership, and communication curriculum

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: Meets year-round

Audience: Youth aged 14-18

Project or Activity: Purchase Area 4-H Teen Council

Content or Curriculum: Citizenship, leadership, and communication curriculum

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: Meets year-round

Audience: Youth aged 14-18

Project or Activity: 4-H State Teen Board Participation

Content or Curriculum: Project-specific; leadership

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: Meets year-round

Audience: Middle-school and high-school youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Achievement Program

Content or Curriculum: Leadership, honors materials

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: Fall

Audience: Middle-school and high-school youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Communications Program

Content or Curriculum: Leadership, honors materials

Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists

Date: Spring

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