Engaging, encouraging, and empowering youth and adult leaders through volunteering and leadership developmentPlan of Work

Back to the Program

Fulton County CES

Title:
Engaging, encouraging, and empowering youth and adult leaders through volunteering and leadership development
MAP:
Improving the Home and Community
Agents Involved:
B. Cheirs, A. Morgan, B. Rudy
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Family and Consumer Science
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills
Situation:

Fulton County is a rural community and like many rural communities it is highly depended on adult and youth volunteers to serve the community. According to the Corporation for National Community and Service, in 2015 Kentucky ranked 36th in residents who volunteer. The County Extension Council highlighted volunteering, goal planning, and jobs as important issues that Fulton County should implement programs around. If local citizens are engaged, educated, and empowered then the workforce and community are better prepared for local issues and will take ownership in implementing solutions.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Fulton County’s economy are strengthened through strong local organizational leadership.

Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.

Participants will serve in volunteer roles, creating a sense of belonging and volunteer spirit to Extension and other programs.

Fulton County Citizens will be volunteering on a regular basis to the extent that volunteerism is recognized as a valuable resource in the community.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Fulton County youth and adults will volunteer more hours or will take on additional leadership roles.

Improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group processes in addressing organizational issues and needs.

Gain an appreciation for volunteerism and community service.

Acquire decision making skills, gain confidence, and self-esteem in their own abilities and talents.

Initial Outcomes:

Youth and adult volunteers will become more educated in specific subject matter areas to teach, lead, and train others.

4-H Council members will learn their specific roles and responsibilities, learn the skills to lead committees and work together for the improvement and growth of Fulton County.

Volunteers will learn how to recruit new volunteers and develop new programs.

Understand parliamentary procedure and can conduct club meetings properly.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Volunteers will increase knowledge of the importance of volunteering

Indicator: Volunteers will attend Extension programming

Method: Sign in sheet

Timeline: Program year Ongoing


Intermediate Outcome: Volunteer numbers will increase in Fulton Co

Indicator: County programs will increase

Method: County office logs

Timeline: Program Year Ongoing


Long-term Outcome: Volunteer lead programs will increase in Fulton Co

Indicator: New programs in the county

Method: Sign in sheets, county logs, increased traffic flow in the office

Timeline: Program Year Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-H Age

Project or Activity: Leadership projects

Content or Curriculum: Leader In Me, Step Up to Leadership, Unlock Your Leadership Potential

Inputs: Agent, Schools, Business, Community Leaders

Date: Program year Ongoing


Audience: Community

Project or Activity: How to become effective leaders

Content or Curriculum: Parliamentary Procedures, Effective Leadership qualities

Inputs: Business Leaders, 4-H

Date: Program year Ongoing


Audience: Teens and Adults

Project or Activity: Work Ready Soft Skills and Workforce Prep Workshop

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability, Career Exploration and Workforce Readiness curricula

Inputs: Workforce Development Board, Extension Staff, County Gov't, Fulton County HS

Date: 2023-2024


Audience: Community Members

Project or Activity: Entrepreneurial Ventures

Content or Curriculum: CED Resources, 4-H Means Business, Fulton County Government Staff

Inputs: Area Business Leaders,

Inputs: Community, Business Leaders

Date: ongoing


Audience: High School

Project or Activity: APES

Content or Curriculum: APES

Inputs: Community and area business

Date: Spring 2024


Audience: High School and Adults

Project or Activity: Job and Career Fair

Content or Curriculum: collaborating with Business to advertise job openings

Inputs: Community and area businesses, schools

Date: Throughout the year



Success Stories

4-H Summit

Author: Bernita Cheirs

Major Program: Leadership

Middle school is a crucial period for youth development, marked by significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. Fostering leadership skills in middle school students is essential for preparing them for future challenges and responsibilities. Engaging them through interactive and enjoyable activities not only makes learning fun but also instills vital qualities such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making. At this age, youth encounter numerous physical, cognitive,

Full Story

Tri County Homeschool Club

Author: Bernita Cheirs

Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development

According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 3.1 million homeschooled students in grades K-12 in the United States in 2021- 2022. According to the John Hopkins School of Education, 5% of Kentucky’s K-12 students were homeschooled. In Kentucky's far Mississippi River counties, the number of homeschooled students seems to have significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. As this number continues to rise, homeschool families are looking to take advantage of E

Full Story

4-H Camp

Author: Bernita Cheirs

Major Program: Camping

According to the U.S. Census (2022) the median household income in Fulton County is $33,449. The cost for one 4-Her to attend 4-H Summer Camp is $300 plus the cost of transportation. Many families in Fulton County do not have the resources to allow their children to attend 4-H Camp. Even if the cost of 4-H Camp was only $200, many families would find it difficult to come up with the extra money. It isn’t that 4-H Camp is too expensive. It costs less than many other camps, but the resources

Full Story
Back to the Program