Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership & Volunteerism
23-24 Building Human Capital
Catherine Webster, Jason Phillips, Nancy Doyle
Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Leadership
Community Leadership Development
Research shows that effective leadership is one of the factors necessary for success within today’s communities and organizations. Knowing one’s own leadership skills and characteristics is a critical starting point; without intrapersonal leadership knowledge it is difficult to understand what effective leadership looks like within an interpersonal, organizational or community context.
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within Simpson County is critical for the sustainability of the community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthening the community and addressing critical issues. In response to a local community visioning activity, the Cooperative Extension Service in Simpson County took the lead in developing a community leadership program to recruit and train new and emerging community leaders. There is continued request for the program by both individuals and the Chamber of Commerce – our partner in the program. Trained leaders and volunteers will help stimulate economic development, community engagement and implement Extension programming. In addition, the development of leadership contributes greatly to the positive development of young people. Helping youth develop leadership competencies makes them better able to solve community problems and enhances their civic participation. Young leaders demonstrate high career aspirations, increased self-esteem, and improve high school completion rates.
Long-term Outcomes:
Critical community issues are identified and effectively addressed through active engaged local leaders. Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth. They will also use leadership and communication skills needed to be successful in the future.
Community leaders apply skills to assess needs, develop programs and implement solutions for community problems.
Participants in leadership programs demonstrate improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group process in addressing organizational issues and needs.
Extension program leaders will accept leadership positions and fulfill responsibilities such as conducting meetings, completing reports, and serving on committees.
Youth will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills learned during their time in 4-H, in their day to day lives. They will engage in community based service projects and one day become adult leaders.
Initial Outcome:
Participants in Leadership Franklin Simpson identify the leadership needs and opportunities in the community and build their individual leadership skills.
Adults increase knowledge, skills, and confidence through participation in leadership workshops and communication programs.
Youth will learn the communication, leadership, and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting. They will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player, and communicator. Youth will acquire decision making skills, learn how to set goals, and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
Outcome: Current and graduated Leadership Franklin-Simpson class members assume positions of leadership in addressing community issues and facilitating community projects.
Youth learn the concept of leadership then effectively use the leadership skills learned.
Indicator: Participants serve on committees, serve as officers in organizations or committees, and move into higher leadership positions. Evaluations from new class members indicate they acquired new leadership skills.
Youth and/or 4-H members can lead a group, serve as mentors to younger youth, set & accomplish goals, finish a job they started, take responsibility for their own actions, and respect others ideas.
Method: Agent observation, verbal communication with program participants, reports of local coalition, committee and group activities will document the involvement of current and past Leadership program participants. Alumni group will demonstrate leadership skills through the formation of an Alumni Association that holds quarterly meetings and has a board of directors.
For youth, agent observation and written evaluation of program participants.
Timeline: 2023-2024
Indicate the audience you intend to reach through specific learning opportunities that will be provided. First, describe the project or activity. Then, describe the content that will be delivered or the curriculum used. Next, indicate the inputs or resources used to conduct the program (e.g., volunteers, paid staff, facilities, grant funds, etc.). Finally, tell when the project/activity will occur.
Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):
Audience: General population
Project or Activity: Leadership Franklin-Simpson
Content or Curriculum: KELD
Inputs: Community Leaders, Leadership Alumni, Chamber of Commerce,
Donations from businesses, Agent time, Staff time
Date: March - October 2024
Audience: Leadership Alumni Board
Project or Activity: Planning 2024 Leadership Franklin Simpson Class
Content or Curriculum: KELD, strategic planning
Inputs: Leadership graduates, volunteers, guest speakers, meeting spaces
Date: October 2023-October 2024
Audience: Ages 9-18
Project or Activity: 4-H Talk Meet & Demonstrations Contest, 4-H Speech Club, Lincoln Elementary Speech Contest
Content or Curriculum: Building Bridges
Inputs: Community Volunteers, School District, Extension Office
Date: September 2023-June 2024
Audience: General population
Project or Activity: Farm Tour
Content or Curriculum: innovative multi-farm tour organized, implemented and evaluated by ag advisory council
Inputs: Agent’s time, paid staff, meeting facility, UK publications, newsletters, news articles, radio programs
Date: 2023-2024 program year
Audience: Master Gardener Graduates
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Community Volunteer Projects
Content or Curriculum: Providing community service through horticulture education, demonstrations, donations, etc.
Inputs: Master Gardener Volunteer’s time, agent’s time, paid staff, UK resources
Date: July 2023 – June 2024
Audience: 4-H Clubs
Project or Activity: 4-H Club Officer and Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: Unlock Your Leadership Potential, County 4-H Club Leader Handbook, State 4-H Website/Agent Resources
Inputs: Extension Office, Staff, Agents, 4-H Council, 4-H Volunteers/Leaders/Members
Date: August 2023 - January 2024
Audience: 4-H Volunteers
Project or Activity: 4-H Fundraisers
Content or Curriculum: Parents/Leaders/Members plan & leader fundraisers to benefit 4-H Camps, Clubs, Council, & John Swack Scholarhips
Inputs: Extension Agent, Office/Pavilion, & Staff, Community Park, County Clerk, TSC, Piggly Wiggly, Downtown Franklin Square, Franklin 1st UMC
Date: 2023-2024
Audience: Extension Volunteers
Project or Activity: 4-H Council and Homemaker & FCS Councils
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Council By-Laws, Homemaker Council By-Laws
Inputs: 4-H Leaders, Homemakers, Extension Agents, Extension Office, Community Leaders
Date: 2023-2024
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Activity: Raise awareness of Scam and Avoiding Fraud,
Curriculum: Extension resources
Inputs:Invite guest speaker from local law enforcement agency
Date: June 2023-February 2024
Author: Catherine Webster
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Simpson County 4-H had five members advance to national contests in 2023. Three youth represented KY on the senior horse bowl team that competed at Eastern Nationals, Quarter Horse Congress, and Southern Horse Regionals. In addition, one member represented KY at the National Egg Conference on the Avian Bowl team. One member also joined Warren Co. 4-H on Kentucky's Culinary Challenge team that competed at the Texas State Fair. Having five youth win state and compete in national 4-H events is
Author: Catherine Webster
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,
Author: Catherine Webster
Major Program: Leadership
Simpson County 4-H is excited to have it's first KY State 4-H Officer for 24-25. The impact the KY 4-H program has had on her life is immeasurable..."One of the first clubs in Simpson County 4-H that I became involved in was the Lucky Spurs, which is our horse club. I joined the club thinking all I wanted to do was to show horses. While attending my first club meeting, the leader, Mrs. Rebecca encouraged me to try other opportunities within the club. That year I was able to compet
Author: Catherine Webster
Major Program: Leadership
The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky June 11-14, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to become acquainted with the University of Kentucky,
