Nelson County CES

Title:

Developing Leadership and Volunteer Skills for Engagement with Community, Country and World

MAP:

Leadership Development, Civic Engagement, and Community Pride

Agents Involved:

Hagler, Klotz, Smith

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Leadership

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Community Leadership Development

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General

Situation:

The nation is at a time of public discourse and significant conflict.  Nelson County’s leaders are predominantly older white males, while the demographics of the county have changed to reflect more diversity. 

The recent statewide needs assessment identified Leadership Development, Civic Engagement and Community Pride as a high priority for Cooperative Extension. In Nelson County, 469 respondents ranked 62 community issues on a scale of “very important” to “not important.”?In the community vitality portion of the survey, the community identified the following three priorities: 

1.More qualified leaders to prepare community for the future  

2.More youth community leadership opportunities 

3.More citizens helping to solve local issues 

When focus groups were asked about their vision for a vibrant community in Nelson County, they indicated a desire to see a community with progressive leadership and open-minded citizens, where people feel connected and aware of resources (human capital) in the community. Improved infrastructure, facilities for community activities and increased youth development opportunities were also noted.  

Youth and adults in Kentucky need programming support to enhance skills for influencing change. Extension can provide educational opportunities that build and nurture effective and engaged adult and youth leaders in and for our communities. Community leaders and citizens will benefit from the use of civic engagement techniques and listening sessions. 

Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.  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. 

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 Nelson County Cooperative Extension  program is a priority.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Communities are equipped with competent, knowledgeable and effective leaders. 

Community members engage others to initiate projects. 

Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members. 

Communities become more prosperous.  

 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Citizens put skills into practice by becoming more engaged and taking on leadership roles. 

Leaders and citizens use improved skills in communication or problem solving in addressing organizational issues and needs.  

Graduates of leadership programs initiate civic engagement and move from informal leadership roles into increased involvement/action. 

Strategic plans are inclusive and strategies are adopted by communities and organizations. 

Increase in diversity of individuals taking on leadership roles. 

Youth engage in current and future civic involvement, community service and volunteerism. 

Initial Outcomes:

Increase knowledge of effective leadership skills. 

Develop/enhance the leadership skills of youth and adults. 

Citizens are informed about community systems, better connected to communication networks, more confident and skilled in identifying and implementing strategies for systemic change. 

Evaluation:

Outcome:  Increased knowledge of leadership skills 

Indicator:  Number of individuals attending programs 

Method:  Retroactive pre-post, 4-H Common Measures 

Timeline: Following every leadership training, 6 month follow-up with 5 questions. 

 

Outcome:  Increased abilities in communication/problem solving 

Indicator:  Number of individuals who attend training 

Method:  Retroactive pre-post, 4-H Common Measures 

Timeline: Following any program that includes communication skills training.  

 

Outcome:  Citizens (adults and youth) taking new leadership roles,  

Indicator:  Number of people reporting new leadership roles 

Method: observation, Survey and/or interview 

Timeline: Post training, 3, 6 and 12 month with survey and/or phone call. 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity:  Leadership Training: Teen Council and Leadership Boards, 4-H Leadership Boot Camp, 4-H Teen Conference, 4-H Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference, 4-H National Congress, 4-H Achievement Program, 4-H National Conference, 4-H Summit, 4-H Camp Counselors, Local Leadership Clubs/Events

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Development Curriculum 

Inputs: Agents, Volunteers,  

Date: Ongoing

  

Audience: Adult community leaders (existing or rising leaders)  

Project or Activity:  Nelson County Leadership Program 

Content or Curriculum: KELD 

Inputs: Agents, Community Partners 

Date: Fall/Spring 

 

Audience: ANR Clientele and Volunteers 

Project or Activity: Ky Agriculture Leadership Program (KALP), Community Innovation Lab, Ky Water Quality Program, County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) Master Gardener, Master Horseman, Master Grazer, Master Naturalist,  Master Woodlands Stewards Program, Master Cattleman, Master Logger, Ky Beef Leadership Forum.

Content or Curriculum: Packaged programs from Specialists, Beef IRM Group, 

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and Volunteers. 

Date: Ongoing

 

Audience: FCS Clientele and Volunteers 

Project or Activity:  Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association, Master Clothing Volunteers, 

Content or Curriculum: KELD Curriculum 

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and Volunteers

Date: ongoing

 

Audience:  Nelson County Extension Homemakers

Project or Activity:   KEHA Officer and Chairman Training / County KEHA Kickoff/ Area Kick-off

Content or Curriculum: KEHA Training Toolkit, KEHA Manual, KEHA Website

Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors

Date: Annually each fall

 

Audience:  Nelson County Extension Homemakers 

Project or Activity:  KEHA Leader Training and/or Special Interest Workshops

Content or Curriculum: KELD Curriculum, FCS Extension Lesson Resources, FCS Curriculum

Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors

Date: Monthly

 

 

Audience:  Nelson County Extension Homemakers 

Project or Activity:  KEHA State Meeting

Content or Curriculum: Officer Training & Educational Chairman Workshops

Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors

Date: Annually each spring

Success Stories