Extension
It Starts With Us
Enhancing Leadership, Volunteerism, and Public Policy Awareness
Community Leadership Development
Connor Cooper, Erika Wood, Jay Stone, Sydney Perkins, and Amanda Dame
Community Strategic Planning
Leadership
Master Gardener
Camping
Leadership development, community analysis and a constant need for volunteers continues to be a fundamental issue faced by various agencies and non-profit entities in Hopkins County. According to the Center for Economic Development in Kentucky, in 2022 Hopkins County had 44,812 citizens. Volunteerism is valued at $26.85 per hour in Kentucky according to Independent Sector. With that said, Hopkins County Extension volunteer hours annually account for over $150,000 in donated time. Extension in Hopkins County will continue to provide enhancement opportunities and strive to promote community based programming that encourages leadership candidates and volunteers.
Hopkins County will be equipped with competent, effective leaders.
Community members engage others to initiate projects.
Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members.
Citizens put skills into practice by becoming more engaged in the community, taking on leadership roles. Graduates in formal leadership roles increase their involvement/action. Graduates of Extension community leadership programs initiate civic engagement.
Increase knowledge of effective leadership skills.
Develop/enhance the leadership skills of youth and adults.
Citizens: Informed about community systems, better connected to communication networks, more confident and skilled in identifying and implementing strategies for systemic change.
Initial Outcome: Analyze and deliver training and other resources to
build leadership capacity.
Indicator: Trainings and activity involvement
Method: Surveys and assessments
Intermediate Outcome: Increased participation on community boards, civic groups and organizations.
Indicator: Number of people who reported new leadership opportunities
Method: Surveys and community statistics
Long-term Outcome: Leaders initiate projects
Indicator: Numbers of community events and programs increase.
Method: Chamber of Commerce Data and post-assessment surveys.
Audience: New and current leaders; 4-H Club Members
Project or Activity: Parliamentary Procedure Training
Content or Curriculum: Robert's Rules of Order
Inputs: Manuals, Research information, meeting space and extension agents
Time Frame: Fall
Audience: Volunteer, leader and officer trainings.
Project or Activity: Creating reflective learning in leadership classes
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Skills and modules
Inputs: Research information, Partnerships, Materials and Meeting space
Time Frame: Spring and Fall
Audience: Hopkins County Extension Council
Project or Activity: Public Policy and Community Partnerships
Content or Curriculum: KELD curriculum and CEDIK Resources
Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialists, and CEC Members
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: Leadership Hopkins County Group
Project or Activity: Leadership Hopkins County Program Days, Ag Leadership Day
Content or Curriculum: Extension Agriculture curriculum and Specialist presentations
Inputs: Extension Agents, Producers, Specialists and Volunteers
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: Master Gardeners
Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialist, and Volunteers
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: 4-H Teens
Project or Activity: 4-H Achievement Program, 4-H Adulting, 4-H Midnight Walkers Community Service Club, 4-H Club Officers
Content or Curriculum: Team Building with Teens, Team Challenges, Character Counts
Inputs: Extension Agents, Volunteers
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: 4-H Councilor in Training, 4-H Teen Leader, and 4-H Adult Volunteer
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp Manuel
Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialist
Time Frame: Summer
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
To meet the educational needs of today's Producer requires Agents to learn and adapt to new ways to connect to our clientele. Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agents in Webster, Hopkins and Mclean counties produce weekly podcasts as part of their Tri-County Ag Extension Group programs. With a weekly audience base that extends well beyond the state borders, Kentucky Ag Matters has developed a regular, listening audience who receive weekly, research-based information on a varie
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Master Gardener
The Extension Master Gardener program is a volunteer organization dedicated to teaching and training people about horticulture related topics. This program is a part of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and assists county extension agents in providing education and outreach in the community. Master Gardeners are required to undergo training and complete 40 hours of volunteer service in their first year before becoming certified. After the first year, Master Ga
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit 2024James Patrick Allen: 4-H Extension SpecialistMiddle 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 th
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Leadership
Like many counties, Hopkins County 4-H has been severely impacted by the lasting impacts of Covid-19. Starting in 22/23 to combat this issues we developed a 4-H kickoff event. Since the first one was successful, we decided to do it again this year. On August 17th we held a 4-H Kickoff event. The goal of the event was to promote all of our clubs, attract new youth, and gain new volunteers. In order to entice the community to come, we had free T-shirts, free hotdogs, an ice cream truck, and t
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Community Engagement
Now more than ever it is important for Extension Agents across the state to showcase the great work they are doing in each community across the state. As a result of marketing the success of Agents across the state, more people across the commonwealth learn about and become involved in Extension Programs. It also demonstrates to local and state stakeholders the importance of Extension and that Kentucky tax dollars are being spent wisely. As Vice President of Public Affairs for the Kentucky Assoc
