Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership
Community Vitality
Paul Sizemore, Carissa Miske, Rosa Smith
Master Clothing Volunteer
Leadership
Volunteers are important in building engaged and empowered communities. 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. 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).
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen families. With membership totaling more than 13,000 statewide, KEHA members are engaged leaders and active volunteers.
Home sewing is now considered an “uneconomic use of time” because today’s marketplace is flooded with easily available, low-priced clothing and other sewn products. In the past, home sewing was a necessity to save money; today it is usually cheaper to buy an off-the-rack item. Although this may decrease the economic need for sewing skills, it is still important to make sure that the craft of sewing and clothing construction is taught and maintained so that these skills are not forgotten.
*KEHA members serve as active Extension and community volunteers engaged in addressing community needs.
*Master Clothing Volunteers provide the counties with experienced leaders who can assist in the implementation of sewing-related programs; develop lasting friendships with other Volunteers thereby 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.
*Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
*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 leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area and/or state level.
*The number of KEHA volunteer service hours reported annually for KEHA, Extension and Community activities will increase.
*Master Clothing Volunteers continue to hone their skills and increase confidence; seek out teaching and leadership opportunities in their communities; generate interest in sewing 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.
*Youth put skills into practice by becoming more engaged, taking on leadership roles.
*Youth improve skills in communication or problem solving in addressing community issues and needs.
*Youth participants become more engaged in non-formal leadership roles which increases involvement/action.
*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 Volunteers are accepted into a group of individuals that share a passion for sewing; 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-Led Programs learn basic sewing skills, accept sewing as a valid hobby, become interested in learning more sewing techniques; improve hand/eye coordination.
*Youth increase knowledge of effective leadership skills.
*Youth develop/enhance leadership skills.
Outcome: MCV’s increase knowledge and become experienced leaders
Indicator: 1, 2 (from MCV Program Indicators)
Method: Attend Fall training at Jabez; lead Jabez classes & throughout KY
Timeline: on-going
Outcome: Sewing class participants gain skills
Indicator: 6, 7, 8 (from MCV Program Indicators)
Method: Attend MCV-led classes
Timeline: on-going
Outcome: KEHA members will gain organizational knowledge through annual officer and chairman training.
Indicator: Number of KEHA members who report knowledge gained through county and/or area officer and chairman training.
Method: program evaluation with pre and post assessment questions
Timeline: on-going
Outcome: KEHA members will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership through club lessons and special interest workshops.
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting improved personal and interpersonal leadership knowledge and/or Number of individuals reporting improved personal and interpersonal leadership skills.
Method: end of program evaluations, surveys
Timeline: on-going
Outcome: Youth become more engaged as a leader in their community (planning a service project, serving as a mentor, increasing participation in local/state/national levels).
Indicator: Number of youth that serve as leaders and/or mentors within their county.
Method: self-report surveys and program evaluations
Timeline: on-going
Audience: Master Clothing Volunteers
Project or Activity: Fall training at Jabez
Content or Curriculum: classes based on certification needs or requests from members or as determined by the MCV Steering Committee
Inputs: State Coordinator, Agents, Steering Committee, other MCV’s
Date: Yearly in October
Audience: Master Clothing Volunteers
Project or Activity: Area Work Days
Content or Curriculum: MCV’s get together as determined by their Area Contact or other MCV’s to work on service projects
Inputs: FCS Agents
Date: Spring 2025 and Fall 2025
Audience: Participants of MCV-Led Programs
Project or Activity: Level-Specific Sewing Classes
Content or Curriculum: MCV’s teach sewing classes in their counties
Inputs: FCS Agent
Date: Classes held monthly 2024-2025
Audience: Owsley County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: KEHA Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Training Toolkit, KEHA Manual, KEHA Website, KELD Curriculum, FCS Extension Lesson Resources, FCS Curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agent
Date: Monthly2024-2025
Audience: Teens
Project or Activity: Teen Leaders for summer 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Curriculum & 4-H Camp Adult &
Teen Leader training curriculum
Inputs: Adult and Teen Leader training, 4-H Teens, 4-H Agent
Date: Summer 2025
Audience: High School Juniors & Seniors
Project or Activity: Workforce Preparation & Adulting Program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Extension Resources & Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent
Date: Spring 2025
