Extension
It Starts With Us
Leadership Skills for Youth and Adults
Leadership Development and Life Skills
Owen Watkins and Susan Campbell
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Agriculture
Family and Consumer Science
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. Every community needs people interested in its welfare and productivity.
The youth of any community is its future. Encouraging the development of life-long abilities and skills in a young person can help them later in life. Developing leadership skills at a young age will encourage involvement later in life. There is power in youth participating in the decisions that affect them.
Leadership empowers local people to take ownership of community problems and possibilities. Of the non-profit organizations in the U.S., more that 80% rely on volunteers to accomplish nearly one-third of their efforts. People learn more from example than any other way, which is why it is important to encourage adults to volunteer and improve their own communication and leadership skills.
Volunteer leadership is critical to the success of any Extension program. For a program to be kept vital and experience growth, new leaders must constantly be developed and put to use. Membership will increase if an organization is involved and making improvements in the community. The fact that volunteer time is valued at $21.16 per hour in 2015 as determined by the Independent Sector is an indication of the importance of volunteers.
Anderson County Extension is committed to engaging, educating, and empowering local adults and youth to investigate issues, make responsible decisions, and take ownership of solutions.
Anderson County Extension and the county needs youth and adult volunteers who develop: 1) personal leadership 2) organizational leadership and 3) community leadership. Our community can improve when we work together to find solutions to community concerns.
Extension volunteers including youth members will encourage and develop increased community support for improving the quality of life in Anderson County.
Extension volunteers will strengthen overall community capacity by providing strong local organizational leadership.
Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.
Youth will serve as teen and adult leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
Youth will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.
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.
Anderson County youth and adult volunteers will:
1) use leadership skills to accomplish personal goals and Extension Service/related membership organization goals and objectives,
2) practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and community outreach,
3) demonstrate improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group process in addressing organizational issues and needs,
4) apply skills to assess needs, develop programs and implement solutions for community problems
Youth will demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills in their day to day lives.
Youth will utilize leadership skills learned during their time in 4-H in clubs, activities and other venues with 4-H and other community organizations.
Senior 4-H members will become leaders or co-leaders of a 4-H project club, day camp or other project based group of younger 4-H members.
Youth will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives.
Youth will engage in community based service projects selected to address identified needs.
Youth and adults develop skills and knowledge designed to improve:
1) personal leadership capacity.
2) knowledge and skills in organizational leadership.
3) knowledge and skills in community leadership.
Initial Outcome: Increased number of Youth and adults who serve in leadership positions in Extension and community
Indicator: Youth and adults in leadership positions demonstrate knowledge and skills in motivating club members and community organizations to accomplish organizational goals,
Method: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development: Section 1: Developing Core Leadership Skills
Timeline: Spring
Audience: Extension volunteers including youth members
Project or Activity: leadership training
Content or Curriculum: KELD
Inputs: Agents, leadership publications
Date: fall, spring
Audience: 4-H Teens
Project or Activity: Teen Club
Content or Curriculum: Civic Engagement: After School Activities for Citizenship, Leadership and Service
Inputs: Agent and volunteers
Date:July-August
