Extension
It Starts With Us
Butler County Rural Development Program
Rural and Community Development
Drake, Saylor,
First Impressions
Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP)
Community Leadership Development
Butler County has a long tradition of Rural Development. Butler County was a pilot county for a federal rural development program in the 1950's. Since the program's inception, the Extension Rural Development program has led the way on many positive changes in Butler County. Butler County has 4 functioning rural development clubs. The clubs maintain their own community centers and provide a foundation for community activity where they are located. Each club meets monthly. They provide educational and leadership development opportunities for their members. There is also a steering committee of delegates from each club. The steering committee bi-annually to direct rural development activities on a county-wide basis.
Rural Development communities are progressive and sustainable. They improve quality of life in the community.
Community service projects are completed by clubs. Clubs maintain and improve their properties.
Club members receive adult education by attending club meetings. Club members and officers gain leadership skills. Clubs host functions and allow policy makers to interact with citizens.
Initial Outcome: Leadership skills gained
Indicator: New people in leadership
Method: Leadership Roster
Timeline: January 2025
Intermediate Outcome: Community service projects
Indicator: Clubs list activities at annual meeting
Method: Take notes from club presidents
Timeline: November 2024
Long-term Outcome: Rural Development Club remain in existence.
Indicator: Clubs remain in operation
Method: Observation
Timeline: November 2024
Audience: Rural Development Club Members, Elected Officials
Project or Activity: Monthly Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Clubs have program committee and determine their needs.
Inputs: Agent time, volunteers, club facilities
Date: Monthly - July 2024-June 2025
Audience: Rural Development Club Members, Elected Officials
Project or Activity: R.D. Annual Meeting
Content or Curriculum: Program, business meeting
Inputs: Club member time, agent time, city building, steering committee funds
Date: November 2024
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
The Butler County Rural Development organization has a rich history of success. It is part of community culture and continues to be seen as an important driver for community development by extension leaders. There are currently 5 rural development clubs that operate community centers and hold regular educational programs for their members. The Rural Development Program in Butler County has beef functioning for 67 consecutive years. Clubs that have monthly meetings. Aver
