Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Youth and Adult Leaders in the Community
Developing Leadership Skills
Croslin, Wooley, Rudolph
Leadership
Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
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). By supporting and engaging young leaders, adults, organizations and communities experience direct benefits, through stronger connections to other young people in the community (Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001). They have a greater understanding of the problems facing other youth, and fresh perspectives for how to address these problems (Des Marais, Yang, & Farzanehkia, 2000; Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001; McGillicuddy, 1991).
Additionally, young people help to re-energize adults and counteract negative stereotypes of youth when they are successfully engaged in leadership within their communities (Zeldin, & Camino, 1999; Fiscus, 2003). 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. The demographic makeup of the US has changed significantly over the last few decades and will continue to change in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status (SES), special needs and educational attainment. This changing population and awareness of diversity will continue to change into the future. Three powerful trends in society have contributed to a focus on diversity, inclusiveness and education about this topic. These trends are: 1) a competitive, globalized market in which the US conducts business; 2) substantial changes in the makeup of the US population and, 3) the celebration of individual differences and a movement away from “fitting in”.
4-H Youth Leadership is about learning about the concept of leadership and your individual role as a leader, using leadership skills to effectively lead small groups and teams toward common goals, working within your community (club/county/state or beyond) to become an engaged leader who can make a difference, and creating a program that encourages, values, promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity at all levels.
Volunteers are also important in building engaged and empowered communities. 4-H programs are led by qualified volunteers from the community. It is important to continue developing their leadership skills through training and advanced opportunities. In adddition, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association mission is to improve the quality of life for families and communities through education, leadership development and volunteer service. With membership totaling more than 13,000 statewide, KEHA members are engaged leaders and active volunteers. Master Food and Clothing Volunteers also contribute to the body of community leadership, as well as District Board and County Extension Council members.
Youth and adults in Kentucky need programming support to enhance skills for influencing change. Extension should provide educational opportunities that build and nurture effective and engaged adult and youth leaders. Extension should also encourage the use of civic engagement techniques and listening sessions.
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
KEHA members serve as active Extension and community volunteers engaged in addressing community needs.
Master Clothing and Foods Volunteers provide the counties with experienced leaders who can assist in the implementation of sewing and food related programs; develop lasting friendships with other volunteers thereby, and 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.
Communities will be equipped with competent, effective leaders
Community members will engage others to intiate projects
Community members will find it possible to participate in civic engagement
Communities will become more prosperous
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
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 will participate in community service and volunteer
Youth will engage in civic involvement
Youth will maintain future intentions for civic engagement
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
KEHA leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area and/or state level
Number of KEHA volunteer service hours reported annually for KEHA, Extension and Community activities will increase
Master Clothing and Food Volunteers continue to hone their skills and increase confidence; seek out teaching and leadership opportunities in their communities; generate interest in sewing and food 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
Graduates of leadership programs will initiate civic engagement
Graduates of leadership programs will increase their involvement/action through informal leadership roles
Community members will put skills into practice by becoming more engaged, taking on leadership roles
Community members will improve skills in communication or problem-solving in addressing organizational issues and needs
Community members will create strategic plans that are inclusive and adopt strategies
Community members will increase new alliances
Community members will increase diversity of individuals taking on leadership roles
Youth will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run a meeting
Youth will increase their knowledge about leadership and how to be an effective leader, team player and communicator
Youth will learn about leadership styles and will be able to identify positive and negative leadership characteristics
Youth will learn about diversity and will demonstrate inclusivity
Youth will acquire decision making skills and gain an appreciation for civic engagement
Youth will learn how to set appropriate, attainable goals
Youth will listen to people who have different ideas from them
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 and Food Volunteers will be accepted into a group of individuals that share a passion for sewing or food; 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/MFV-Led Programs will learn basic sewing and cooking skills, accept sewing and cooking as a valid hobby, become interested in learning more sewing and cooking techniques; improve hand/eye coordination
Outcome: Increase in leadership skills
Indicator: Increase in communication, teamwork, and confidence
Method: Surveys and 4-H Common Measures
Timeline: Ongoing evaluation
Audience: Producers, Farm Service Agency, Soil Conservation
Project or Activity: Agriculture Development Board
Content or Curriculum: Extension agriculture resources and information
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: Meets throughout the year
Audience: Citizens of Graves County
Project or Activity: Extension Homemakers Association
Content or Curriculum: Leader trainings, homemaker lessons, officer reports
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: September - June
Audience: Citizens of Graves County
Project or Activity: Extension District Board
Content or Curriculum: Leader trainings, meetings, officer reports
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: Meets year-round
Audience: Citizens of Graves County
Project or Activity: County Extension Council
Content or Curriculum: Leader trainings, meetings, officer reports
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: Meets year-round
Audience: 4-H volunteers, alumni, and supporters
Project or Activity: Graves County 4-H Council
Content or Curriculum: KELD, 4-H curriculum and resources
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: Meets bimonthly
Audience: Youth aged 14-18
Project or Activity: Teen Conference
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership curriculum
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: June
Audience: Youth aged 11-13
Project or Activity: Teen Summit
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership curriculum
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: March
Audience: Youth aged 14-18
Project or Activity: Graves County Teen Club
Content or Curriculum: Citizenship, leadership, and communication curriculum
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: Meets year-round
Audience: Youth aged 14-18
Project or Activity: Purchase Area 4-H Teen Council
Content or Curriculum: Citizenship, leadership, and communication curriculum
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: Meets year-round
Audience: Youth aged 14-18
Project or Activity: 4-H State Teen Board Participation
Content or Curriculum: Project-specific; leadership
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: Meets year-round
Audience: Middle-school and high-school youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Achievement Program
Content or Curriculum: Leadership, honors materials
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: Fall
Audience: Middle-school and high-school youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Communications Program
Content or Curriculum: Leadership, honors materials
Inputs: Volunteers, Collaborators, Master Volunteers, Agents, Specialists
Date: Spring
Author: Miranda Rudolph
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Like many other community organizations, the Graves County Extension Office has been trying to regain interest in volunteerism and participation since the pandemic in 2020. To complicate things even further, our community suffered a devastating tornado in 2021 and we are still feeling the effects of it to this day. Just before the tornado, our office was also moved out of the city center to a new location on the north end of town that is less visible. All of these factors have had a hand in the
