Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Leadership Skills In Youth and Adults
Empowering Youth
Jay Stone, Angie York, Mary Beth Riley
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)
Master Gardener
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills
Family and Consumer Science
There is an untapped wealth of resources among retirees that have migrated to the county. The County Extension Council and 4-H Council have suggested that these resources contribute to training opportunities for others.
Youth are also a resource that is often untapped for their leadership skills. The Profile of Youth in Kentucky (KCN, 2000) reported that only 25% of youth felt valued by society and only 27% felt they were given useful roles in their community. Lyon County has many teens with strong leadership skills.
Citizens, youth and adults, should understand the importance of taking leadership roles in governmental and civic organizations as a way to influence change. The Lyon County Extension Service can be the catalyst for preparing citizens for these efforts.
Youth and adults will assume leadership roles for which they are qualified.
The County Extension Council will be purposeful, provide program leadership to Lyon County Extension, and actively participate in Extension programs offered to the community. The Extension programs will be grassroots oriented and vital to the community based on active volunteer and community input.
The Master Gardeners will expand the home horticulture opportunities and conduct demonstration/service projects that benefit the community.
Teens will use learned skills to present programs to younger students, local organizations, and governmental agencies to influence change in their community.
Homemakers will use learned skills to present programs to younger students, local organizations, and governmental agencies to influence change in their community.
Participants will learn to fill leadership roles. Participants will acquire skills and gain self-confidence in preparation for assuming leadership roles.
Presentations will be made and programs conducted by the County Extension Council. They will conduct a Local Officials Breakfast and other programs identified as a need.
Committees will meet to plan and conduct business, classes, workshops, and community events.
The County Extension Council, Master Gardeners, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development will work with local businesses during community events to assure that Lyon County Extension programs are shared with a diverse audience.
Youth will participate in training to enhance their leadership and communication skills.
Citizens will participate in training opportunities. Participants will evaluate their personal strengths and become aware of leadership opportunities in the county. The retirement community will share their expertise with other citizens.
Volunteers will serve on the County Extension Council and program councils. These volunteers will serve on committees and represent Extension in the community. The CEC volunteers will participate in a fall leadership training.
Long-Term Outcome: Qualified youth and adults will assume leadership roles
Indicator: Number of youth/adults taking on leadership roles, number of programs and projects conducted, and the number of volunteer hours provided
Method: Survey, personal observation & peer evaluation
Timeline: 2024-2025 Throughout year
Intermediate Outcome: Knowledge, skills & self-confidence will gained
Indicator: Number of participants participating in training programs
Method: Written evaluations & personal observation
Timeline: 2024-2025 Throughout year
Initial Outcome: Participants will increase knowledge of personal strengths and leadership opportunities. Retirement community will share expertise.
Indicator: Number of evaluations, awareness of leadership and participation by retirees.
Method: Formal & informal evaluations.
Timeline: 2024-2025 Throughout year
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Club Officer Election & Training
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Club training materials
Inputs: Agent, volunteers, teen leaders
Date: September & October 2024
Audience: Adults - Program Councils & CEC
Project or Activity: Leader Trainings
Content or Curriculum: Approved Volunteer Training Materials -- CEC Fall Leadership Training.
Inputs: Agents, State Staff
Date: Throughout year 2024-2025
Audience: Homemaker Club Members
Project or Activity: Homemaker Leader Trainings
Content or Curriculum: FCS Programming
Inputs: Agents & State Staff
Date: Sept - June 2024-2025
Audience: Extension District Board Members
Project or Curriculum: Fiscal matters training
Content: Budgeting and following regulations
Inputs: Agent, DD and officials
Date: Throughout year 2024-2025
Audience: 4-H Council Members
Project or Curriculum: Volunteer Training Materials
Content: Clientele Protection, Leadership
Inputs: Agent
Date: Throughout year 2024-2025
Audience: 4-H Camp Adult and Teen Leaders
Project or Curriculum: Camp Leader Orientation
Content: 4-H and ACA Camping Materials
Inputs: Agents, Camp Manager, Camp Specialist
Date: May & June 2025
Audience: Lyon County Extension Gardener Volunteers
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Programs
Content or Curriculum: Leadership and extending research-based information.
Inputs: Master Gardeners, specialists, local speakers
Date: 2024-2025
Audience: County Extension Council
Project or Activity: Local Officials Breakfast
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky materials and updates.
Inputs: CEC volunteers, UK publications and information, agents.
Date: Spring 2025
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Leadership
Studies show that middle and high school students who actively engage in leadership and networking activities are 60% more likely to develop strong interpersonal and decision-making skills, key attributes for future success.The 4-H Teen Retreat, held at West Kentucky 4-H Camp, provided an unparalleled opportunity for 8th-12th grade students to cultivate leadership and life skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. Organized entirely by a committee of 4-H teens and 4-H agents, the retreat r
