Muhlenberg County CES

County Emphasis:

Empowering Community Leaders

Concentration 1:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 2:

Building Leadership Capacity

Situation:

Building Leadership Capacity  

Leadership is critical at several levels, from elected officials and internal management structure of organizations to project managers, team leaders, and those who inspire throughout a community. Thriving communities may require many leaders willing to take on leadership roles. And yet, it can be a challenge to identify new leaders or to encourage leaders to step up to the role without first building leadership capacity (CEDIK 2024). Respondents participating in the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment identified the need to build leadership capacity to enhance individual and family development and community and economic development. Kentucky has a statewide need to “prepare community members for formal/informal leadership and/or volunteer roles” and to build “capacity of local nonprofits and community leaders,” according to the survey. UK Extension aims to work on strengthening critical leadership skills and confidence for new and emerging leaders so that the pool of willing and capable leaders can rise to match local needs. Volunteer training can have motivational benefits ranging from inspiring volunteers to get more involved to keeping them in the program (Fox, Hebert, Martin & Bairnsfather, 2009). 

Youth Focus 

4-H opportunities profoundly impact individuals and communities in Kentucky by equipping youth with essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, fostering personal leadership, and community engagement. Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability are key to future employment (World Economic Forum, 2023). 77% of employers say that there should be less focus on traditional school subjects and more focus on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). In the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment youth life skill training opportunities (such as leadership and communication skill opportunities), strengthening youth workforce readiness, and strengthening youth-adult or mentorship relationships were top priorities across Kentucky. According to the National 4-H Annual Index Survey (2024), 95% of youth identified their strengths through 4-H, 80% explored career options, and 50% received guidance for college decisions. Additionally, 75% enjoyed helping their community, and 93% felt inspired by 4-H, with 42% being inspired “a lot” to volunteer. These experiences build leadership capacity, promote civic engagement, and create connected, resilient communities by encouraging critical thinking and empathy. Furthermore, 4-H offers life skill training, strengthens youth workforce readiness, fosters mentorship, maximizes youth voice in important issues, and enhances peer-peer relationships. 

 

Connected and Resilient Communities: 

Adult Focus 

Kentucky’s communities face unique challenges that require enhancing connectivity and resilience through digital access, social cohesion, and well-designed public spaces. Broadband access remains critical, particularly in rural areas where digital connectivity gaps hinder economic and educational opportunities. The 2023 Community Needs Assessment identified improved broadband and digital literacy as top priorities for enhancing community resilience. 

Extension’s connectivity and resilience efforts focus on supporting local economies and helping communities recover from economic shifts and natural disasters (CEDIK, 2024). By promoting digital literacy, educating on safe and vibrant outdoor spaces, and implementing place-based disaster preparedness programs, Extension strengthens community connections and economic sustainability. These initiatives benefit residents, businesses, and local governments, fostering stronger, more resilient communities equipped to face future challenges. 

Youth Focus 

In today’s rapidly evolving world, youth are and can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected and resilient communities. Young people are leveraging technology and social networks to foster strong, supportive relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. They are actively engaged in community-building activities, promoting access to opportunity, and driving change. By participating in local and global initiatives, they are not only enhancing their own resilience but also contributing to the overall strength and adaptability of their communities. Their innovative approaches to problem-solving and their commitment to sustainability are essential in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. As they continue to collaborate and share knowledge, youth are laying the foundation for a more connected and resilient world. 4-H is committed to providing the resources necessary to promote youth connection in their communities. Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). Communities that promote the indicators of youth thriving will have more connected, capable, and committed citizens that can critically think through addressing the needs and priorities of their community. 

 

County Situation:

Communities are made up of leaders. Providing resources and opportunities to leaders and volunteers is a critical role of extension to enhance community responsibility and service to others.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Volunteers and leaders will gain confidence in educational curriculum to teach others. Participants will attain skills to be effective leaders in the community.  

Intermediate Outcomes:

Clientele will take active leadership roles.  

 

Attain confidence to educate others in the community.  

Initial Outcomes:

Learn how to effectively teach others. Learn new leadership, communication, and public speaking skills.  

 

Evaluation:

Method	Assume leadership roles.
Timeline	Year-Round

Outcome	Extension clientele adopt leadership and communication skills.
Indicator	Extension clientele become volunteers and leaders.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Youth and adults participating in Extension programs.
Project or Activity	Empowering Community Leaders
Content or Curriculum	Build Your Future Curriculum, Life and Work Readiness, Work Ready Life Skills, KEHA Leadership Lessons, Homemaker Leader Lessons, Unlock Your Leadership Potential, Parliamentary Procedure, Commodity Organizations, Becoming an Informed Citizen Leadership Development.
Inputs	ANR, FCS, and 4H and Youth Development Agents
Date(s)	Year Round

Evaluation:

Method	Assume leadership roles.
Timeline	Year-Round

Outcome	Extension clientele adopt leadership and communication skills.
Indicator	Extension clientele become volunteers and leaders.