Todd County CES

County Emphasis:

Building Community & Leadership Capacity

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Connected & Resilient Communities

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 

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:

The Cooperative Extension Service provides opportunities to youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create most positive futures. Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success. Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field. The skills associated with leadership are necessary when working in a group or communicating with others. Employers look for leadership skills in the people they hire. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the 4-H program is a priority. By assisting the development of leadership skills in today’s youth, we improve their ability to face the challenges of tomorrow. (Unlock Your Leadership Potential, University of Florida)  

The development of life skills [such as leadership and communication] allows youth to cope with their environment by making responsible decisions, having a better understanding of their values, and being better able to communicate and get along with others. (Boyd, Herring & Briers, 1992, Journal of Extension). 

In Todd County, the FCS advisory Councils, County Extension Council, Extension Homemaker Council, 4-H Council and FCS Council indicated a need for leadership development. The Cooperative Extension Service is committed to engaging, educating, and empowering local citizens to investigate issues, make responsible decisions, and take ownership of solutions. 

The Todd County Extension Service collaborates with local officials, businesses, schools, and organizations to help further develop the community in areas such as agritourism, tourism, workforce development, health and wellness, and economic development. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Clientele, and county council members will use the leadership skills gained through training and involvement with Extension Programs to: 

• Serve as leaders of Extension organizations to identify critical issues affecting Extension and 4-H youth 
• Serve as leaders of other organizations, thus enabling them to identify and address critical issues that directly affect the citizens of the community. 
• Utilize the leadership skills obtained in the county to provide leadership in Extension organizations in the district, region, state, and nation. 
• Serve as mentors to other adult volunteers in order to improve the programming outreach of Extension. 

4-H Youth, 4-H Teen Council Members, 4-H Teen Club Members, 4-H Camp Counselors and other community youth engaged in leadership programming will use the leadership skills gained through training and involvement with Extension Programs to: 

• demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace.? 
• participate in community involvement increases.?? 
• serve in leadership roles in their community.?? 
• more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.? 
• Serve as quality mentors and teachers for Extension in the county, district, state and nation as well as through other community organizations. 
• Identify and address critical issues facing the young people of Todd County. 
• Exhibit independence away from home. 
• Serve as committee members and/or chairs to carry out programs and events 
• Serve as officers for organized clubs 
• Engage in community service and recruitment practices for the community 
• Work together through group processes at leadership camp, trips, conferences, etc. 
• Communicate effectively with family members and other community leaders 
• Communicate effectively with youth in camp or classroom settings 
• Work and serve on city/county boards or councils and have an active role in county government 

 

Adult Long-Term Outcomes 

• Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations 
• Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community 
• Increased community pride or investment 
• Improved local economy 
• Improved quality of life for citizens 
• Increased digital access improves economic and educational opportunities. 
• Communities recover faster from disasters/economic disruptions 
• Sustained investment in public spaces strengthens local economies 
• Cultural heritage is preserved and integrated into communities 
• Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing 
• Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement 

Intermediate Outcomes:

4-H Youth and other youth involved in 4-H programming will: 

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.?? 
• Youth will plan and implement a service project.? 
• Practice communication and teamwork skills among peers. 
• Study more effectively. 
• Gain confidence in front of a group. 
• Interview for a position. 
•  

Adult Medium-term Outcomes 

• Participants gain confidence to lead 
• Leaders are inspired to get more involved 
• Leaders address community issues and needs 
• Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects 
• Leaders mentor others 
• Increased knowledge transfer through volunteer-led positions 
• More citizens adopt digital tools for work and daily life. 
• Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies. 
• More public spaces are revitalized for community engagement. 
• Increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs. 
• More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups. 
• New partnerships and networks address community challenges 

 

Initial Outcomes:

Youth:  

• Youth will explore their spark in leadership.? 
• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).?? 
• Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.?? 
• Youth realize how their actions impact others 
• Learn proper parliamentary procedure and meeting format such as committee setup, agenda, etc. 
• Gain an understanding of leadership styles. 
• Acquire decision making skills. 
• Gain knowledge of self-esteem and goal setting practices. 
• Understand the importance of diversity. 
• Learn the importance of community service activities. 
• Understand the importance of risk management and youth protection standards. 
• Gain an understanding of the differences in youth and adults . 
• Learn how to research a topic and present it to a group of peers, family, etc. 
• Learn how to work with adults on community boards and councils. 

 

Adult Short-term Outcomes 

• Improved leadership skills 
• Enhanced knowledge of concepts and practices 
• Knowledge gained through training programs 
• Taking on leadership roles for the first time 
• Assuming new leadership roles 
• Participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles 
• Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources. 
• Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies. 
• Greater awareness of the benefits of public spaces. 
• Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity. 
• Improved awareness of civic engagement opportunities. 
• Greater knowledge of community partnerships and collaboration strategies 

 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Improved leadership skills

Indicator:  Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication)

Method:  Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline:  Surveys will be collected immediately after program participation

Initial Outcome: Knowledge gained through completing training programs

Indicator: Number of people reporting enhanced knowledge of leadership concepts and practices (e.g. leadership styles, conflict resolution, team dynamics).

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation

Initial Outcome: Increased applied leadership knowledge for individuals serving in formal leadership roles.

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved applied leadership knowledge (e.g., governance, financial oversight, strategic planning) from participation in board, officer, or leadership training programs.

Method: Post-training surveys measuring knowledge gained in governance-related skills

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after training; follow-up conducted at three and six months to assess knowledge application 

Intermediate-Outcome: Increased participation in leadership roles by first-time leaders.

Indicator: Number of people taking on a leadership role for the first time as a result of Extension leadership programs.

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership involvement); follow-up evaluation with community partners.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion and follow up evaluation conducted at six months.

Intermediate-Outcome: Expanded leadership engagement among program participants.

Indicator: Number of people assuming new leadership roles (formal or informal) as a result of Extension leadership programs.

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership role adoption); annual follow-up tracking leadership retention.

Timeline: Initial survey collected at program completion; follow-up evaluation annually

Intermediate-Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Intermediate Outcome:  Production of Inter-Agency Resource Guides for residents

Indicator:  Inter-Agency partners complete a resource guide for residents

Method:  Partner contributions to resource guide

Timeline:  Ongoing

Long-Term Outcome: Leaders engaged in local coalitions and organizations

Indicator: Number of individuals actively engaged in coalitions or organization addressing significant community issues.

Method: Tracking participation in coalitions and organizations

Timeline: annually

Long-Term Outcome: Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

Indicator: Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.

Method: partners surveys, local reports

Timeline: annually

YOUTH OUTCOMES:

Intermediate Outcome:  Expanded leadership skills in youth 

Indicator:  

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure).?? 
• Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to serve in leadership roles.?? 
• Number of youth who reported that they are interested in serving as a leader.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills?learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc. ? 
• Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.?? 
• Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method:  Survey and focus group after program year

Timeline:  Program Year

Intermediate Outcome:  Expanded communication skills in youth

Indicator:

• Number of youth who presented a speech or demonstration in the county, area or state communications event.  
• Number of youth who gained confidence through communication practices in 4-H.  
• Number of youth who presented an idea to a group

Method:  Survey and focus group after program year

Timeline:  Program Year

 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Extension Homemaker Members

Project or Activity:  Officer Training

Content or Curriculum:  KELD Curriculum

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, etc.

Date:  August 2025

Audience:  Extension Homemaker Members

Project or Activity:  Telling your KEHA Story

Content or Curriculum:  KEHA Leader Lesson

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, training, paid staff, volunteers

Date:  September 2025

Audience:  Extension Homemaker Volunteers

Project or Activity:  Junior Homemakers

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners

Date:  Ongoing

Audience:  Community Agencies

Project or Activity:  Building an Interagency Council

Content or Curriculum:  FCS/CLD

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners

Dates:  Ongoing

Audience:  Youth

Project or Activity:  4-H Leadership Program

Content or Curriculum:  Curriculum such as Leadership Skills You Never Outgrow and Step Up to Leadership is sourced from Shop 4-H and all curriculum pieces focus on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

Inputs:  In school clubs for middle and high school, after school clubs for teens, area teen councils, middle school leadership clubs, and civic engagement opportunities.  These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.

Dates:  Program Year, September - August

Audience:  Youth

Project or Activity:  4-H Communications Program

Content or Curriculum:  Curriculum such as Speak Up is sourced from Shop 4-H and the land grant system, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

Inputs:  In school clubs, after school clubs, speech and demonstration events, achievement programs, county and area teen trips and events.

Dates:  Program Year, September - August

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Improved leadership skills

Indicator:  Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication)

Method:  Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline:  Surveys will be collected immediately after program participation

Initial Outcome: Knowledge gained through completing training programs

Indicator: Number of people reporting enhanced knowledge of leadership concepts and practices (e.g. leadership styles, conflict resolution, team dynamics).

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation

Initial Outcome: Increased applied leadership knowledge for individuals serving in formal leadership roles.

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved applied leadership knowledge (e.g., governance, financial oversight, strategic planning) from participation in board, officer, or leadership training programs.

Method: Post-training surveys measuring knowledge gained in governance-related skills

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after training; follow-up conducted at three and six months to assess knowledge application 

Intermediate-Outcome: Increased participation in leadership roles by first-time leaders.

Indicator: Number of people taking on a leadership role for the first time as a result of Extension leadership programs.

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership involvement); follow-up evaluation with community partners.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion and follow up evaluation conducted at six months.

Intermediate-Outcome: Expanded leadership engagement among program participants.

Indicator: Number of people assuming new leadership roles (formal or informal) as a result of Extension leadership programs.

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership role adoption); annual follow-up tracking leadership retention.

Timeline: Initial survey collected at program completion; follow-up evaluation annually

Intermediate-Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Intermediate Outcome:  Production of Inter-Agency Resource Guides for residents

Indicator:  Inter-Agency partners complete a resource guide for residents

Method:  Partner contributions to resource guide

Timeline:  Ongoing

Long-Term Outcome: Leaders engaged in local coalitions and organizations

Indicator: Number of individuals actively engaged in coalitions or organization addressing significant community issues.

Method: Tracking participation in coalitions and organizations

Timeline: annually

Long-Term Outcome: Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

Indicator: Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.

Method: partners surveys, local reports

Timeline: annually

YOUTH OUTCOMES:

Intermediate Outcome:  Expanded leadership skills in youth 

Indicator:  

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure).?? 
• Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to serve in leadership roles.?? 
• Number of youth who reported that they are interested in serving as a leader.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills?learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc. ? 
• Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.?? 
• Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method:  Survey and focus group after program year

Timeline:  Program Year

Intermediate Outcome:  Expanded communication skills in youth

Indicator:

• Number of youth who presented a speech or demonstration in the county, area or state communications event.  
• Number of youth who gained confidence through communication practices in 4-H.  
• Number of youth who presented an idea to a group

Method:  Survey and focus group after program year

Timeline:  Program Year