Bullitt County CES

County Emphasis:

Leadership Development

Concentration 1:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 2:

Building Leadership Capacity

Situation:

State Situation of 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).

County Situation:

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult- Building Leadership Capacity

• 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

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult- Building Leadership Capacity

• 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

Initial Outcomes:

Adult- Building Leadership Capacity

• 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

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Improved leadership skills. 

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

Method: Post participation survey 

Timeline: Survey 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 

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation

Intermediate Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. 

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities. 

Method: Post participation survey through self-assessment  and visual observation; monitoring changes in local and area leadership positions.

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

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Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Homemaker Members and Leaders

Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA)

Content or Curriculum: KEHA Leadership Academy, Homemakers Leader Lessons, Publications, Newsletters/News & Notes, Officer/Chairman training materials, KEHA State Meeting, various other UK resources and materials

Inputs: Programmatic materials, training, mentoring, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, and non-profits

Dates: Ongoing

Audience:   FCS Council

Project or Activity:  Leadership Development

Content or Curriculum:  Chamber of Commerce Leadership program; FCS Council leadership materials

Inputs:  Program materials, training, mentoring, volunteers, community partners and non-profits

Date: Ongoing 2025-2026

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Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Improved leadership skills. 

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

Method: Post participation survey 

Timeline: Survey 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 

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation

Intermediate Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. 

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities. 

Method: Post participation survey through self-assessment  and visual observation; monitoring changes in local and area leadership positions.

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

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