Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Community Leadership Development
Written by Cody Odom- 2018 intern for ANR My intern experience with the Cooperative Extension Service has been educational as well as fun, but also benefitted me in ways I did not expect. My knowledge of the services and programs provided by the CES has grown exponentially. I have gained an appreciation for what a CES agent does for our community, and found out first hand the dedication they have for what they do.Two years ago I returned with my family to Calloway County to purc
Author: Vicki Wynn
Civic engagement helps create and cultivate vibrant communities. Studies have shown social capital is necessary for effective government and economic development. Part of social capital is engaging in the legislative process, serving on local boards/councils and contributing in topics important to that community.Overall in the US, social capital has been on the decline. Currently, Kentucky ranks 48th in civic health. In response to the need to increase civic engagement, the Marshall County Exten
Author: Amanda Sublett
The Cooperative Extension Service relies on volunteers to extend the reach of extension programs. A well maintained 4-H program should include volunteer training, recognition and motivation. For the past nine years, a team of agents, volunteers and specialists have created a premier conference titled “Kentucky Volunteer Forum” or KVF to address basic needs and beyond of volunteer development. This conference is held every two years with the intent of the conference is to provide work
Author: Lindie Huffman
Kentucky Women in Agriculture is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower, educate, and engage women across the Commonwealth. Each year the state leadership of KWIA recognizes the strong women who serve their family, farm, and community, by hosting an annual conference to celebrate the accomplishments of the female agrarians of Kentucky. Lindie Huffman, Pendleton County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources joined the board and served as conference planning chair for
Author: Shane Bogle
"Every actions needs to be prompted by a motive" Leonarda da Vinci. There are times that citizens and local leaders need to advocate for change within their community. Having the tools and knowledge to communicate with elected officials and decision makers is important to turn a passionate motive into a positive action that will institute change. A working group of extension agents developed the "Empowering Local Leaders" program to place the skills and info
Author: Stephanie Richards
Having grown up in a rural area of Pike County, access to the arts weren’t readily available for Samantha. She was a self-described “meek mouse,” incredibly shy and afraid to speak out. It wasn’t until fifteen years old, as a sophomore in high school that Samantha discovered Artists Collaborative Theatre (ACT). She remembers shyly coming through the doors of her first rehearsal and falling in love with theatre. Her first play was The Greatest Christmas Pageant
Author: Faye Kuosman
In 2016 the Woodford County Extension Council determined a need for a leadership program within the county in order to empower citizens to be involved in challenges and opportunities the community faces. As a result of this, the Woodford County Extension Office in collaboration with the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce developed Leadership Woodford County. The program gives participants the opportunity to better understand their community and learn the skills they will need to prepare for the
Author: Christin Herbst
Civic engagement helps create and cultivate vibrant communities. Studies have shown social capital is necessary for effective government and economic development. Part of social capital is engaging in the legislative process, serving on local boards/council, and contributing in topics important to the community.Overall in the US, social capital has been on the decline. Currently, Kentucky ranks 48th in civic health. In response to the need to increase civic engagement, th
Author: T. Adam Probst
In 2015, the Woodford County Extension Council identified a need for an adult leadership program for Woodford County residents. Beginning in 2016, the Woodford County Extension Service partnered with the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce to offer Leadership Woodford County, a 9 month long course designed to expose participants to many aspects of the community. All twenty-three graduates have reported that they gained more knowledge about the workings of our community and that it be
Author: Kathryn Wimberley
Situation: Due to expansion of McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service through a new facility there is a need to draw from the assets of the residents of the county. There is a need to build the capacity of volunteer leaders as it is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen youth and adults.Success Story: The McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners (MCEMG) have had a demonstration and trial garden on Col
Author: Christy Ramey
Leadership Franklin-Simpson Class of 2017 began like all other leadership classes. Sponsored and by the Chamber of Commerce and UK cooperative Extension Service, the class consisted of thirteen individuals from different businesses and backgrounds in Simpson County. The class met for nine months and we covered topics from government, business, and education to agriculture, health care and team building. This year the class requested that a new day of leadership be added to the
Author: Katherine Jury
The Hopkins County Family & Consumer Science Agent partnered with the Hopkins County School System, Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and First United Bank to bring the American Private Enterprise System to a selected group of 40 high school students in Hopkins County. The program helps prepare students for an active role in business through direct involvement with local business and professional leaders—offering and encouraging an exchange of ideas between the groups.
Author: Joyce Doyle
The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is planned on a two year cycle. This year I took fifty four volunteers to the Forum. I do not take volunteers so that I can be recognized for having the most numbers. I, personally, am not about numbers but about what these fifty four volunteers do once they return to Carroll County. Our District Board recognizes the importance of volunteers for the Extension program; therefore they support it financially.How have these volunteers contributed
Author: Steven Austin
During the months of September through mid-November the Elite 8 travel several states. During this time they are not only learning valuable skills of decision making and public speaking but they are also ambassadors for the State of Kentucky. Top 12 Week helps get this process started but it is fun to see how the young people who travel interact with individuals from across the country. The 2017 Elite 8 did an excellent job creating good will and building positive bridges with
Author: Gregory Drake
Community members and leaders need to be comfortable advocating for issues that are important to them. Having the confidence to interact with elected officials and decision makers is an important leadership skill that is often neglected in extension programming.Working with elected officials is a skill that can be learned just like proper gardening or food preservation techniques. The “Empower Local Leaders” program was developed by a team of extension agents in the Mammo
Author: Camille Lambert
According to data from the Corporation for National and Community Service, 763,706 Kentuckians volunteered their time, talent and effort to improve people’s lives in 2015. 84.34 million hours of service and $1.7 billion of service were contributed. Henderson County’s population is around 46,250 and the need for volunteers is getting ever more critical as programs expand. The Henderson County Extension office ended the year with a leadership appreciation dinner that was called &l
Author: Christy Stearns
Clinton County was one of 20 communities nationally to receive technical assistance from Local Foods, Local Places. Local Foods, Local Places helps people create walkable, healthy, economically vibrant neighborhoods through the development of local food systems. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), th
Author: Jeremy Williams
Leadership and Community Development has long been a commitment of the Harlan County Cooperative Extension Service. The need for new and emerging community leaders allowed for the partnership with Leadership Harlan County United. The goal of Leadership Harlan County United is to train leaders from different classes, ethnicity and geography and to help them assume leadership roles in their communities. The Harlan County Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent w
