Author: Lynnette Allen
Planning Unit: Breckinridge County CES
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Plan of Work: Strengthening leaders to expand community leadership and economic development
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
The Covid pandemic has been difficult for many Extension Homemakers across Kentucky. Many have lost loved ones and have been isolated from family and friends for two years. Regular club meetings, workshops and events has been cancelled, leaving many members idle and feeling withdrawn from their communities. In August 2021 a special area event was planned to help build unity and momentum for the Lincoln Trail Extension Homemakers as they kicked-off the 2021-22 program year. A leadership team of 4 from Breckinridge County attended the LTA Reflect & Recharge: Adventure Awaits officer training. The 3+ hour training included a SWOT analysis facilitated by an Extension specialist to reflect on the current strengths and weaknesses of the local counties. Following this, the group brainstormed and discussed recruitment strategies, project goals, social networking, and recognition programs to help recharge the organization at the local, area and state level.
The Breckinridge County leaders returned to their county to share the materials and ideas that were generated at the area event. At the local level, the leaders on the specific officer positions so that each volunteer felt supported and ready to resume their monthly club meetings and county programs. Included with the officer materials was a club plan-of- work chart to assist them in planning for the new program year. Post survey results showed that 92% of the participants plan to share the Reflect & Recharge materials with their clubs. Sixty-seven percent of the participants gained a better understanding of the KEHA enrollment process and annual club planning process. Seventy-five percent planned to use what they learned to fulfill their leadership role in their club and at the county and area level.
As part of the County Annual meeting in May of 2022 the Breckinridge County club presidents shared highlights of club activities which included projects as food drives, holiday crafts for assisted living residents, greeting cards for US soldiers, volunteering for community events and the recruitment of new leaders for the 2022-23 Homemaker program year. The Breckinridge County Extension Homemakers reflected and decided to recharge to activate an organization that has been a tradition in the past and will continue to support local families in the future.
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