Success StoryWhat's in a name?



What's in a name?

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Planning Unit: Meade County CES

Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

Plan of Work: Financial Management, Soft Skill Development, Human Development, Enhance Life Skills and Build Consumer Awareness

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Covid greatly impacted participation in the Extension Homemaker program in Meade County.  Restrictions made it difficult to interact and as a result a loss in membership occurred.  To address challenges facing the organization, the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemaker Council participated in a day long program aimed at identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as well as ways to market programs, reach out to potential new members as well as engage current members.  Council members returned to their counties and conducted similar session with their county leadership who in turn led club members through the process.  In exploring ways to encourage membership in the younger demographics suggestions focused on changing the image and the way we do things.  Many felt the extension homemakers are too business like and are often reflected as crafters and cooks.  One suggestion focused on other extension programs promoting the organization, especially in the area of 4H so the young members realize there is life in extension after 4H.  Other suggestions focused on promoting the image as community partners by connecting with other organization in the community such as the Chamber of Commerce, churches, soccer or baseball field and school system.  A few even carried forward the thought of changing the name of the organization and spent time trying to come up with a new one to reflect the purpose. Many concluded personal invitation as the best way to recruit new members and to have a clear message about the organization.  The county organization is working to create a quick message to members to share when inviting others to join and creating an impact statement on their community projects and volunteer hours.  






Stories by Jennifer Bridge


Never too Young to Start Saving

Never too Young to Start Saving

about 2 years ago by Jennifer Bridge

Learning to save money and resources early in life can lead to proactive habits for the future. Each... Read More


Arts and Crafts Development

Arts and Crafts Development

about 3 years ago by Jennifer Bridge

After years of receiving request for crafts classes a group was formed in September with a purpose o... Read More


Stories by Meade County CES


Never too Young to Start Saving

Never too Young to Start Saving

about 2 years ago by Jennifer Bridge

Learning to save money and resources early in life can lead to proactive habits for the future. Each... Read More


Kentucky 4-H Summit

Kentucky 4-H Summit

about 2 years ago by Deana Reed

According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, th... Read More


Stories by Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association


Home & Heart

Home & Heart

about 2 years ago by Chelsea Young

The purpose of expanding Owen County Homemakers to include a brand new club, Home & Heart, is to inc... Read More


Extension Homemaker Leadership

Extension Homemaker Leadership

about 2 years ago by Kenna Knight

Community service projects and educational leadership by Extension Homemaker members have a major im... Read More