A community request was made of the Greenup Arts Council to create the opportunity for local photographers, both amateur and professional, to come together and share their knowledge in a club setting that would be ongoing. In early spring 2018, a new club description was drafted, a new club leader position description was established, and the Greenup Extension Photography Club was created. The club leader agreed to participate in volunteer training and follow all Extension guidelines for this new club. Over four months, the club has identified 25+ members who are new to Extension. An online Facebook group has been formed that facilitates weekly projects. The club has monthly face-to-face meetings at the Extension office for lessons with guest instructors, guest speakers, project planning, and club member sharing. The club leader said, “I am glad to learn that the Extension Office will support this kind of club!” A club member said, “I wish that I would have had this group years ago when I was trying to learn about photography on my own. Learning from other people with more experience makes all the difference in my level of self-confidence.” Another club members said, “I am fascinated to learn about what Greenup Extension has to offer.”

Finding new ways to reach out into the community and identify needs is a way to show initial programming impact. Supporting a local arts-based interest that provides both personal enjoyment and personal finance building opportunities is a new way to reach people with the Extension mission of building life skills. Adding clubs to the Extension roster expands volunteerism and community development. The establishment of the Greenup Photography Club grows Extension and grows our community.