Kentucky 4-H has identified developing leadership skills as a priority for community development.    Young people need the kind of hands-on, youth-led experiences that 4-H club’s provide, where they learn by doing, grow from failure, express their ideas and use their influence to promote positive outcomes. Membership in a 4-H club provide opportunities for youth to learn and apply life skills such as leadership, citizenship, service learning, public speaking and fosters youth-adult partnerships that encourage active involvement and participation in their club and community. 4 -H Clubs provide experiential learning as a primary teaching approach that promotes the Essential Elements of Youth Development. 

Ohio County youth who participate in 4-H Leadership development opportunities are exposed to a variety of opportunities for personal development.  Adult mentors, volunteer leaders and educators provide youth with positive learning experiences in a learn by doing environment. There are 46 school clubs and 8 community clubs in Ohio County, comprised of more than 1000 youth. Within these clubs over 400 youth have been elected to lead the local 4-H clubs by serving in an officer role.   

4-H Leadership activities help youth:

1. Develop youth’s leadership potential and their own sense of identity. When faced with a leadership role over 70% of club members said they felt comfortable in their abilities.
2. Youth enhance their communication skill in sharing, reflecting and discussion - 100% of the club presidents were able to preside over a 4-H club meeting utilizing a meeting agenda.
3. Youth improve their ability to relate to others and understand the importance of diversity in their communities. Forty-six school clubs presented a classroom program on cultural diversity.
4. Youth are learning to make effective decision using methods and experience problem-solving situations.  One hundred percent of the clubs followed parliamentary procedure in meetings.

      4-H Leadership programs build important assets in Kentucky youth and provides critical elements of youth development.  The more life skills that are provided to youth, the more likely they are to exhibit positive behaviors and become successful in life. Strong leadership and decision-making skills are essential to shape a 4-H member into a responsible adult. The 4-H Leadership curriculum empowers young people to have self-confidence; know how to work well with others; persevere through challenges; and stick with a job until it is completed.   The result?  Youth who are empowered with the skills to lead for a lifetime.