Volunteers are important to the process Cooperative Extension has in local communities.  Volunteers are integral to the duties, functions, and tasks and possess varied and diverse knowledge, skills, and backgrounds…(Radhakrishna & Ewing, 2011). The success of Extension programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher, & Klingborg, 2005). 

 The U.K., Cooperative Extension Service and Kenton County Extension Council (CEC) volunteers plan and execute the educational and functional meetings required for Extension programming in Kenton County. The County Extension Council involves learning about local Cooperative Extension programming and committing to sharing knowledge, opinions, and mentoring other adult volunteers.   The Extension Councils offer opportunities for individuals to gain experience in decision making, group process, local resources, and leadership.  Two Kenton County volunteers were nominated for and an election was held to select the current council President.  Their willingness and dedication to the Cooperative Extension program providing educational efforts benefiting youth, and a passion for helping families participate is exemplified by this process.  The volunteers’ contributions impact Kenton County where it is fundamentally the most important to the clientele – continuing education for adults and youth.  The involvement of our local CEC members helped to impact our community by those willing to share the 2023 community assessment survey.   Volunteers shared printed copies as well as the web address with coworkers, community groups, and employees in a group effort to help us collect legitimate, useable surveys.  The results of the survey have been a source of interest among those who participated, sparking important conversations about programming efforts.   The opportunities to consult with local experts regarding trends, resources expended by other organizations, and efforts being made by local governments will prevent unnecessary overlap and allow Kenton County CES to utilize our resources in the most beneficial ways.   The CEC volunteers plan and execute the yearly meetings and the events sponsored will change to accommodate current county level events. The CEC volunteers work with all who attend the meetings regardless of their experience to educate them about the Extension program. They also work within the framework provided by the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service System including laws, rules, and guidelines. They encourage involvement with local clubs, county 4-H events, Homemaker Clubs, and CEC committees.  The last two years have provided a resurgence among membership and currently there are 33 members actively attending local meetings.   

The problem

The educational program response

The participants/target audience

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.