As their membership ages, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers recognize the challenge that is facing their mission of providing education, community service and leadership development. To address this challenge, the Lincoln Trail Area (LTA) Extension Homemaker Kick-off program is held annually to build excitement and provide resources for the new program year. In planning for the 2024 event, the LTA Homemakers Council applied, and they were awarded a $500 KEHA Development Grant to sponsor the kick-off. The focus for this year’s program was to build welcoming communities and strengthen the Homemaker clubs with increased organizational skills.

Approximately eighty Homemakers from Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties attended the event centrally in Hardin County. Many of the participants were currently serving as educational lesson leaders, club and county officers and educational chairpersons.

With the grant funds, participants received educational materials to explain meeting organization with samples of agendas, minutes, and a basic parliamentary procedure booklet. Also, each participant received a KEHA tote bag and an expandable organizer. The group enjoyed morning refreshments to encourage fellowship and networking during the event.

The volunteer leaders participated in two educational presentations: Creating Welcoming Communities lesson and a mock business meeting presentation. Extension staff presented materials to improve understanding and value of cultural differences while increasing awareness of personal biases. The second portion of the program focused on volunteer leaders presenting a mock business meeting and participants identifying parliamentary procedure mistakes that discourage participation and meeting efficiency. The program concluded with evaluations and discussion on how creating welcoming and productive Homemaker clubs will support membership growth and community impact.

According to the surveys, before the program 48% of the participants reported having a poor or average understanding of the basic principles of parliamentary procedure while 52% reported having a good or excellent understanding of the topic.

Following the program, 100% reported having a good or excellent understanding of basic parliamentary procedure. Surveys showed that after the program thirty-five participants reported they now have an excellent understanding of basic parliamentary procedure. Also, 32% reported gaining better understanding of the steps to make and consider a motion during a meeting. When considering skills to create a welcoming meeting environment, 93% of the participants reported having a good or excellent understanding of the ten parliamentary courtesies.

The annual LTA Extension Homemaker Kick-off addresses a specific need each year. This year’s event focused on creating welcoming club environments to encourage all to join the organization. The volunteer leaders demonstrated increased leadership by providing input in the planning, funding, and implementation of a program. The Kick-off program fosters multi-county networking while building excitement for a new program year of improving the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service and education.