Empowering Local Leaders

Civic engagement helps create and cultivate vibrant communities. Studies have shown social capital is necessary for effective government and economic development. Part of social capital is engaging in the legislative process, serving on local boards/councils, and contributing in topics important to that community.

Overall in the US, social capital has been on the decline. Currently, Kentucky ranks 48^th in civic health. In response to the need to increase civic engagement, the Harrison County Cooperative Extension Service participated in an “Empowering Local Leaders” program. The program was delivered to the County Extension Council. Extension agents taught participants the basics of the state and federal legislative process. Agents also encouraged connecting with their legislative officials on issues that are important to them and outlined a step by step process to communicate effectively with them.

After the presentation, 47% increased their knowledge of the legislative process. After the program, 93% indicated they felt more prepared to contact an elected official about an issue that concerned them. Due to the program, 60% are likely to contact an elected official in the next six months on topics that concern them or their community.

Following the fall Empowering Local Leaders presentation, in partnership with the Harrison County Farm Bureau, the Harrison County Extension Service hosted an elected officials dinner. All individuals who hold an elected position in Harrison County and represent Harrison County were sent an invitation, along with members of the Harrison County Farm Bureau Board, and CEC members. The dinner was held in June and had sixty-four people in attendance. Speakers for the event included a Farm Bureau Federation representative, Harrison County Extension Representative, and the Harrison County Judge Executive. Attendees were updated on current events in the county, resources available for citizens and were given an opportunity to talk with the elected officials about any concerns they had for the county.

A follow-up survey was distributed at the August CEC meeting to gauge CEC member involvement with local and state elected officials.  Results of the survey indicated that 100% of the council members had a better understanding of the legislative process and are more likely to contact an elected official. Since the first meeting, 66% put their knowledge to practice by contacting an elected official about a topic that was important to them.