Members of the Lyon County Teen Leadership Council (TLC) focus efforts on leadership, communication and service.  The Lyon County TLC members are self-selected but have guidelines they must meet in order to continue participation; and more importantly to get the most benefit for their personal development.

Research shows youth who participate in leadership development opportunities are exposed to a variety of opportunities for personal development. Leadership activities help youth:

• Develop confidence in their leadership potential and their own sense of identity.
• Improve their self-esteem.
• Enhance their communication skill is sharing, reflecting and discussion.
• Understand the importance of diversity and improves their ability to relate to others.
• Learn effective decision making methods and experience problem-solving situations.
• Learn group social skills.

(Unlock Your Leadership Potential: A Leadership Project Guide, University of Florida, IFAS Extension, October 2009)

Asset Development

· Leadership education builds several important assets in Kentucky youth and provides critical elements of youth development (Search Institute, 2004; Pittman, Irby & Ferber, 2001). The fewer assets young people have, the more likely they are to engage in negative behaviors (Benson, 1997; Eccles & Gootman, 2002).  The more assets that are provided to youth, the more likely they are to exhibit positive behaviors. Strong leadership and decision making skills are essential assets in helping shape a 4-H member into a responsible adult (Jones, n.d.)

All TLC members benefit, as stated above, from participation in opportunities provided by the program.  However, this year, three members have stepped to higher levels of leadership that offer more opportunities for growth.  Two TLC members serve as officers on the Pennyrile Area Teen Council, one member serves as a member of the State Teen Council, one member serves on the state Performing Arts Troupe Leadership Team, and one member serves on the leadership board as a Shooting Sports Ambassador.  This year the D7 Lyon County Shooting Sports Ambassador was selected to serve as a Kentucky delegate to the National Shooting Sports Institute in Bozeman, Montana.  

Based on research and outcomes stated above, it can be expected that Lyon County 4-H Teen Leadership members who serve on advanced level boards will be more likely to achievement higher development of skills required for successful adults.