Civic engagement helps create and cultivate vibrant communities. Studies have shown social capital is necessary for effective government and economic development. Social capital is the individuals in a community who engage in the legislative process, serve on local boards and councils, keep aware of news and events, and contribute to ideas and initiatives that are important to the community.

Leadership has long been recognized as the reason some communities advance while others struggle to maintain the status quo. Knox County is home to a large number of engaged and motivated agricultural producers who are recognized as leaders among both their peers and elected officials at the state and national level. This notoriety does not occur overnight. Formal and non-formal education, dissatisfaction with present circumstances, and willingness to embrace change rather than avoid it keeps our community members active in agricultural leadership capacities as well as advisory boards of education, financial, and healthcare institutions. 

 Leadership development is an ongoing effort in Cooperative Extension. Through planning efforts of the Knox County Extension Council, a Trunk-or-Treat was organized to showcase Extension programming and the new Extension Pavilion. 75 Extension volunteers along with Knox County Extension office staff set up booths at the event. Many of these booths highlighted existing Extension programs such as 4-H Camp, 4-H Teen Leadership Academy, 4-H Cooking Club, Ovarian Cancer Awareness, KEHA, and Phase I Board. Volunteers included CEC and EDB members, local elected officials, KEHA members, 4-H members and volunteers, and ANR participants. This event would not have been possible without the strong leadership efforts given by Knox County Extension Council and Volunteers. More than 750 individuals attended this event and gained a better understanding of Knox County Extension programming and community resources.