Success Story – Empowering Local Leaders 2017 – CEC

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, Greenup County implemented the “Empowering Local Leaders” program that was created by the Mammoth Cave Area Cooperative Extension Service. The program was delivered to the County Extension Council.

Council Coordinator agent taught CEC participants from all program areas the basic of the state and federal legislative process.  All agents encouraged clientele to connect with their elected officials on issues that are important to them and outlined a step by step process to communicate effectively with them.

After the presentation 100% increased their knowledge of the legislative process.  After the program, 100% indicated they felt more prepared to contact an elected official about an issue that concerned them.  Due to the program, 70% are likely to contact an elected official in the next six months on topics that concern them or their community.

A follow up session will be conducted in the spring CEC meeting.