According to the Corporation for National and Community Civic Engagement, volunteerism is the cornerstone of a strong nation.  Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen families. To cultivate these leaders in Bullitt County, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension is very active with the Bullitt County Homemakers, a division of the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA). 

The Bullitt County Homemakers are one of the largest civic and volunteer organization in the county.  Constantly looking for ways to better the community, the County Homemakers strive to do their part to support the lives in their communities.  With 3 traditional and 1 special interest clubs in the county, they have made a difference in just a couple months by volunteering at the homeless shelter, helping with the two Dare to Care food pantry programs, sewing baby bibs for the Health Department Hands program and making quilts for veterans.  

Besides community service Bullitt County Homemakers are in the process of developing new leaders in their organization.  With multiple struggles and setbacks in the past year, over 50% of the leaders in the organization have stepped down. In August of 2019, 100% of the county and club leaders participated in the annual Officer training- a first in over 25 years history of the organization. Officers, chairmen and club members gathered to learn and engage in leadership development activities that would prepare them for a year-long service in their new role.  FCS Extension staff provided leadership resources through officer packets, handbooks covering a 12-month program plan, and report forms.  The training also provided instruction and opportunity to share program ideas that line up with the state level programming. As these new leaders gain skills, more knowledge and confidence in their roles, the Extension Agent has noticed a group of officers who are guiding the organization in a positive direction. While a membership decline due to past struggles was expected, the new leaders have taken the challenge to recruit new members from citizens who have never entered the doors of the Bullitt County Extension Service and they are succeeding- over 5% increase at this time with the deadline still approaching.   One new leader reported to me, "I have never been in leadership until now.  I was not aware of all that was involved. I am learning so much and am excited at what I can do to help our organization move past all this conflict and head in the right direction."