Shelby County has long been known for having a strong volunteer base.  Many individuals who have not actively assumed leadership roles have been identified by agents as potential effective leaders.  In an effort to encourage these individuals, the Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent and 4H Agent worked together to develop the Leadership is M.O.R.E. program with the purpose of developing training materials and delivery methods that inspire volunteers to expand their roles and to seek out opportunities to develop leadership skills in themselves and in others. 

Agents sought to facilitate the development of feelings of ownership among volunteer leaders in Shelby County agriculture and 4-H program areas and councils and to enhance the effectiveness of project, program and council volunteers in Shelby County Extension.  The agents also aspired to supplement and expand on existing KELD materials in a way that makes the leadership development experience personal and specific to Shelby County Extension programming. 

Agents prepared the Leadership is M.O.R.E. resource manual by assembling original content, KELD materials, 4-H Leadership and Communication curriculum and other research-based materials relative to the individual session topics.  Participants were also provided additional supporting materials such as a copy of Robert's Rules of Order In Brief.  The program was advertised via social media, newsletters and distribution of flyers, as well as through personal letters to targeted participants. 

Ten experienced and emerging leaders graduated in the second class of Leadership is M.O.R.E.  By the conclusion of the four week series, 70% of participants indicated they had applied information they learned in one or more sessions to their own leadership development.  Ninety percent of participants responded that as a result of the course they are more able to influence the leadership development of others.

Comments included, "This class was one of the best classes I have ever taken.  I really learned effective leadership tools that I can use.”  “Thank you for putting this program together!  It meets a need to grow leaders without becoming cumbersome.”  “I thoroughly enjoyed and learned from this class.  I will use this information repeatedly in numerous roles and ways.  Thank you very much for the great experience!”

Participants will receive a follow-up survey in four months to gauge their implementation of skills and knowledge gained in the course.