Certified Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) play crucial roles in county extension offices throughout the state of Kentucky. After receiving training and certification, they are expected to serve their communities by conducting educational programs and service projects in addition to continuing education. An important component to the program nationally is leadership development, however there is no official leadership development training for EMG in most Kentucky counties.

Because these volunteers play such an important role for extension programs in our communities, a leadership development program is important to aid in the retention of volunteers and providing them with the confidence to become leaders. Leadership development among EMG volunteers may also decrease the time county Extension agents must devote to program administration.  

In an attempt to create a leadership development toolkit for agents across the state with EMG, the Woodford County Horticulture Extension Agent partnered with the State Master Gardener Coordinator, and leaders in the Department of Community and Leadership Development at the University of Kentucky. There were two EMG Leadership Development training workshop conducted utilizing existing materials from the Kentucky Extension Leadership Development Curriculum. Participants’ perception of their leadership skills before and after participating in the program were evaluated.

Survey results showed participants’ perception of their leadership skills after completing the program increased and that existing KELD materials are effective in improving their skill levels in focused areas of this training.  This leadership development training has the potential to address some of the struggles County Extension Agents' face in managing the EMG program. Not only can it provide the tools that current leaders in the organization need, it can provide confidence for those considering a leadership role. 

The long-term goal of this training is to enhance the leadership capacity and to provide ongoing support and training for certified EMGs in Kentucky. These trainings could be offered at the county level or at the annual statewide Kentucky EMG conference. For EMG coordinators considering implementing this program at the county level, the focus could change based on needs of the local EMG organization and the existing skills of the volunteers. Regardless of the method chosen, the KELD materials have shown to be effective for use with EMG volunteers.