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, the Mammoth Cave Area Cooperative Extension Service created an “Empowering Local Leaders,” program. After evaluating this program, it was offered to all counties to utilize. Danielle Hagler, Cooperative Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development was a member of the Cooperative Extension District 5 leadership team who attended the train-the trainer workshop for this program. After attending the workshop, along with four other representative from District 5, the team developed a training for all agents in district 5. The training was presented at the District staff meeting and all agents were given the resources that they needed in order to offer this training to their county leadership. 

The program was delivered to the County Extension Councils and at the District 5 Leaders Forum. Extension agents taught participants the basic of the state and federal legislative process. Agents also encouraged connecting with their elected officials on issues that are important to them and outlined a step by step process to communicate effectively with them.

In Nelson County, nineteen members of the Nelson County Cooperative Extension Council participated in the program. State Level legislatures also participated in the workshop, sharing with the CEC members how they prefer to be communicated with. The participants indicated in their program evaluations that it was a great to see their legislatures at a cooperative Extension Council meeting.  After the presentation, 53% 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, 47% are likely to contact an elected official in the next six months on topics that concern them or their community.

A follow up session was conducted, to give leaders a legislative update from the Kentucky General Assembly and give them a first-hand look into the legislative process. Representative Michael Meredith delivered the update and encouraged leaders to become involved with the legislative process. After the update, 100% of the council members had a better understanding of the legislative process and are more likely to contact an elected official. Since the first meeting, 38% put their knowledge to practice by contacting an elected official about a topic that was important to them.