Civic Engagement- Empowering Hickman County Leaders

Our nation is at a time of increased public discourse and significant conflict. The recent statewide needs assessment identified Leadership Development, Civic Engagement, and Community Pride as a high priority for Cooperative Extension. Hickman County ranked more qualified leaders to prepare the community for the future as the highest need within the category of community vitality. Youth and adults in Kentucky need programming support to enhance skills for influencing change. Hickman County Extension provides educational opportunities that build and nurture effective and engaged adult and youth leaders in and for our communities. 

Hickman County Extension has been an initiating partner and program collaborator with Hickman County Schools, Community Education, Clinton-Hickman County Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses and organizations to offer the Chamber Leadership Program. While the program was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the students were able to complete all of the community engagement programs while investing 136.5 volunteer hours in our local community.  The strong sustainability of this program is due to the support of local businesses, county government, and cooperation of the school system.  This program is offered free to Hickman County students due to the generosity of our local businesses and civic organizations. Hickman County businesses plant the seeds of leadership in these students and know that one day after they finish their academic careers, they will reap the benefits of a ready workforce.

Sixteen freshman students participated in the program this year. As a result of this collaboration,  87% were able to state and discuss 3 economic facts about Hickman County; 100% could see a connection between Hickman County’s history and current tourism and economic development activities; 100% were motivated to use new information about Hickman County to get involved in a community development project; 100% were able to state three strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with Hickman County; 80% gain knowledge of how County Government works; 100% understand the roles of civic organizations in our local community; 100% are now comfortable within a leadership role.