Success StoryBuilding Communities with Volunteers



Building Communities with Volunteers

Author: Lynnette Allen

Planning Unit: Breckinridge County CES

Major Program: Community Leadership Development

Plan of Work: Strengthening leaders to expand community leadership and economic development

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

According to the Corporation for National and Community Civic Engagement, volunteerism is the support system for a strong nation.  When considering volunteerism in local communities, Kentucky is ranked 36 of the 50 states and has only an average of 23.5% residents volunteering. But with these statistics it also shows that Kentucky ranks 17th with parents that volunteer and 8th in volunteer retention.  This suggest that families value volunteering to support their children and those that do volunteer have a positive experience.  In Breckinridge County volunteerism is a valued commodity and local stakeholders continue to identify volunteerism and leadership development as a significant need to help advance community economic development. The 2019-2020 Extension Plan of Work included a plan to engage local leaders through volunteer opportunities and leader training. In September 2020 the Extension Homemakers conducted the annual officer training.  Officers, chairmen and members gathered to learn and engage in leadership development activities that would prepare them for a year-long service to the organization and the community.  Extension staff provided leadership resources through officer handbooks, a 12-month program plan, and report forms.  The training also provided instruction and opportunity for the leadership to share program ideas and learn about state level programming.  With the continued development of local Homemaker leadership, an increased number of members are engaging in area and state leadership roles such as area secretary, area chairmen and KEHA State Chair for Leadership Development.  With post program evaluations,92% reported having a greater understanding of the Extension Homemakers mission and 80% reported having a better understanding of their role as an officer or chairman.  Also, 54% reported gaining more confidence in their personal leadership skills after completing the training.  The Extension Service provided the safe, supportive, environment for volunteers to explore and strengthen their leadership skills which leads to asset building in Breckinridge County and in Kentucky.






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