The Ohio County Extension and 4-H Councils have identified developing leadership skills as a priority for community development.    4-H Clubs provide experiential learning as a primary teaching approach that promotes the Essential Elements of Youth Development. Membership in a 4-H club provide opportunities for youth to learn and apply life skills such as leadership, citizenship, community service, public speaking and fosters youth-adult partnerships that encourage active involvement and participation by youth and adults.

Young people need the kind of hands-on, youth-led experiences that 4-H club’s provide, where they learn by doing, grow from failure, express their ideas and use their influence to drive positive outcomes. Adult mentors provide guidance, ask questions, and share learning experiences.  In Ohio County, there are 46 school clubs and 6 community clubs organized comprising more than 1000 youth, with over 400 youth elected to lead these 4-H club by serving in an officer role.   Ohio County youth who participate in 4-H Leadership development opportunities are exposed to a variety of opportunities for personal development.

4-H Leadership activities help youth:

• Develop confidence in their leadership potential and their own sense of identity (over 60% of club members said they felt more comfortable in their abilities when faced with a leadership role).
• Enhance their communication skill in sharing, reflecting and discussion (100% of the club presidents were able to preside over a 4-H club meeting with a meeting agenda).
• Understand the importance of diversity and improves their ability to relate to others (96 % of the club members presented a program on cultural diversity).

Learn effective decision making methods and experience problem-solving situations (100% of the clubs followed parliamentary procedure in meetings).

     4-H Leadership builds several important assets in Kentucky youth and provides critical elements of youth development.  The more assets that are provided to youth, the more likely they are to exhibit positive behaviors. Strong leadership and decision making skills are essential assets in helping shape a 4-H member into a responsible adult. 4-H empowers young people to be true leaders. True leaders are young people who have confidence; know how to work well with others; can endure through challenges; and will stick with a job until it gets done.   The result?  Youth who are empowered with the skills to lead for a lifetime.