Leadership Development

Building Community Leadership for Economic Development & Public Issues Education

Building Community Leadership for Economic Development and Public Issues Education is a program conducted throughout Florida by a team of 14 faculty members from the Departments of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Food and Resource Economics, and Agricultural Education and Communication. The overall objective is to improve the well-being of urban, rural and non-metro Floridians by :

  • enhancing community economic vitality through developing a cadre of local leaders who will focus on community uniqueness, resources and potential,
  • analyzing demographic, social and economic attributes of communities to help leaders and residents better understand their strengths and opportunities for economic development,
  • building human capacity of urban and rural residents for participation in labor force and entrepreneurial activities,
  • improving the ability of local leaders to conduct the process of establishing informed public policy through issues education.

Educational Programs in Leadership Development

The following educational programs are designed for Extension county faculty to utilize with adult audiences with an interest in aspects of community leadership, non profit organizational development, public issues education and entrepreneur education. These programs are designed to enhance or develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes of program participants who will use their capabilities to make a difference in their community. Other aspects and program components are under development and may not be represented here.

Developing and Maintaining the Extension Community Nonprofit Programs

This education program prepares county Extension faculty to work with local non-profit organizations that are established to support community programs. Content includes:

  • the board of directors and their duties,
  • preparing bylaws, constitution and standing rules,
  • obtaining employer identification number,
  • preparing articles of incorporation for State of Florida,
  • understanding the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act,
  • seeking Florida tax exempt status,
  • obtaining a treasurer's bond, and
  • preparing documentation for IRS tax exempt status.

Developing and Maintaining the Extension Volunteer System for County Programs

This educational program prepares county faculty to increase their capability to utilize and report the services of local volunteers. Topics include:

  • recruiting volunteers,
  • orientation protocol,
  • the volunteer job description,
  • preparing the volunteer to teach,
  • providing recognition to the volunteer, and
  • liability implications of utilizing volunteers.

Public Issues Education for Leaders in Florida Communities

Public issues education encompasses elements of leadership development, public policy education, and community development/rural revitalization. It also provides a framework for addressing controversial issues which are linked to the activities of Cooperative Extension constituencies. The broad goal of this program is to expand the capacity of Cooperative Extension faculty and staff to conduct appropriate public issues education.

Planning, Conducting and Evaluating the County Leadership Program

This program is designed to prepare Extension County Faculty to develop a local leadership program that increases the number of local leaders who can:

  • identify and resolve issues of local and regional interest,
  • participate effectively in local organizations, and
  • be a spokesperson for the local Extension program.

Developing Skills for Youthful Leaders

A youth leadership program consisting of six modules for use by middle school teachers or Extension faculty working with youth. Each module includes:

  • Teaching Instructions,
  • Teaching Guide for Topical Areas,
  • Lecture materials,
  • Overhead transparency masters,
  • Student handouts, and
  • Homework assignments.

Welfare-to-Work (WtW)

Welfare-to-Work program materials:

For More Information, Contact:

Dr. Elizabeth B Bolton
Professor, Community Development;
(352) 392-1987 x 254
ebbolton@ufl.edu

Resources