Adult Volunteer Leader Development

Santa Fe County 4-H Agents implemented several new tools to help organizational club leaders manage basic club business. Club leaders were introduced to a sponsorship and fundraising request process. This system was implemented in an effort to ensure that all fundraising and sponsorships fell within the guidelines set by National 4-H and NMSU. Club leaders were also introduced to a club activities approval system. The purpose of this system was to assist leaders when planning events with their club by addressing target audience, partners or collaborators, and possible risks. It also ensured that all club activities were following the proper guidelines in relation to insurance coverage.
This year Santa Fe County implemented “Project Enrichment Classes”. These classes were intended to focus on project work with members using a hands-on delivery mode. In order to conduct these classes leaders from across the county were asked to identify need, organize, and deliver the material. The classes were extremely successful with over 12 different leaders sharing their expertise.

20 new adult volunteer leaders completed the screening process and enrolled as leaders in Santa Fe County. Total number of leaders enrolled in the current 4-H year in Santa Fe County is 113. There was a total enrollment of 275 leaders that have gone through the screening process in the county up to this point.

Volunteer Training

There are 155 4-H adult volunteer leaders that have completed the application and screening process before being enrolled as a New Mexico 4-H Leader in San Juan County. With just over 520 4-H members enrolled, recruiting and maintaining volunteer leaders is directly related to the success of the San Juan County 4-H Program.
One hundred percent of new organizational club leaders were offered an orientation and initial education lesson. 99% of 4-H adult volunteers participated in a least one leader education program during the 4-H year.
Twenty six leaders attended the October Leaders’ Meeting. At the leaders meeting the agent was responsible for distributing new enrollments, club certifications, yearly calendars and insurance information as well as other necessary information needed for a successful 4-H year.
Thirty leaders attended the January Leaders’ Meeting. Linda Schultz, State 4-H Adult Volunteer Specialist, was invited to present “Eight Essential Elements for 4-H”. The program was very well received.
Nine leaders attended the April Leaders’ Meeting. The agent was responsible for providing information for the April 15th 4-H deadline and making sure leaders’ knew what was due and that they received the correct forms.
Fifteen leaders attended the July meeting that was held in conjunction with the county council meeting. This was an opportunity for the agent to hold a training on the requirements of the 4-H Indoor Projects. The agent discussed proper displays and expectations of the indoor projects. She also created a handbook explaining these requirements.
Throughout the 4-H year the agent provides any information requested or desired by the adult volunteer leaders. The agent also works closely with the leaders to schedule practices and secure facilities for numerous 4-H activities. Keeping the adult volunteer leaders satisfied and involved is key to the sustainability of the San Juan County 4-H Program.

In 2011, 20 new 4-H leaders completed the application and screening process prior to being enrolled as a Santa Fe County 4-H leader. Up to this point in time we have screened a total of 275 leaders.

The 4-H Home Economist is developing a leader survey to obtain information from the current leaders as to what this process should be. The survey will be sent to all organizational leaders no later than December 2011.