Youth Leadership Development (Valencia County)

Long Term Objectives:
Objective #15: 98% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #1.

Objective #16: 98% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.
• Competitive Events
o County – 33 Counties conduct competitive events and/or contest trainings to expand life skills and knowledge. Senior Age Youth (with 4 or more years 4-H experience) advance to State level competition. Contest Areas include:

Consumer Decision
Crops
Dairy
Fashion Magic
Fashion Revue
Favorite Foods
Home Ec Skill-a-thon
Horse Shows
Horse Judging
Horticulture
Land
Livestock Judging
Meats
Parliamentary Procedure
Presentations
Public Speaking
Quiz Bowls
Rodeos
Shooting Sports
Talent Contest
Wildlife Habitat
Wool Judging
o State – State 4-H Conference is conducted in July on campus at New Mexico State University for Senior age 4-H members qualifying at the County Level. Staff from the College of Ag & Home Economics serve as superintendents to conduct quality educational experiences for youth related to several subjects. Youth also participate in hands-on workshops and tours.
o National – Senior age 4-H members winning selected contests at the State Level are eligible to participate in National and Regional Contests.
270 senior age youth representing 30 counties participated in subject matter related contests (Ag & Natural Resources, Home Economics, and General) and hands-on workshops, increasing knowledge and life skills through education.

Objective #17: 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #3.

Objective #18: 75% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #4.
• In 2009, 270 youth with 4 years or more 4-H experience contributed to a statewide community service project during State 4-H Conference, donating funds to the UNM Cancer Center. Youth of all ages collected funds for the UNM Cancer Center throughout the year. New Mexico 4-H collected $10,503.21 to assist with housing for families and additional cancer research.

Objective #19: 65% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.
Accomplishments:
• See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #5.
• State Leadership – Senior age 4-H youth with 4 or more years experience
o Youth serve in leadership roles at the state level by performing the following duties:
o Elected Officer
o Appointed Diplomat/Ambassador
o Event Coordinator
o Youth received training in the following areas:
o Parliamentary Procedure
o Public Speaking
o Recreation
o Conflict Resolution
o Leadership Skills
o Goal Setting
o Recruitment & Diversity
o Event Planning

Objective #20: 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will have established partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #6.

Objective #21: 85% of Agents and staff with at least 4 years of experience will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through theory, contest training, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all agent experience levels under Objective #7.

Overall Accomplishment for youth with at least 4 years experience:
9,123 youth ages 14-19 gained life skills through participation in the New Mexico 4-H Program.

Medium Term Objectives:
Objective #8: 98% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #1.
Objective #9: 98% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.
Accomplishments:
• Competitive Events
o County – 33 Counties conduct competitive events and/or contest trainings to expand life skills and knowledge. Junior Youth (with 2-3 Years 4-H experience) advance to District Level Competition. Contest Areas include:

Consumer Decision
Crops
Dairy
Fashion Magic
Fashion Revue
Favorite Foods
Home Ec Skill-a-thon
Horse Shows
Horse Judging
Horticulture
Land
Livestock Judging
Meats
Parliamentary Procedure
Presentations
Public Speaking
Quiz Bowls
Rodeos
Shooting Sports
Talent Contest
Wildlife Habitat
Wool Judging


o District – 4 Extension 4-H Districts conduct District level competitive events annually. District competition is for Novice or Junior youth who qualify at the County level. Contests are hosted by Counties on a rotation and supported by State 4-H Staff. 2009 events were: Southeast District Contest in Lincoln County – 500 youth; Combined Northern District Contest in Santa Fe County – 350 youth; and Southwest District Contest in Catron County – 180 youth.

330 Junior age youth, with 2-3 years experience in 4-H participated in District level competition increasing knowledge and life skills through education.

Objective #10: 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.
Accomplishments:
See Accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #3.

Objective #11: 75% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #4.
• In 2009, youth with 2-3 years or more 4-H experience contributed to a statewide community service project during Youth Get Away collecting funds to donate to the UNM Cancer Center.

Objective #12: 65% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #5.
• County Council Leadership – Generally youth with at least 3 years 4-H experience
o Youth serve in leadership roles at the county level by performing the following duties:
o Elected Officer
o Appointed Leadership
o Event Coordinator
o Committee Chair/Member
o Youth received training in the following areas:
o Parliamentary Procedure
o Public Speaking
o Recreation
o Conflict Resolution
o Leadership Skills
o Goal Setting
o District/Multi-County Leadership Trainings

Objective #13: 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will establish partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all 4-H age levels under Objective #6.

Objective #14: 85% of Agents and staff with 2-3 years of experience will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through theory, contest training, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.
Accomplishments:
See accomplishments for all agent experience levels under Objective #7.

Overall Accomplishment for youth with 2-3 years experience:
11,812 youth ages 12-13 gained life skills through participation in the New Mexico 4-H Program.

Short Term Objectives
Objective #1: During the 4-H program year, 98% of youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.
Accomplishments:
• Extension Personnel organize and implement County and Multi-County Camps for 4-H Youth around the State. Camp sites include the Lujan Ranch; Elks Camp; Burn Cabin Flats; County Fairgrounds; White Sands Missile Range and Ghost Ranch. Youth gained life skills in citizenship; foods & nutrition; wildlife management; outdoor education; arts & crafts; scrapbooking; shooting sports; mapping; wood science; leadership; and recreation. Senior 4-H members served as counselors. 9,693 youth participated in overnight and day camps, increasing knowledge and skills related to subject matter, leadership, and basic life skills.

• Extension personnel provide quality educational experiences through hands-on workshops and trainings. Many included construction of actual projects or exhibit items to take home. 2008-09 Training topics included:

1. Baking, Foods & Nutrition
2. Bicycle Safety
3. Career Education
4. Citizenship
5. Cloverbuds
6. Consumer Education
7. Cultural Education
8. Dog Training
9. First Aid
10. Home Economics
11. Horse Science
12. Horticulture
13. Hunter Education
14. Interior Design
15. Leadership
16. Leathercraft
17. Livestock
18. Public Speaking
19. Photography
20. Record Keeping
21. Recreation
22. Rodeo
23. Scrapbooking
24. Sewing, Clothing & Textiles
25. Shooting Sports
26. Teamwork
27. This is 4-H


Over 3500 youth participated in educational workshops conducted in 25 counties. Youth increased life skills related to home economics, agriculture & natural resources and general 4-H projects, while gaining knowledge and skills in their chosen subject matter.

Objective #2: During the 4-H program year, 98% of youth involved in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.
Accomplishments:
• Competitive Events
o County – 33 Counties conduct competitive events and/or contest trainings to expand life skills and knowledge. Novice Youth advance to District level competition. Contest Areas include:

Consumer Decision
Crops
Dairy
Fashion Magic
Fashion Revue
Favorite Foods
Home Ec Skill-a-thon
Horse Shows
Horse Judging
Horticulture
Land
Livestock Judging
Meats
Parliamentary Procedure
Presentations
Public Speaking
Quiz Bowls
Rodeos
Shooting Sports
Talent Contest
Wildlife Habitat
Wool Judging


o District – 4 Extension 4-H Districts conduct District level competitive events annually. District competition is for Novice or Junior youth who qualify at the County level. Contests are hosted by Counties on a rotation and supported by State 4-H Staff. 2009 events were: Southeast District Contest in Lincoln County – 500 youth; Combined Northern District Contest in Santa Fe County – 350 youth; and Southwest District Contest in Catron County – 180 youth.

700 Novice age youth, with 1-2 years experience in 4-H participated in District level competition increasing knowledge and life skills through education.

• Fairs and Achievement Days
o Achievement Days – Counties with Fairs falling after the State Fair may hold Achievement Days to qualify exhibits for state level competition. 5 counties hold Achievement Days annually to showcase life skills gained by 4-Hers throughout the year.
o County Fairs – 33 counties participate in County or Bi-County Fairs with an indoor exhibit component and livestock shows. Indoor exhibits, livestock shows, horse shows and dog shows allow youth to showcase life skills gained throughout the year. Youth receive recognition through ribbons, plaques, premium awards and belt buckles.
o Regional Fairs – Counties may participate in three different Regional Fairs: Southern New Mexico State Fair; Eastern New Mexico State Fair; and the Navajo Nation Fair. Indoor exhibits, livestock shows, horse shows and dog shows allow youth to showcase life skills gained throughout the year. Youth receive recognition through ribbons, plaques, and special awards.
o State Fair – 30 counties exhibited items at the 2009 New Mexico State Fair. Extension Agents and Specialists work to provide a quality showcase of members’ completed exhibits. Indoor exhibits, livestock shows, horse shows and dog shows allow youth to showcase life skills gained throughout the year. Youth receive recognition through ribbons, premium money, trophies and livestock auction slots.

Over 5000 items were exhibited at County Fairs and Achievement Days throughout New Mexico in 2009. Over 1900 items submitted by over 600 youth from around the state were exhibited at the 2009 New Mexico State Fair. Over 500 youth received premium checks ranging from $1 to $285. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills related to over 200 project areas. Over $1,000,000 was paid to New Mexico Youth through premiums, junior livestock auctions and fair related scholarships.
o A Dona Ana County 4-H member said, “I am a seamstress. I am a public speaker. I am a baker. I am a knitter. I am an electrician. I am an ice cream maker. I am a New Mexico historian and culturist. I am all of this because of 4-H.”
o One Hidalgo County 4-Her said, “Over time, those ribbons will fade and trophies will break, but the real rewards are the lessons you learn along the way to receiving those awards and recognition.”
Objective #3: During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth enrolled in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.

Accomplishments:
• Awards and Recognition Events
o County Faculty and Staff work with County Councils and Leaders’ Associations to provide recognition events to the over 6,500 youth involved in the New Mexico 4-H Club Program. More than 20 counties conduct recognition events annually with members serving as keynote speakers, emcees, pledge leaders and presenters. Members receive certificates, metals, plaques, belt buckles, jackets, and other appropriate awards. 4-H members from around New Mexico were recognized for their achievements and increase in life skills throughout the 2008-2009 program year. Members in leadership roles increased public speaking skills.
• Speaking Opportunities
o Local Club Meetings & Programs – 75% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through demonstrations and leadership roles in their local club.
o Afterschool Programs – 50% of all youth involved in 4-H Afterschool programs increase public speaking and communication skills trough active involvement in leadership and speaking curricula
o Radio Programs & Other Media – 25% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through providing ads for local radio and other media outlets related to County Fairs, National 4-H Week and other 4-H promotions
o County 4-H Council Meetings & Programs – 10% all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through leadership roles at the County level.
• In 2009, 6,346 youth participated in age appropriate activities gaining knowledge and skills related to personal development and leadership.
o A Dona Ana County 4-H member stated, “One of my challenges in public speaking was that I have been in speech therapy since kindergarten. Through 4-H public speaking, I improved my “s” sound and became more confident with speaking in front of groups.”
o A Roosevelt County 4-H member says, “I have learned in 4-H to be responsible for what I undertake as my duty. Being in 4-H is helping me to learn some things for when I am grown and being on my own.”
o A Valencia County 4-H member said, “This next year, I’m running for Vice President, and am going to be the Junior Leader for our clubs Cloverbud group. I’m excited to have the opportunity to start leading our young 4-Hers!”
Objective #4: During the 4-H program year, 75% of youth in club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.
Accomplishments:
• Local clubs conduct community service projects and participate in projects at the county level. Examples of County Community Service Projects include: Assistance at Civic Events, Christmas Cookies and other gifts for elderly members of the community, Visits and donations to Assisted Living Facilities, Project Linus baby blanket donations, Toys for Tots, Highway Clean-up, Petting Zoos, Beautification projects, Holiday food baskets, Food Drives, and many other creative community contributions. Over 2,382 youth from 33 counties increased knowledge and skills by participating in community service projects at the local, county, and state level.
o A Roosevelt County 4-Her said, “It helps me be a better person when I help others.”
o Another member from Roosevelt County said, “It was a lot of hard work, yet when it was completed it made me feel good to be a part of it. It really did take teamwork to get the job done. Knowing that we had helped our community in the work that we did means a lot to me. Even though I was not involved in 4-H for only a few months, I learned more about responsibility and working hard in what you do.”
• In 2009, youth with 1-2 years or more 4-H experience contributed to a statewide community service project during Youth Get Away collecting funds to donate to the UNM Cancer Center.
• Youth at all levels were given the opportunity to apply for Community Service Scholarships thanks to an anonymous donor. Youth must plan and conduct a service project, personally giving primary leadership to the project. Scholarship funds may be used to attend a statewide 4-H event or run for a leadership team position. 139 scholarships were awarded in the amount of $24,395.
• School Enrichment Programs - One of the three primary delivery modes in the 4-H Youth Development Program is school enrichment. Youth, ages 5- 19, can belong to a 4-H school enrichment group. Extension personnel provide quality educational experiences through cooperation with classroom teachers. 2008-09 Training Topics included:

Ag Awareness
Animal Science
ATV Safety
Career Opportunities
Character Education
Citizenship
Drug Awareness
Egg to Chick
Entomology
Farm Animals
Farm Safety Day
Financial Planning
Food Safety
Gardening
Germ Detective
GIS/GPS
Health
Kids, Kows & More
Leathercraft
Life Skills Training
Nutrition & Fitness
Sports Fishing
This is 4-H
Water Conservation


Over 28,462 youth ages 5-19 participated in school enrichment programs gaining knowledge and skills related to subject matter, cognitive skills and teamwork skills.

• Special Interest Programs - One of the three primary delivery modes in the 4-H Youth Development Program is the special interest group. Youth, ages 5- 19, can belong to a 4-H special interest group. The group focuses on a project (subject matter topic) for a minimum of six hours outside of school hours. Extension personnel and volunteers provide quality educational experiences through after school programs, day camps and other appropriate programs. 2008-09 Training Topics included:

ATV Safety
Babysitting
Beef
Cloverbuds
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Dairy Products
Gardening
Horse Science
Horticulture
Leathercraft
Livestock
Nutrition & Fitness
Plant & Soil Sciences
Sewing
Stress Management
Teamwork
Teen Parenting
This is 4-H
Water Conservation


Over 22,588 youth ages 5-19 participated in special interest programs gaining knowledge and skills related to subject matter, cognitive skills and teamwork skills.

Objective #5: During the 4-H program year, 65% of youth in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.
Accomplishments:
• Club Leadership – all age groups
o Youth serve in leadership roles at the local level by performing the following duties:
o Elected Officer
o Committee Chair/Member
o Pledge Leader
o Recruiter
o Youth received training in the following areas:
o Parliamentary Procedure
o Public Speaking
o Recreation
o Conflict Resolution
o Leadership Skills
o Goal Setting
Over 5083 youth were involved in leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels demonstrating effective leadership and teamwork skills.

Objective #6: During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth in the 4-H club program will begin establishing partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.
Accomplishments:
• Advisory Committees
o Youth serve on Extension Advisory Committees to assist agents in setting annual program calendars, choosing subject matter topics for workshops and clinics and planning events
o Youth work with adult partners to solicit donations and sponsorships for 4-H programming, scholarships and county fair needs as well conducting fundraisers. Counties conducted a variety of fundraisers to send youth on trips; provide for countywide trainings and socials; and maintain funds for general operations. Fundraisers included: raffles, gift wrapping, turkey shoots, candle sales, auctions, catering, bake sales, car washes, and many others. Counties raised over $19,000 toward providing quality programs. Youth gained knowledge and skills in organizing fundraisers and managing money as well as constructive youth/adult partnerships.

Overall Accomplishment for youth with 1-2 years experience:
• 45,963 youth ages 5-11 gained life skills through participation in the New Mexico 4-H Program.

Objective #7: During the 4-H program year, 85% of Agents and staff will increase professional and personal skills related to life skills and youth development by receiving quality training through theory, contest training, subject matter training, policy training and evaluation training.
Accomplishments:
• New Agent Orientations:
*Includes travel to county offices and review of 4-H Policies, Programming Efforts, Civil Rights, and other pertinent information related to 4-H
o Bernalillo County New Agent Orientation (2008): Robyn Kelley
o Cibola County New Agent Orientation (2008-09): Wendy Brown; Charles Schultz
o Rio Arriba County New Agent Orientation (2009): Marcella Talamante; Desaree Jimenez
o San Juan County New Agent Orienation (2009): Kathryn Babcock
o San Miguel County New Agent Orientation (2008): Samantha Ortiz
o Sandoval County New Agent Orientation (2009): Nicole Lujan
o Torrance County New Agent Orientation (2009): Corina Neish
o Valencia County New Agent Orientation (2009): Laura Bittner; Kyle Tator
• Centra Sessions:
*Online training sessions provided to agents, program assistants and support staff
o 4-H Frequent & Random Policy Questions (2008)
o 4-H Plus & ES237 (2008)
o 4-H Curriculum Update (2008)
o IRS and Other 4-H Policies (2009)
o Coaching Teams (2009)
o Western Institute Sharing (2009)
o Motivating Volunteers (2009)
• New Mexico 4-H InService:
*Includes workshops provided and/or recruited by State 4-H Staff
o 4-H Indoor Exhibits (2009)
o Grant Writing (2009)
o 4-H Shooting Sports (2009)
o 4-H Record Keeping (2009)
o Working with Fair Boards (2009)
o Event Coordination (2009)
o Media Relations (2009)
o 4-H Wildlife Contests (2009)
o Conflict Resolution (2009)
o Working with Elected Officials (2009)
o 4-H Club Charters, EINs and Tax Filing (2009)
75 agents gained knowledge and skills related to administration of the 4-H program and professional development.
• AXED Course Assistance:
o Hodnett, Frank, Richardson, Rick, Schultz, Linda, Turner, Mindy,& Zemler, Amy (2008). 4-H Programming in New Mexico. College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, AXED 120.
o Hodnett, Frank (2008). Extension Portion. College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, AXED 100.
o Schultz, Linda (2009). Volunteer Management. College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, AXED 486/586.
• Resource Development:
o Hodnett, Frank, Richardson, Rick, Schultz, Linda, Turner, Mindy & Zemler, Amy (R-2009). New Mexico 4-H New Agent Orientation Handbook. New Mexico State 4-H. (Training notebook for new employees including sections on civil rights, policies & procedures, 4-H programming and more).
• Civil Rights Reviews
*Includes travel to County Office, review of files and training for appropriate staff on maintaining 4-H Civil Rights files
• Bernalillo County Civil Rights Review (2009)
• Curry County Civil Rights Review (2009)
• Grant County Civil Rights Review (2009)
• Sandoval County Civil Rights Review (2009)
• Socorro County Civil Rights Review (2009)
• Valencia County Civil Rights Review (2009)

Agents received quality training in a variety of subjects, and provided positive feedback regarding overall trainings. Accessibility and timeliness of training has increased through Centra Trainings and New Agent Orientations. Achievement Levels serve to recognize professionals that excel at professional improvement and have been a positive incentive for agents related to attending professional development trainings and serving as resources in teaching

In Valencia County there are many opportunities for youth to show off their leadership skills. The 4-H youth in Valencia County are very active in their club and county leadership roles and have done an outstanding job over the past year representing the county. The following is a list of activities that allow for leadership development of 4-H’ers in Valencia County participated in.

County Officer Trainings
Council Officer Training: County Council Officers participated in an Officer Training and Team Building workshop presented by the 4-H Agent. All seven of the Council Officers attending this training learned about their roles, responsibilities and expectations as Council Officers. They also learned information on running a proper business meeting, and what the meetings should include. This training was used as an introduction into the office they will be serving and as a planning session for the Officer workshops they presented at the County-wide Club Officer Training. Team building activities were used to construct trust and friendships between the team members. These activities were done with just the Officer team and then similar activities were conducted with the Officers and diplomats together as the Valencia County Leadership Team. Officers participating in this training expressed their experience was positive and that they learned how to be better effective leaders and Officers.

Club Officer Training: County Council Officers presented a Club Officer training to county 4-H’ers who serve (or would like to serve) as Officers in their club. Each Council Officer prepared and presented a workshop on the office they serve. Each Officer did their Officer specific workshop three times to give everyone present the chance to learn about the offices they were interested in. Club members present gained the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to conduct their club meetings. Ten of the 12 clubs in the county were represented at the training. 4-H’ers participating in the training felt they learned how to be better leaders in their clubs as well as how to run proper business meetings.

County Diplomats:
County Diplomat Training: County Diplomats participated in a Leadership Team Training and Team Building workshop with the County Council Officers presented by the 4-H Agent and Home Economist. Seven of the eight Diplomats attended this training where they participated in team building activities as a group and with the officers. These activities were used to facilitate friendships and reliance among team members. While at this training, Diplomats learned more about their roles, responsibilities and expectations while serving the county, as well as worked on the development of their team community service project. This was the first time the Diplomats in this county had gone through any formal training and they all expressed how much they enjoyed learning about how they can serve the county through leadership and citizenship projects.

Legislative Leadership: Seven of the eight Diplomats traveled to Santa Fe, NM to participate in Ag Day activities at the Legislature. The Diplomats spent the day meeting State Senators and Representatives and discussing the importance of 4-H to the youth in Valencia County. They also spent the day learning about Legislative processes and the leadership behind our laws. The Diplomats all expressed how much they learned about being a good leader in your community as well as enjoying the overall experience of representing the 4-H program. At the Annual Ag Fest, the Diplomats represented the State 4-H booth to Senators, Representatives and Industry Leaders.

New Mexico 4-H: The County Diplomats helped 4-H staff administer the monthly New Mexico 4-H workshops. The Diplomats helped teach new 4-H’ers about the 4-H program while working through the New Mexico 4-H workbook. The youth who participated in these workshops expressed their enjoyment of being able to work with and learn from experienced 4-H youth. The Diplomats enjoyed working with the new 4-H’ers and expressed how much teaching others about 4-H enhanced their leadership skills as well as their knowledge of the overall program.

County 4-H Council:
The 4-H Agent acts as an advisor to the county Council. The Agent assists the county Council Officers in preparing meeting agendas and business to be conducted as well as minutes from the meetings and treasurers reports. By working hand in hand with the youth, the youth gain leadership and business skills they will use later in life.

Junior Livestock Board (JLB):
This year I tried to revive the Junior Livestock Board in Valencia County. The purpose of this group is to give older, more experienced 4-H’ers the opportunity to teach new and younger 4-H’ers about the 4-H Livestock projects and aid them as they prepare for shows and fairs. This year, we had three applications from youth wishing to participate on the board. This, however, was not quite the turn out I had expected for this program. The youth who did apply, helped with livestock tag days and with livestock at our County Expo. Because of the low number of applications, myself, along with the three applicants, worked on recruiting 4-H’ers to participate next year. A group of potential 4-H’ers were gathered and helped other youth get their animals ready for shows at the Expo. This hands-on experience gave potential 4-H JLB members an idea of what will be expected from them while serving on the Junior Livestock Board.

State Camps and Workshops:
Senior Leadership Retreat: Nine Senior 4-H’ers participated in this year’s Senior Leadership Retreat. The State 4-H Diplomats and Officers administered hands-on workshops and activities designed to increase life skills related to teamwork, character building, community service, goal setting, leadership and self-discipline. All nine 4-H’ers who attended this event expressed their increased awareness of their own personal leadership skills as well as the importance of working with others. Because of this event, three of the nine 4-H’ers who attended have expressed interest in taking on a State 4-H leadership role.

Youth-Get-Away: Five Junior 4-H’ers from Valencia County participated in this year’s Youth Get Away camp in April. The State 4-H Officers administered the hands-on workshops and activities designed to increase life skills related to teamwork, cooperation, character building, leadership and goal setting.

Vera Wilson has signed on to support Youth Development within Valencia County.