Youth Development

100% of local clubs conduct community service projects and 50% of 4-H youth participate in service projects at the county level. Examples of Community Service Projects include: Highway Cleanup, helping at the local animal shelter, visits to the Good Sams at Christmas and Valentines, Food Drive, Holiday Food Basket, Keep Socorro Beautiful, and volunteering with local community youth programs. Youth increased knowledge and skills relate to generosity and service learning, contributions to group efforts and responsible citizenship as evidenced by willingness to serve, appreciation of service opportunities and youth assuming leadership roles related to service. Results were reported by club leaders and in member record books.

Youth serve in leadership roles at the county level by performing the following duties: Elected Officer, Appointed Leadership, Event Coordinator and/or Committee Chair/Member. Youth received training in the following areas through County and Multi-County trainings: Parliamentary Procedure, Public Speaking, Team Work, Communication, Recreation and Goal Setting. 85% of youth actively involved in the County Council gained mastery of skills related to leadership as evidenced in an increased willingness to serve as leaders in their local clubs and their community.

Youth serve in leadership roles at the club level by performing the following duties: Elected Officer, Pledge Leader and/or Committee Chair. Youth received training in the following areas through Club and County trainings: Public Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Leadership, Teamwork, Communication and Conflict Resolution. 75% of youth actively involved in Club Leadership gained mastery of skills related to planning and organization as well as generosity skills by contributing to the group effort, as evidenced youth involvement in planning and conducting meetings, youth lead committees and club contributions to County Council efforts.

2 youth serve on the Extension Advisory Committee to assist agents in setting annual program calendars, choosing subject matter topics for workshops and clinics and planning events. Youth learn a variety of life skills by serving on this committee. Both youth and adults get to experience firsthand how important youth and adult partnerships really are.

Youth work with adult partners to solicit donations and sponsorships for 4-H programming, scholarships and county fair needs as well conducting fundraisers. The County conducted a variety of fundraisers to send youth on trips; provide for countywide trainings and socials; and maintain funds for general operations. Fundraisers included: enchilada dinner, posole/tamale sales, cake auction, and dances. The county raised over $5,500 toward providing quality programs. Youth gained knowledge and skills in organizing fundraisers and managing money as well as constructive youth/adult partnerships