Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development

NEW CLUB Three new Clubs were formed this past year, one of which is in Santo Domingo Pueblo. Leaders for each of these clubs were trained as to their responsibilities, how to use the 4-H curriculum and how to utilize activities to encourage youth participation. Leaders received training on insurance, chaperoning, fund raising and the use of the 4-H emblem. Santo Domingo 4-H Club will serve as a model for future 4-H clubs among the other 6 Pueblos located in the county. Agents throughout the state can reference this model for tribal outreach programs.

CLUB LEADER TRAINING A yearly 4-H adult volunteer leaders training was held. State 4-H Specialist provided information to leaders on how to make club and project meetings more interactive. The role of organization, assistant, project and teen leaders was explained. Volunteer leaders were provided updates on the new 4-H policies and procedures, new 4-H project curriculum and fund raising guidelines.

VOLUNTEER LEADER SCREENING Sixty seven (67) volunteer adults completed the application and screening process before enrolling as 4-H leaders. All previous leaders and potential new leaders were offered an orientation and explanation for the new screening requirements. As an incentive, Sandoval County CES paid for the screening fees for all leaders. As a result, all applicants for leadership were accepted.

Bernalillo County Volunteer Leadership Development-

Many accomplishments have been recognized by 4-H members through the assistance and guidance of 4-H Volunteer Leaders in Bernalillo County. Leaders have assisted with County wide meetings for youth in several project areas including; dog, rabbit, dairy, steer and horse. Several other project leaders are available to act as a project resource. Agent responsibilities during this year included recruiting a new County Wide Leader for the poultry project and providing assistance and guidance as called upon for all leaders and as the Agent in Charge for the Bernalillo County 4-H Horse Council and Livestock Sale Committee.

Club meeting were attended four times by this agent, the leaders and members were assisted with various topics including the new state wide age change and County Fair entries.

Two 4-H/ Master Gardener Seeds Program Trainings were conducted to assist the Master Gardeners who would be performing the program in the schools. 750 Albuquerque area youth took park in the School enrichment program in 2007. Additional assistance was provided to the effort by procuring $1000 Grant in Kind Funding for this School Enrichment Program.

Several Meeting were attended as a member of the Steering Committee for the Albuquerque Area Children’s Water Festival for 4th grade youth. During the two day event, several responsibilities were under my supervision including logistics, clean up, and group leader. 1100 youth took part in this program.

As the Lead Agent for all livestock projects during Bernalillo County 4-H Fair, it is important to work closely with the Livestock and Sale Committee and all Department Superintendents. $114,000 was generated from 52 items sold through the Livestock Sale. This is a record number for our sale.

The Bernalillo County 4-H Horse Council is the governing body of the Horse Project. As the Agent in Charge of this committee, it is my obligation to assist and advise this committee comprised of youth and Adults on all Horse related activities including all Horse related Judging Competitions, Horse Shows and educational events.

The volunteer leaders have done an outstanding job in 2006-2007year.

Several have conducted project meetings which resulted in over 70 indoor project articles exhibited at the Torrance County Fair and over 50 articles exhibited at the New Mexico State fair. Many of the 4-Hers received 1st place awards at the State Fair.

The leaders meeting was held in October of 2006 and planned the 2006-2007 4-H year events and activities.

The leaders assisted with county wide workshops, county contest, pie auction and county fair BBQ.

The leaders will meet in september and assist in the planning of the 2007-2008 4-H events and activities.