Youth Leadership Development (Santa Fe County)

During the 2007-2008 membership year, the County Council Officer Team planned to provide several leadership opportunities at the county level in conjunction with County Council meetings. These opportunities included, County Contest Carnival and Parli-Pro Pizza. The County Contest Carnival was very well attended, 64 participants, and achieved its’ objective of promoting this year’s county contests. Although Parli-Pro Pizza was not as well attended, 13 participants, it did provide an excellent opportunity for the officers to teach other 4-Hers the basics of parliamentary procedure. As a result of this program, the officers were invited to present the same workshop to the Santa Fe County Fairboard.

4-H members assume responsibilities within their clubs, county council, and state leadership teams, providing them with opportunities to develop skills in communication, team work, and decision making. Youth leave these leadership positions with a stronger sense and understanding of responsibility, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

Santa Fe County plays an active role in many state leadership activities. In 2008, five junior members attended Teen-Get-Away, 20 senior members attended Senior Leadership Retreat, and 12 senior members attended State Conference.

100% of youth who have served on the State 4-H Leadership Team retire with a better understanding of composing and conducting a hands-on educational workshop, designing and implementing a successful event, valuable teamwork skills, and what their leadership traits are and how to combine them with other team member’s traits to have successful team.

At State 4-H Conference 98% of the youth mastered skills in home economics, agricultural issues, demonstrations, judging, and public speaking. The youth also participated in a variety of workshops during the event. In these workshops the 76% of the youth mastered skills in teamwork, planning recreational activities, occupational skills, extra curricular campus activities and local employment resources.

Youth who attenede Senior Leadership Retreat were asked what was the most important leadership skill they learned during the retreat. 73% of the youth stated teamwork, 45% stated communication and 44% stated leadership traits were the skills they mastered by attending the workshops.