Adult Volunteer Leader Development (Union County)

Union County Extension Association of New Mexico
UCEANM members present program ideas to the agent who in turn compiles those ideas and the members votes on the programs.
55 members participated in the various programs. 50% of those members have used at least two ideas that they received from the programs in their lives.
The following are programs presented;
No Fuss Meals: a program developed from Connie Moyers, Roosevelt County Extension Home Economist was presented. Tip and technique along with equipment were discussed to make it easier to plan nutritious meals in a short amount of time or how to plan in order to prepare meals ahead of time.
Computer Basics: The computer instructor from the high school taught ten members the basics of compueter - how to hook one up, how to turn it on, how to use a mouse, how to use basic word programming. The members expressed an interest in having more classes on using email, internet, photo editing etc.
Layered Quilts: a leader training was held for the clubs on layered quilts. Cheryl Perschbacher presented the program on fabric selection, equipment needed and tips and techniques on making layered or rag quilts. The program was interesting but I think once the members saw the amount of work involved, I don't know how many will make use of the information.

Foods that Lower CHolesterol
A program was presented from information provided by Food and Nutrition Specialist Carole Turner. Members were given information on what foods are high in cholesterol, what is cholesterol, the kinds of cholesterol, what food are low in bad cholesterol and how to cook to help lower cholesterol. The members shared their thoughts and experiences in trying to lower cholesterol and expressed appreciation in knowing other foods they could use to assist with thei problem.
Christmas Program: a Christmas craft and food programs was presented to the Lariat CowBelles (15 attended) and the EANM members. Several different easy and economical craft ideas were presented for
the members and also quick and easy holiday foods were demonstrated. A booklet was put together for
distribution.

4-H leaders are encouraged to attend one of the two leader meetings held in the spring. Leaders and parents are asked for their input on various areas of the 4-H program and are also asked to sign up as project leaders to help youth in the club and county to be able to complete their projects. Example - a leathercraft leader assists 4-H youth enrolled in the leathercraft project achieve the goals they have set in their particular year of project.
40 leaders attended the two leader meetings. Insight was given to the Extension Home Economist on areas that need improvement in the program and areas that they felt just needed to continue as is.
Contests and demonstrations were two areas they felt needed assistance. The agent attended club meeting and presented the various contests that are offered and had information on the Horticulture contest where the youth identified various fruits and vegetables and judged a class of apples.
A game show format was used to help instruct the youth in various facets of 4-H - parliamentary procedure, contests, projects etc. The youth enjoyed using the team responder and it has been suggested that we use this format in the future for teaching various subjects.

Over one-hundred volunteer leaders, representing 10% of all enrolled leaders across the State of New Mexico, have gained knowledge and skills related to involving and working with volunteers, having effective club meetings, and available opportunities in 4-H through County Trainings provided by the Home Ec Specialist.

In 2006, New Mexico 4-H Leaders gained knowledge and skills related to appropriate youth recognition and service learning through workshops presented by the Home Ec Specialist at the 2006 New Mexico 4-H Leaders' Forum.

Adult volunteers provide a significant amount of direct contact with 4-H youth and are essential partners in the 4-H Youth Development Program for maintaining and expanding the program.
4-H leaders were presented with two opportunities to attend a 4-H leader meeting in which 4-H leaders were asked to help evaluate the current 4-H program and set goals for the upcoming year. 30 leaders participated in the meetings. The leaders were for the most part happy with the program but did have some suggestions about getting more youth enrolled in 4-H. It was suggestd that 4-H members present a short program to the 3rd through 6th graders during National 4-H Week to introduce youth to 4-H and how to enroll in 4-H.
Each parent who wanted to be a 4-H laeder was given the adult volunteer leader application form for processing. 32 leaders filled ou the form . The organizational leaders meet twice a year to go over plans for 4-H. Each of them received a copy of the Club Leaders Handbook and the 4-H Policies and Procedure handbook. They were given information about the enrollment procedure for the county, what each 4-H member is expected to do. 4-H leaders have expressed an interest in having a leaders meeting once a year at the beginning of the yaer to evaluate the past year and set goals for the upcoming year. This also gives the leaders and opportunity to volunteer to assit with various projects and contests.