Adult Volunteer Leader Development

Throughout the 4-H year, the agent provides any information requested or desired by the adult volunteer leaders. The agent also works closely with the leaders to schedule practices and secure facilities for numerous 4-H activities. Keeping the adult volunteer leaders informed and involved is key to the sustainability of the Dona Ana County 4-H Program.

Adult enrollment:
21 adult volunteer leaders completed the screening process and enrolled as club and assistant club leaders in Doña Ana County. There is a total enrollment of 189 leaders in the county.
Leaders Training:
20 adult leaders attended a Leader’s Training in December conducted by agents. Leaders obtained information on the enrollment process for the new 4-H year, updates and 4-H calendar.
Trainings:
A record book judging training was conducted to assist leaders who volunteer to judge county record books. There were nine adult volunteers who attended.
Agents co-presented workshop on conducting a new parent orientation to 20 adult volunteers/agents/parents/leaders during the Western Regional Leaders Forum.

The Dona Ana County staff ensures every effort to plan programs meets all requirements of civil rights. A conscious effort to include all audiences in our programs are made.

Provided 4-H volunteer orientation to prospective volunteers. Six people attended. Two expressed interest after the program.After scheduled interviews and a discussion with them individually, one decided to volunteer as an assistant while I taught the summer cooking classes. The second person initially felt she would enjoy acting as a project leader. Part of the orientation was to provide the prospective volunteer the opportunity to teach her project to youth with the 4-H agent also in attendance.After a couple of class sessions the volunteer discussed with me her dislike for working with children. By providing volunteers education and experience in the 4-H program, the county has gained a volunteer active in a 4-H capacity that suits her lifestyle. Although not interested in youth programming, the second volunteer is now active in fair volunteer work as an exhibit superintendent and recruiting other volunteers. Through the 4-H orientation process, Luna County gained two valuable volunteers and prevented uncomfortable situations from occurring.

Adult Volunteer Training:
A New Parent Orientation was conducted in March for new parents. There were 21 adults present. Senior 4-H members utilized their leadership and public speaking skills learned through 4-H by sharing their experiences to attendees. Members, parents, club leaders and Cooperative Extension Staff presented on a variety of topic regarding opportunities, projects, record keeping, what is involved when being in 4-H to include costs, time commitment, deadlines and calendar of events. 15 respondents completed a pre and post test with a 14.5% increase in knowledge gained. The goal is to provide parents with information to keep them involved with hopes they become adult volunteers in the program.

Leaders Training:
19 adult leaders attended a Leader’s Training in December conducted by agents. Leaders obtained information on the enrollment process for the new 4-H year, updates and 4-H calendar.