Youth Development (Socorro County)

110 youth participated in the Socorro County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through indoor and livestock exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over 320 items were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $86,000 was paid to County 4-H Members through premiums, junior livestock auctions and fair related scholarships. 55% of Socorro County 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to home economics, creative arts, livestock and personal development as evidenced by quality baking products, garments made, products exhibited, animals shown and ribbons awarded. One of the Livestock Judges that judged the show last year commented about how much the kids progressed this year. “The quality of animals has greatly increased from last year. Someone is doing something right, by teaching these kids what a quality animal should look like.”

20 4-H youth served as keynote speakers, emcees, pledge leaders and presenters at the annual County 4-H Banquet, increasing their public speaking skills and giving leadership to the overall program. Members received plaques and medals in recognition of their achievements and increase in life skills related to mastery, belonging, generosity and independence throughout the 2006-2007 program year. 125 members, leaders and guests attended the event.

Local Club Meetings & Programs – 75% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through demonstrations and leadership roles in their local club and programs such as the Buyers Appreciation Dinner, Queen/Princess/Sweetheart contests, Kids, Kows and More, and Family Fun Fest.
Afterschool Programs – 50% of all youth involved in 4-H Afterschool programs increase public speaking and communication skills trough active involvement in leadership and speaking curricula.
Radio Programs & Other Media – 25% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills by providing ads for the local radio station related to County Fair and National 4-H Week.
County 4-H Council Meetings & Programs – 10% all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through leadership roles at the County level.

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, community cemetery clean-up, 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. One youth reported, “After serving on the Council I realized I could be a good leader so I ran for State 4-H Office and am now serving as State 4-H Song and Recreational Leader.”