Adult Volunteer Leader Development

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.

Establishing a 4-H program that is based in fact and provides quality information is vital to member and leader success. All new organizational club leaders were provided an orientation and initial education lessons, provided a copy of the “4-H Policies and Procedures Handbook”, provided a copy of the “Club Leaders’ Handbook”, and introduced to 4-H enrollment procedures and the communication linkage to county office and other 4-H volunteers, resulting in an involved 4-H club membership. All volunteer leaders were offered information through newsletter or direct contact about their roles, responsibilities and enrollment procedures, resulting in youth actively learning and having fun. Ten adult 4-H volunteers participated in at least one leader education program during the 4-H program year, resulting in increased volunteer satisfaction and knowledge gain as reported by agents. Each year, 4-H Agent continues to serve as a resource to 4-H leaders with educational programs delivered in Roosevelt County. Short term objectives for the Adult Volunteer Leader Development program were met.

Adult Volunteer Leadership Development
Catron County has six different and unique communities that do not always interact with each other on a regular base.

Therefore this agent has come to rely on email as a form of communication. By forwarding emails that may be informative to the 4-H leaders and parents, I am trying to educate the county on the vast opportunities this program provides.

Posters, word of mouth, or a convenient stop by the CCES office are not an option for all residents of Catron County. Because of this increase in information there are more programs going on locally in individual communities. For instance in Luna this year they put on a buyer thank you dinner following the county fair. This kind of appreciation promotes awareness of the fair and time spent by leaders and parents as well as youth.

Besides the fair there are two other times all leaders should come together. They are the yearly 4-H banquet and the grading of another counties books before the banquet. Even then not all leaders will be present. At the banquet CCES offers information and new materials for the years to come. This year the banquet is in November. This agent will also be asking for the completion of a survey questioniare to receive input on the 4-H program.

There are two main opportunities for the leaders to educate themselves, New Mexico leader forum. Last year one leader attended. She came back with a lot of questions, and a lot of information to use in her community club. There was also one leader who attended shooting sports with me. We learned many new ways to teach this very popular and growing project in Catron County. This project is the most supported by each community, having at least one coach in three different communities. These coaching leaders practice and work with the youth once or twice during this season.

Leaders, parents as well as youth are provided with a current news letter. The letter is sent by email or a hardcopy is made available to those who prefer it. It is also posted on the 4-H bulletin board at Quemado School.

Leaders training will be provided in November while grading another counties book. Curriculum and information from last year leader’s forum will be provided as well as an agenda. The agenda will provide a list of subjects to be discussed.

In December of 2006, the 4-H Home Economist,along with the 4-H Ag Agent, planned and conducted a 4-H Club Leader Training. Fifteen Organizational leaders attended this training which included tips and guidelines for helping their 4-H clubs run smoothly as well as updates on projects, contests, and events from the State 4-H Office. This training also gave Agents the opportunity to let the volunteers know how much they are appreciated for what they do for our County 4-H Program. They also participated in an exercise that teaches them how to listen to the youth and guide them in their clubs while still letting the youth be in control and make the important decisions.