Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development

2009
VOLUNTEER LEADER DEVELOPMENT
The success of Sandoval County 4-H is due to the dedication and support of the volunteers. These volunteers serve in the capacity of organizational leaders, project leaders, superintendents and advisors. The 4-H Agent and County Extension Staff provide continued support to these leaders on a daily basis.

*32 new adult volunteer leaders completed the screening process and enrolled as leaders in Sandoval County. Total number of leaders enrolled in Sandoval County 4-H program is 135 (an increase of 24% over last year).

*10 volunteer leaders attended a Club Financial Management & Responsibilities training. Leaders received training related to bank account management, fundraising activities, EIN numbers and IRS tax reporting. A portion of the training was dedicated to reviewing the current state and county policies and procedures for 4-H clubs, club charters, use of 4-H name and emblem.

*7 volunteer leaders and 4-H Agents attended the 2008 NM 4-H Forum for adults. All Sandoval County participants reported an increase in knowledge and skills related to their clubs and the information presented was beneficial to make them better leaders for the youth they serve.

Seventeen adult volunteer leaders attended a training on Effective Club Leadership. Leaders gained knowledge and skills related to county and state activities, parliamentary procedure, livestock project nomination procedures, contests, record keeping, and school enrichment, youth activities and communication. Evaluations reveal a mean score of 4.45 on a scale of 1 to 5 (with a score of 1 being poor and a score of 5 being excellent).

Twenty-six Master Gardener 4-H SEEDS volunteers were trained and utilized in conducting special interest programs to reach 1235 youth during the SEEDS Program. Training was provided on the SEEDS curricula, classroom logistics and protocol, introducing the 4-H program to youth and interesting topics to include in their presentation.

Youth work with adult partners to solicit donations and sponsorships for 4-H programming, and county fair needs as well conducting fundraisers. The County conducted a variety of fundraisers to send youth on trips; provide for countywide trainings and socials; and maintain funds for general operations. Fundraisers included: Rodeo ticket sales, Rodeo and Fair sponsorships, “Grogfest” dinner, a Tea Party and assisting with Western Shooting Horse Events. The county raised over $10,000 toward providing quality programs. Youth gained knowledge and skills in organizing fundraisers and managing money as well as constructive youth/adult partnerships.

24 new adult volunteer leaders completed the screening process and enrolled as leaders in Bernalillo County. 94 adult volunteer leaders reenrolled for a total enrollment of 122 leaders in the county.

Application and Enrollment
21 new adult volunteer leaders completed the screening process and enrolled as leaders in Chaves County. 84 adult volunteer leaders reenrolled for a total enrollment of 105 leaders in the county.

Leader Training
5 adult volunteer leaders attended the New Mexico Leaders’ Forum for Adults. Leaders received training on a wide variety of subject areas including record keeping, community service projects, leadership, and cloverbud enrichment activities. This event was very informative to the leaders and 100% of those in attendance expressed the usefulness of the knowledge gained.

School Enrichment Volunteers
92 volunteers and school personnel were trained and utilized in conducting school enrichment programs to reach over 1100 youth.

1. Seventeen new adult volunteer leaders completed the screening process and enrolled as leaders in Eddy County. Forty five adult volunteer leaders reenrolled for a total enrollment of 62 leaders in the county.

2. An orientation was offered for five new adult volunteer leaders, increasing their knowledge and skills related to running effective meetings, organizing meetings, child development, communicating with parents, what 4-H offers, and other opportunities.

3. Every organizational club leader is sent a bi-monthly newsletter. The newsletter provides leader education, gives important dates and information, and assists leaders in better guiding youth of the county.

4. Seven adult volunteer leaders attended a training on “How to Make Your Club Better While Keeping Yourself Sane.” Leaders gained knowledge and skills related to understand people, communication, and leadership.

Five adult volunteer leaders attended training on club financial policies. Leaders gained knowledge and skills related to budgeting, auditing of club financial records, reporting of club finances, and how to fill out paperwork for the IRS.

5. The 4-H Agent serves as a resource to volunteers in the county by providing instruction at the club and county level. This includes visits to clubs, county trainings, and bi-monthly leaders’ association meetings. Also, the 4-H Agent encourages participation at state level events, including the Forum for Adults and Western Regional Leaders' Forum.

Marcella Talamante has signed on to support Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development within Rio Arriba County.