Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development

The volunteer leaders have done an outstanding job in 2008-2009 year.

Several club leaders volunterred their time this past spring to assist the 4-H agent in counducting project workshops. Workshops were conducted for Braiding, Leathercraft, Scrapebooking, Cake Decorating, Consumer Decision Making, Livestock and Horticulture judging.Over 80 4-H members attended the workshops.

A beginning volunteer leaders training was conducted by the 4-H agent. This workshop provided a more indepth look at the overall 4-H program. 6 new leaders attended.

Several volunteers have conducted project meetings which resulted in over 100 indoor project articles exhibited at the Torrance County Fair and over 70 articles exhibited at the New Mexico State fair. Many of the 4-Hers received 1st place awards at the State Fair.

The leaders meeting will be held in October 2008. The volunteer leaders and the 4-H Agent will be planning the 2009-2010 4-H year events and activities.

The leaders assisted with county wide workshops, county contest, pie auction and county fair BBQ.

10 4-H Leaders attended the District 4-H Contest in Capitan, NM. These leaders were able to gain vital skills in the contests available for our 4-H members to compete in as well as gain life skills through. The leaders commented on the excitement they have for 4-H by being able to attend an event like this and see other counties. One important aspect our leaders gained training in was watching the shooting sports contests so they can bring the knowledge back to our 4-H members next year. We have recently revitalized our shooting sports program and every exposure to the competitions is essential to our county's shooting sports program. Another 4-H leader who coached the meats judging team was able to see the type of contest and information the youth were asked at District by asking questions after the contest. As Otero County 4-H continues to have more 4-H families involved in judging it is essential the leaders are equipped for success to assist the 4-H clientele.

5 staff at the Youth Center at Holloman Air Force Base attending a training on Becoming A 4-H Volunteer Leader in APril of 2009. Leaders gained knowledge and skills related to meeting procedures, leadership, youth activities and communication. 100% of participants reported an increase in knowledge of 4-H Policies and Procedures and the project areas available for 4-H members to develop life skills.

In December of 2008, 15 volunteers at Holloman Air Force Base Youth and Teen Center were trained and utilized in conducting special interest programs to reach over 150 youth. Training was provided on History of 4-H, Holloman AFB and 4-H's partnership, 4-H in Otero County, teaching methods, project meetings, organizational meetings, 4-H Curricula and youth development.

In December, six of the Otero County 4-H Organizational Leaders attended an 4-H Club Treasury Meeting. These 4-H Volunteers gained skills and knowledge on handling funds within a 4-H Club, communication beween leaders and 4-H members and procedures and policies of NM 4-H. This training was provided on organizing meetings, club treasury accounts using NM 4-H material. 85% reported their organizational skills were increased.