Adult Volunteer Leader Development

25 agents attending the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents conference in Atlanta, GA attended a training on “Joining the Youth’s Communication Quest”. Agents gained knowledge and understanding of the positives and negatives of personal online web pages as well as blogs and text chatting/messaging. 80% of participants reported an increase in knowledge regarding online web page safety and learning new ways of communicating with youth.

10 new adult volunteer leaders completed the screening process and enrolled as leaders in Lea County. 57 adult volunteers enrolled for a total enrollment of 57 leaders in Lea County.

The 4-H Home Economist is developing a leader survey to obtain information from the current leaders as to what this process should be. The survey will be sent to all organizational leaders no later than December 2008.

In 2008, the 4-H Home Economist and 4-H Ag Agent implemented mandatory organizational leader training. This training covered topics including; Use of 4-H Name and Emblem, National Club Charters, Club Finances, and Club Management. These topics were presented through the use of power point presentations, questions and answer sessions, and hands-on learning games. This training also provided organizational leaders an opportunity to network with one another and ask questions they had through a Round Table Discussion.
Two trainings were offered, resulting in 100% compliance from all 12 clubs (14 adults were in attendance). Evaluation results were very positive; on a scale of 1 to 10 (1= unacceptable and 10= excellent) overall evaluations averaged 9.38. When participants were asked what they liked about the program answers included, “The cooperative games,” and “lots of time for discussion”. Because the training was so well received the Agents are planning on implementing this type of training in the future.

In 2008, 46 new 4-H leaders completed the application and screening process prior to being enrolled as a Santa Fe County 4-H leader.