Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development

Kathryn "Katie" Ramsey has signed on to support Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development within Otero County.

Volunteer leaders are vital to the Curry county 4-H program. Curry county has continued to bring new volunteer leaders into the program and followed the screening process to ensure the quality of leaders in our program. Some volunteer Leaders from Curry County went to Portales for a Multi-County officer and leader training. Leaders gained knowledge on meeting procedure, youth activities, and leadership helping them to become more effective leaders. Organizational leaders attended a training on effective club meetings and the structural organization of the 4-H program which was in help conducted by the State 4-H Department Head. All leaders involved through evaluation gained knowledge in subjects taught. Additionally through follow-up visits many of the organizational leaders have implemented strategies learned in their clubs.

A leader training was conducted for 15 new and returning adult volunteer leaders, in two different locations, increasing their knowledge and skills where 100% of leaders reported expanding knowledge of how 4-H functions, the chain of command, teaching methodology. State specialists were presenters at the training.

Countywide Club Organizational Leader Training:
The Agent, along with State 4-H Specialists, planned and conducted a Club Organizational Leader Training at the County Extension Office in March. 25 current and potential Club Organizational Leaders attended this training where they learned about 4-H Club Charters and IRS Requirements, the expectations of leaders, family involvement in the 4-H Program, how to improve parent involvement, and county expectations of leaders. This event was very informative to the leaders and 85% of those in attendance expressed the usefulness of the knowledge gained.

County Club Reviews:
The Agent conducts Club Reviews with every Organization Club Leader to evaluate the progress of the club over the last 4-H year. This evaluation is used to help Club Leaders discuss ways to improve 4-Her and parent involvement in current club activities, and ways to help the youth become more productive within their club. These evaluations help to increase retention among the club leaders and encourage increased volunteer awareness.