Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development (Bernalillo County)

2008 Bernalillo County 4-H Fairboard: The 4-H Fairboard had six meetings this year and held its evaluation meeting on September 29, 2008. Under new management, EXPO New Mexico had everything ready for 4-H when we moved in for the fair & rodeo. This was a first in many years. Likewise, the Rodeo only had 78 entries and was a non-sanctioned 4-H Open Youth Rodeo with notarized waivers for participation. It was anticipated that we would have 200 local youth participate and not have all the ridiculous fees involved with a sanctioned 4-H Rodeo. There were only 78 entrants, but that was still 56% higher than the sanctioned rodeos.

2008 Bernalillo County 4-H Fair & Rodeo: The major part of this Agent’s time was spent working with the Bernalillo County 4-H Rodeo Committee and financial sponsors throughout the year. That year was a leap of faith for the committee, because the rodeo was non-sanctioned. The anticipation was that we would have a larger rodeo and serve more youth if the contestants did not have to be 4-H members. The result was that Bernalillo County’s Open Youth Rodeo had 50% more contestants than the sanctioned rodeos. There was “added money” for the rough stock events and in Chute Doggin’. The economy and price of fuel was attributed to a loss of participation from last year, but the rodeo was successful and received many compliments. The “committee” is committed to continue the non-sanctioned rodeos for a three year period. There were monthly progress meetings and a new rule book written. All the information was posted on the website bernalilloextension.nmsu.edu. August was the most intense time and several last minute large activities had to be orchestrated in order for the program to go well and make a profit for the local 4-H Council. Sixty-six percent of the profits help support the Bernalillo County 4-H Center. Important coordination was the Rodeo Draw, getting new banners and signs made for sponsors, meeting with EXPO NM event coordinator, and having a Rodeo Judges meeting before we actually move to the fairgrounds. During the week, the committee had to haul all equipment to Tingley Coliseum, insure the earth work is done right in the arena, hang the banners from the ceiling, help with the Rodeo Dance, bury markers, conduct three performances and work with the photographer for sponsor tickets. This agent worked 97 hours between August 4 – 10, 2008 to accomplish these tasks. The Rodeo was well attended with about 2,000 people and 78 contestants State wide.
The final impact was 31.5% fewer contestants than in 2007, but 56% more participation than the sanctioned rodeos. The result was favorable with the economic situation and the committee will continue the non-sanctioned rodeos for the next two years.

Networking with civic clubs in Bernalillo County:
Albuuquerque Breakfast Lions Club: The Albuquerque Breakfast Lions Club was a $400.00 4-H Rodeo Sponsor each year and requested a program from the Cooperative Extension Service each year and presentd a check to the County Agent to be applied to the 4-H Rodeo. The Program this year was about the Bernalillo County 4-H Program and 4-H Rodeo. Their Support of the 4-H Program was appreciated very much.
Sandia Kiwanis Club: The Sandia Kiwanis Club sponsored six trophy buckles for the 4-H Rodeo for a total of $750. They requested the County Agent and one Youth attend a meeting, presented a program about the 4-H Rodeo and received the sponsorship check in person. This agent took novice 4-H Member, Mitchell Johnson and his grandmother to the lunch meeting, co-presented the program and received the check.
The finiancial support and impact from thes two organizaions was $1,150.00.

4-H Friends Recognition dinner & dance: Each year, the Bernalillo County 4-H Staff and County 4-H Council officers host a friends of 4-H Dinner & Dance to recognize and thank the volunteers and sponsors who are critical to maintaining the Bernalillo County 4-H Programs. It was this agent’s pleasure to recognize one 4-H Rodeo Sponsor and one 4-H Rodeo Committee Volunteer by inducting them into the ranks of Bernalillo County Honorary 4-H Members. The food was catered, the dance DJ’d by a 4-H Agent ,Tamara Rowland, and attended by 225, adults and youth. The 4-H County Council Officers do most of the speaking and do a splendid job. The volunteers and sponsors enjoyed this program very much because they observed the results of their donations and support.

Hunter Education Scheduling Meeting:This agent met with the NM Game & Fish Hunter Education instructors to schedule Hunter Education Trainings for shooting sports. I scheduled one workshop on March 15-16, 2008 with 15 positions reserves for 4-H Members. I am the lead instructor for that one and will be a team member to help teach an accelerated Hunter Education Workshop on March 8, 2008. During the 2007 workshops, 50 youth and adults were qualified through the two programs.