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Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development (Valencia County)
Plan Goals
This plan deals with volunteer leader trainings for organizational leaders, project leaders, and activity leaders and in recruitment and retention efforts for adult volunteer leaders.
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Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development
Impact Reports
Adult volunteers are essential to the success of the 4-H Youth Development program in Valencia County. These leaders provide their knowledge and guidance to youth and aid in the development of the important life skills 4-H promotes. These leaders also provide support and guidance to the 4-H Agent. 4-H volunteer leaders must be recruited, screened, selected, oriented, trained, supervised, evaluated and recognized for a sustaining volunteer program. Increased retention of volunteers is a challenge.
Each year, potential new 4-H volunteer adult leaders complete the application and screening form for processing before being enrolled as a New Mexico 4-H Leader. New organizational club leaders are be offered an orientation, provided a copy of the “4-H Policies and Procedures Handbook” and the “Club Leaders’ Handbook”, information on the 4-H enrollment procedures for Valencia County, and the communication linkage to Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office and other 4-H volunteers. Adult 4-H volunteers are offered least one leader education program during the 4-H program year, as well as the opportunity to attend the annual New Mexico 4-H Forum for Adults.
Enrollment:
Eighteen adult volunteer leaders were recruited, completed the screening process and enrolled as new county leaders. Additionally, 71 adult volunteer leaders reenrolled in the program. Total enrollment for the current year was 89 adult volunteer leaders. The Agent is responsible for overseeing the entire program, its membership and volunteers.
Recruitment Efforts:
The Agent presented a New Parent Orientation for all first year parents. This orientation is held in conjunction with the first County-wide Welcome to NM 4-H Project meeting which all first year 4-H’ers must take. Adult participants received information on the Cooperative Extension Service, office staff, the leader enrollment process, opportunities for youth and adults, and information on helping their children make it through the first year of 4-H. One seasoned 4-H parent attended the orientation to provide their insight into the program. 22 new parents attended the training and 5 (22%) of those enrolled as leaders in the county.
The Agent contributes articles and information about the 4-H program to the bi-monthly Valencia County e-Newsletter. The agent uses this avenue to inform and recruit potential new volunteers to the program. This newsletter is distributed to a minimum of 250 Valencia County residents.
Leader Trainings:
Project Leader Training: The Agent presented one project leader training to new and returning project leaders in the county. 13 adult volunteer leaders attended the training. Participants in the training learned about their roles and responsibilities as a project leader which included signing up as the leader, getting started, how to hold project meetings, teaching techniques and activities to incorporate into the meetings, and ways to secure information and resources for projects, as well as information on getting the 4-H’ers motivated. The Agent created a booklet of the information presented for the attendees. The leaders that attended the training liked the information that was presented and felt the booklet was a useful guide for them to use in their meetings. One project leader attended this training for the third year in a row and expressed how she has learned something new every year from the trainings.
Club Organizational Leader Training: The Agent hosted two Club Organizational Leader Trainings at the County Extension Office. Sixteen current Club Leaders attended one of the two trainings where they received information on Effective 4-H Clubs, Roles of Club Leaders, Running Successful Clubs/Meetings, Planning Meeting Agendas, Tips for Effective Meetings, 4-H Policies and Procedures, New Fundraising Policies and Club Financial Management. Leaders who attended this training said it helped them better understand “the importance of meeting deadlines” and “the importance of passing down information from the Extension Office.”
County Club Reviews:
The Agent is responsible for making sure all 4-H Clubs are in compliance with 4-H Policies and Procedures and the Valencia County 4-H Council Bylaws. County Club Reviews were conducted by the Agent with all of the Organizational Club Leaders in Valencia County to evaluate the progress of their club over the previous 4-H year. This evaluation is used to help Club Leaders discuss issues the club may have and explore ways to improve communication, youth and parent involvement, and member retention. The Agent prepared and presented a guide for leaders to increase understanding and knowledge of expectations and deadlines for the year. The Agent also handed out and went over the current “4-H Policies and Procedures” manual.
Each year, potential new 4-H volunteer adult leaders complete the application and screening form for processing before being enrolled as a New Mexico 4-H Leader. New organizational club leaders are be offered an orientation, provided a copy of the “4-H Policies and Procedures Handbook” and the “Club Leaders’ Handbook”, information on the 4-H enrollment procedures for Valencia County, and the communication linkage to Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office and other 4-H volunteers. Adult 4-H volunteers are offered least one leader education program during the 4-H program year, as well as the opportunity to attend the annual New Mexico 4-H Forum for Adults.
Enrollment:
Eighteen adult volunteer leaders were recruited, completed the screening process and enrolled as new county leaders. Additionally, 71 adult volunteer leaders reenrolled in the program. Total enrollment for the current year was 89 adult volunteer leaders. The Agent is responsible for overseeing the entire program, its membership and volunteers.
Recruitment Efforts:
The Agent presented a New Parent Orientation for all first year parents. This orientation is held in conjunction with the first County-wide Welcome to NM 4-H Project meeting which all first year 4-H’ers must take. Adult participants received information on the Cooperative Extension Service, office staff, the leader enrollment process, opportunities for youth and adults, and information on helping their children make it through the first year of 4-H. One seasoned 4-H parent attended the orientation to provide their insight into the program. 22 new parents attended the training and 5 (22%) of those enrolled as leaders in the county.
The Agent contributes articles and information about the 4-H program to the bi-monthly Valencia County e-Newsletter. The agent uses this avenue to inform and recruit potential new volunteers to the program. This newsletter is distributed to a minimum of 250 Valencia County residents.
Leader Trainings:
Project Leader Training: The Agent presented one project leader training to new and returning project leaders in the county. 13 adult volunteer leaders attended the training. Participants in the training learned about their roles and responsibilities as a project leader which included signing up as the leader, getting started, how to hold project meetings, teaching techniques and activities to incorporate into the meetings, and ways to secure information and resources for projects, as well as information on getting the 4-H’ers motivated. The Agent created a booklet of the information presented for the attendees. The leaders that attended the training liked the information that was presented and felt the booklet was a useful guide for them to use in their meetings. One project leader attended this training for the third year in a row and expressed how she has learned something new every year from the trainings.
Club Organizational Leader Training: The Agent hosted two Club Organizational Leader Trainings at the County Extension Office. Sixteen current Club Leaders attended one of the two trainings where they received information on Effective 4-H Clubs, Roles of Club Leaders, Running Successful Clubs/Meetings, Planning Meeting Agendas, Tips for Effective Meetings, 4-H Policies and Procedures, New Fundraising Policies and Club Financial Management. Leaders who attended this training said it helped them better understand “the importance of meeting deadlines” and “the importance of passing down information from the Extension Office.”
County Club Reviews:
The Agent is responsible for making sure all 4-H Clubs are in compliance with 4-H Policies and Procedures and the Valencia County 4-H Council Bylaws. County Club Reviews were conducted by the Agent with all of the Organizational Club Leaders in Valencia County to evaluate the progress of their club over the previous 4-H year. This evaluation is used to help Club Leaders discuss issues the club may have and explore ways to improve communication, youth and parent involvement, and member retention. The Agent prepared and presented a guide for leaders to increase understanding and knowledge of expectations and deadlines for the year. The Agent also handed out and went over the current “4-H Policies and Procedures” manual.
Adult volunteers are essential to the success of the 4-H Youth Development program in Valencia County. These leaders provide their knowledge and guidance to youth and aid in the development of the important life skills 4-H promotes. These leaders also provide support and guidance to the 4-H Agent. 4-H volunteer leaders must be recruited, screened, selected, oriented, trained, supervised, evaluated and recognized for a sustaining volunteer program. Increased retention of volunteers is a challenge.
Each year, potential new 4-H volunteer adult leaders will complete the application and screening form for processing before being enrolled as a New Mexico 4-H Leader. New organizational club leaders will be offered an orientation, provided a copy of the “4-H Policies and Procedures Handbook”, provided a copy of the “Club Leaders’ Handbook”, will understand 4-H enrollment procedures for Valencia County, and understand the communication linkage to Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office and other 4-H volunteers, resulting in an involved 4-H club membership. Adult 4-H volunteers will participate in at least one leader education program during the 4-H program year, resulting in increased volunteer satisfaction and knowledge gain as reported by agents. 4-H volunteer leaders will attend the annual New Mexico 4-H Forum for Adults.
Enrollment:
37 adult volunteer leaders were recruited, completed the screening process and enrolled as new county leaders. This was a 105% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 78 adult volunteer leaders reenrolled in the program resulting in a 34% increase from the previous year. Total enrollment for the current year was 115 adult volunteer leaders, a 51% increase from the 2008-2009 program year.
Recruitment Efforts:
The Agent presented a New Parent Orientation for all first year parents. Participants received information on the Cooperative Extension Service, office staff, the leader enrollment process, opportunities for youth and adults, and information on helping their children make it through the first year of 4-H. Two seasoned 4-H parents attended the orientation to provide their insight into the program. 11 new parents attended the training and 4 (36%) of those enrolled as leaders in the county.
The Agent contributes articles and information about the 4-H program to the bi-monthly Valencia County e-Newsletter. The agent uses this avenue to inform and recruit potential new volunteers to the program. This newsletter is distributed to a minimum of 250 Valencia County residents.
Leader Trainings:
One project leader training was presented to new and returning project leaders in the county. 15 adult volunteer leaders attended the training. Participants in the training learned about their roles and responsibilities as a project leader which included signing up as the leader, getting started, how to hold project meetings, teaching techniques and activities to incorporate into the meetings, and ways to secure information and resources for projects, as well as information on getting the 4-H’ers motivated. The Agent created a booklet of the information presented for the attendees. The leaders that attended the training liked the information that was presented and felt the booklet was a useful guide for them to use in their meetings.
Four adult volunteer leaders attended the Western Region Leaders Forum in Albuquerque. This event served as the New Mexico 4-H Forum for Adults. The leaders attending this event received information on a wide variety of subjects including communication, project information, engaging youth, and much more. Two of the leaders attending served on planning committees for the event. The leaders returning to the event for a third year recruited two new leaders to attend with them. All of the leaders who attended the event personally expressed how rewarding the forum was and how much they enjoyed learning new information and ideas to bring back to their clubs.
County Club Review & Orientation:
County Club Reviews were conducted with all of the Organizational Club Leaders in Valencia County to evaluate the progress of their club over the previous 4-H year. This evaluation is used to help Club Leaders discuss issues the club may have and explore ways to improve communication, youth and parent involvement, and member retention. The Agent prepared and presented a guide for leaders to increase understanding and knowledge of expectations and deadlines for the year. The Agent also handed out and went over the current “4-H Policies and Procedures” manual.
Three leaders took over existing 4-H Clubs and therefore went through a New Leader Orientation with the Agent. This orientation provided these new leaders with information on management of their club, recruiting and retaining leaders, expectations, guidelines, and important dates and deadlines.
Each year, potential new 4-H volunteer adult leaders will complete the application and screening form for processing before being enrolled as a New Mexico 4-H Leader. New organizational club leaders will be offered an orientation, provided a copy of the “4-H Policies and Procedures Handbook”, provided a copy of the “Club Leaders’ Handbook”, will understand 4-H enrollment procedures for Valencia County, and understand the communication linkage to Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office and other 4-H volunteers, resulting in an involved 4-H club membership. Adult 4-H volunteers will participate in at least one leader education program during the 4-H program year, resulting in increased volunteer satisfaction and knowledge gain as reported by agents. 4-H volunteer leaders will attend the annual New Mexico 4-H Forum for Adults.
Enrollment:
37 adult volunteer leaders were recruited, completed the screening process and enrolled as new county leaders. This was a 105% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 78 adult volunteer leaders reenrolled in the program resulting in a 34% increase from the previous year. Total enrollment for the current year was 115 adult volunteer leaders, a 51% increase from the 2008-2009 program year.
Recruitment Efforts:
The Agent presented a New Parent Orientation for all first year parents. Participants received information on the Cooperative Extension Service, office staff, the leader enrollment process, opportunities for youth and adults, and information on helping their children make it through the first year of 4-H. Two seasoned 4-H parents attended the orientation to provide their insight into the program. 11 new parents attended the training and 4 (36%) of those enrolled as leaders in the county.
The Agent contributes articles and information about the 4-H program to the bi-monthly Valencia County e-Newsletter. The agent uses this avenue to inform and recruit potential new volunteers to the program. This newsletter is distributed to a minimum of 250 Valencia County residents.
Leader Trainings:
One project leader training was presented to new and returning project leaders in the county. 15 adult volunteer leaders attended the training. Participants in the training learned about their roles and responsibilities as a project leader which included signing up as the leader, getting started, how to hold project meetings, teaching techniques and activities to incorporate into the meetings, and ways to secure information and resources for projects, as well as information on getting the 4-H’ers motivated. The Agent created a booklet of the information presented for the attendees. The leaders that attended the training liked the information that was presented and felt the booklet was a useful guide for them to use in their meetings.
Four adult volunteer leaders attended the Western Region Leaders Forum in Albuquerque. This event served as the New Mexico 4-H Forum for Adults. The leaders attending this event received information on a wide variety of subjects including communication, project information, engaging youth, and much more. Two of the leaders attending served on planning committees for the event. The leaders returning to the event for a third year recruited two new leaders to attend with them. All of the leaders who attended the event personally expressed how rewarding the forum was and how much they enjoyed learning new information and ideas to bring back to their clubs.
County Club Review & Orientation:
County Club Reviews were conducted with all of the Organizational Club Leaders in Valencia County to evaluate the progress of their club over the previous 4-H year. This evaluation is used to help Club Leaders discuss issues the club may have and explore ways to improve communication, youth and parent involvement, and member retention. The Agent prepared and presented a guide for leaders to increase understanding and knowledge of expectations and deadlines for the year. The Agent also handed out and went over the current “4-H Policies and Procedures” manual.
Three leaders took over existing 4-H Clubs and therefore went through a New Leader Orientation with the Agent. This orientation provided these new leaders with information on management of their club, recruiting and retaining leaders, expectations, guidelines, and important dates and deadlines.
Enrollment:
18 newly enrolled adult volunteer leaders completed the screening process and 58 adult volunteer leaders were reenrolled as leaders in the county. Total enrollment for the year was 76 adult volunteer leaders.
Project Leader Training:
A project leader training was presented to new and returning project leaders in the county. 13 adult volunteer leaders attended the training held in February. Participants in the training learned about their roles and responsibilities as a project leader which included signing up as the leader, getting started, how to hold project meetings, teaching techniques and activities to incorporate into the meetings, and ways to secure information and resources for projects. The new and returning project leaders that attended the training liked the information that was presented in the booklet provided as well as information on getting the 4-H’ers motivated.
Leader Trainings:
3 adult volunteer leaders attended the New Mexico Leaders’ Forum for Adults in Albuquerque, NM. The leaders attending the event found the information and skills gained were very practical and useful in improving their roles as leaders in their clubs and in the county. Leaders attending this weekend retreat received information many subjects including ways to improve communication between club members, community service project ideas, club craft projects, working between age barriers, and leadership development.
4 adult volunteer leaders attended the Western Region Leaders Forum in Denver, Colorado. Each leader who attended the event personally expressed how rewarding the forum was and how much they enjoyed learning new information and ideas to bring back to their clubs. The leaders attend this event received information on a wide variety of subjects including ways to say thank you, the art of communication, livestock care, project information, and much more. Two of the leaders returning from the event presented information they learned from the cards of thanks workshop to the 4-H Council.
County Club Reviews:
County Club Reviews were conducted with 10 of the 12 Organization Club Leaders in Valencia County 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.
18 newly enrolled adult volunteer leaders completed the screening process and 58 adult volunteer leaders were reenrolled as leaders in the county. Total enrollment for the year was 76 adult volunteer leaders.
Project Leader Training:
A project leader training was presented to new and returning project leaders in the county. 13 adult volunteer leaders attended the training held in February. Participants in the training learned about their roles and responsibilities as a project leader which included signing up as the leader, getting started, how to hold project meetings, teaching techniques and activities to incorporate into the meetings, and ways to secure information and resources for projects. The new and returning project leaders that attended the training liked the information that was presented in the booklet provided as well as information on getting the 4-H’ers motivated.
Leader Trainings:
3 adult volunteer leaders attended the New Mexico Leaders’ Forum for Adults in Albuquerque, NM. The leaders attending the event found the information and skills gained were very practical and useful in improving their roles as leaders in their clubs and in the county. Leaders attending this weekend retreat received information many subjects including ways to improve communication between club members, community service project ideas, club craft projects, working between age barriers, and leadership development.
4 adult volunteer leaders attended the Western Region Leaders Forum in Denver, Colorado. Each leader who attended the event personally expressed how rewarding the forum was and how much they enjoyed learning new information and ideas to bring back to their clubs. The leaders attend this event received information on a wide variety of subjects including ways to say thank you, the art of communication, livestock care, project information, and much more. Two of the leaders returning from the event presented information they learned from the cards of thanks workshop to the 4-H Council.
County Club Reviews:
County Club Reviews were conducted with 10 of the 12 Organization Club Leaders in Valencia County 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.
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.
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.
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.