Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Development (Otero County)

Six 4-H enrolled screened leaders attend the 2010 State 4-H Shooting Sports Certification Training for Rifle and Archery. These 4-H leaders then came back the county and spent an average of 5 hours per week working with youth in addition to the other six 4-H Shooting Sports leaders Otero County has. It is through this training that our Shooting Sports project area is possible. These leaders assist in helping the 4-H members to develop positive relationships with adults, work on life skills and have a safe environment to learn marksmanship, 2nd amendment rights and citizenship.

For the 2009-2010 4-H Program Year over 76 4-H leaders were enrolled and screened in the Otero County 4-H Program. Of these 76 4-H leaders, 6 of these 4-H leaders are the organizational leaders and attended organizational leader meetings to assist in planning and preparing for their volunteer work in the Otero County 4-H Program. The 4-H Agent has also spent an average of ten hours per week answering leader 4-H questions about the 4-H program, recruiting and encouraging 4-H leaders. It is through the 4-H leaders that the Otero County Extension Service is able to reach more youth and affect more lives to make a difference in the future of Otero County. As one 4-H leader said, "4-H is a great avenue for me to work with youth. I am excited about the future of our county." Six volunteer leaders from Holloman AFB attended Western Regional Leaders Forum in March of 2010 and gained valuable training and information for the 4-H program at Holloman AFB.

Thrity two 4-H leaders and twenty two 4-H members attended a Leader's and 4-H members training night in February 2010 at the Otero County Extension Service Office. The 4-H members gained skills in team work and leadership while participating in a 4-H members training. The 4-H leaders and parents attended a traning put on by the NM 4-H State Specialists. One aspect of this training was for these adults to be able to share their ideas and suggestions to make 4-H better in Otero County. The other aspect of the training was focused on information provided by the State 4-H Specialists on Liability and Insurance at 4-H events, Project Meetings/Leaders, Record Keeping. These 4-H leaders commented that they felt these types of meetings are important to better the 4-H program and hear from the clientele. The 4-H leaders also said that they would like more trainings to allow for information to be explained to them. Over 96% of the adults in attendance felt they learned and planned to implement the information they received.

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.