Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.

Youth Development (McKinley County)

Plan Goal

To facilitate the involvement of economically disadvantaged Zuni youth in state-wide 4-H activities. To teach
life-skills and foster self-esteem in Zuni 4-H members.

Situation Statement

Zuni youth are from one of the most poverty stricken counties in the entire nation. Their 4-H youth are among the most eager to participate in state 4-H activities. Fund raising plans to support this involvement are perplexing due to the all encompassing economic plight of the population. The major fund raiser is the annual 4-H Christmas Light Parade held the evening of Thanksgiving which generates only $15 per entry.

Target Audience and Actions

Efforts will continue to expedite the involvement of Zuni young people in 4-H extracurricular events. The economic hardship has been ameliorated by assuming the costs of transportation through the Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) and by providing the chaperone function by the funded agent. Other opportunities for assistance to the Zuni 4-H organization will be orchestrated.

Short-Term Objectives

To finance and thereby facilitate the aspirations of Zuni
4-H youth to attend the many leadership training events sponsored by the State 4-H Office. To foster an attitude of perpetual enthusiasm for life long learning that is fascinating and fun. To fund-raise with a fervor to further Zuni involvement to a fever pitch. To continue the chaperone commitment through the FRTEP grant renewal collaboration.

Medium-Term Objectives

To recruit Zuni Pathfinder 4-H members to replace those rotated out through age requirements. To instill an inspiration for involvement for in-state 4-H activities in the newly initiated. To acquire other funding venues that are sustainable. To seek opportunities to capitalize upon educational teachable moments to enhance the overall benefit. To teach policy and decision makers where their other youth and community development efforts originate.

Long-Term Objectives

To furher the transformation from youth delegate to youth leader to adult leader to youth professional among the Zuni community. To facilitate the higher education, formal or informal, of Zuni youth and to solicit the involvement of policy makers in that process. To provide leader training opportunities for both youth and adult volunteer leaders via 4-H and other avenues.

Evaluation Plan

Collect data to contrast past levels of involvement from Zuni and also compared with contiguous counties. Pre and post tests of Zuni youth in educational efforts. Testimonials from participants, parents, advisory committee members and policy makers. Surveys to surmise the susceptibility to subversive symptoms in society from similar situations separated by 4-H involvement or sadly shortchanged.