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 Leadership Development (Valencia County)

Plan Goal

This plan deals with youth leadership development through the County Council Officer Team, Ambassador and Diplomat Teams, and the Junior Livestock Board.

Situation Statement

Youth development research emphasizes the importance of meeting the four basic human needs of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. Studies indicate that youth whose needs are met in positive ways are likely to develop into active citizens and contributing members of their families and communities. The New Mexico 4-H Youth Development Program strives to ensure that every youth involved will have the opportunity to participate in 4-H experiences that strengthen a young person’s sense of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery.
Over 22% of New Mexico’s population is age 15-19 (NM Kids Count Data Book 2005). Current 4-H Programming reaches 20% of youth under 18 in New Mexico. The total population of Valencia County in 2006 was estimated to be70,389 (U.S. Census Bureau’s 2006 estimates). Children between the ages of 5 and 18 years old account for 26.6% of the total population, or 18,723 persons. The 2006-2007 Annual Extension Youth Enrollment Report for Valencia County reported that 335 youth were enrolled as members of organized 4-H community clubs with an additional 1,176 youth participating in youth programs.
The Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office and 4-H staff provides current, research-based educational tools and related learning experiences for youth in clubs, school enrichment programs, and special interest groups. Work in this area includes 4-H and other youth programs and activities that promote positive youth development. These educational activities facilitate the development of life skills, citizenship and leadership, fostering a sense of belonging and independence, providing opportunities for mastery, and creating a spirit of generosity. Through projects and activities in 4-H, youth have many opportunities to develop life and leadership skills that include responsibility, self-confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, teamwork and decision making. These skills are introduced, developed and expanded throughout a lifetime.
Leadership Development is a key component of Youth Development in Valencia County’s successful 4-H program. 4-H members and leaders have opportunities to develop skills in communication, teamwork, and decision-making by assuming responsibilities within their clubs, county council, and state leadership teams. These opportunities provide our youth with a stronger sense and understanding of responsibility, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

Target Audience and Actions

Audience:
Youth ages 9 to 19 are targeted to learn leadership skills in the Valencia County 4-H program.

Actions:
Leadership skills are developed through: club work, project work, competitive events, fairs, clinics, workshops, record books, camps, community service, public speaking, and elected or appointed offices at the county, state and national levels.

County Council Officers and Ambassadors and Diplomats will attend a leadership training developed and presented by the 4-H Agent in January. This training will include a roles and responsibilities training as well as a refresher on the “This is 4-H Project.” The County Council Officers will host a county-wide Club Officer Training. The Ambassadors and Diplomats will assist in monthly “This is 4-H” workshops for 4-Hers enrolled in the project.

Junior Livestock Board members will attend a planning and training session on presenting livestock workshops and demonstrations and on completing the livestock project record sheets. These individuals will then present livestock clinics throughout the spring and summer to prepare 4-Hers for the fairs and completion of their projects.
All three groups will provide leadership to the county when called upon by clubs or the agent.

Short-Term Objectives

1. 100% of the county council officers will attend the local officer training developed by the 4-H Agents in December each year.
2. Have at least 4 youth apply for the Ambassador/Diplomat team each year.
3. Have at least 1 youth apply for the Junior Livestock board each year in each of the different livestock project areas (swine, beef, lamb, goat, dairy, etc.).
4. Have a Valencia County delegation of at least five youth attend each of the State Leadership Activities (Youth-Get-Away, Senior Leadership Retreat, State 4-H Conference).

Medium-Term Objectives

5. The County 4-H Council Officers will host a county-wide club officer training for the clubs in Valencia County.
6. County Council Officers will conduct bi-monthly County Council Meetings.
7. The Ambassador and Diplomat teams will help host county-wide monthly this is 4-H workshops.
8. The Junior Livestock Board will host and present at least two livestock project workshops.

Long-Term Objectives

9. 50% of 4-H members that have been involved in the program for more than 4 years will serve in a leadership role at either the club, county, or state level.

Evaluation Plan

1. County Council Officers will complete an evaluation at the conclusion of their training in January.
2. Club Officers will complete an evaluation at the conclusion of the county-wide officer training.
3. Ambassador and Diplomats will complete an evaluation at the end of their training in January.
4. Participants in the “This is 4-H” workshops will complete an evaluation at the final workshop/end of project celebration.
5. Junior Livestock Board members will complete an evaluation at the end of their training and planning session.
6. Participants in the Junior Livestock Board project workshops will complete an evaluation at the end of their workshop series/end of project celebration.
7. All workshop presenters and county council members will receive evaluation results to aid in future planning.
8. Agents will monitor the attendance of Valencia County participants in State Leadership sponsored activities to ensure participation levels remain high.