Texas 4-H Livestock Mentor Program Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Objectives Purpose Training Target Audience Recruitment Coaching Role Testimonials Cost Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Purpose Provide training for 4-H livestock project leaders, equipping them with a valuable set of resources and tools from which to build and support families enrolled in a specific livestock project Overall goal of the training program is for volunteers to return to their home county and work cooperatively with the County Extension Agent to provide support and leadership to the 4-H project, members and leaders, thereby enhancing the project experience for youth. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Purpose Species-specific subject matter - provides volunteers an overview of the animal industry and current practices related to health, feeding, nutrition, selection, daily care and animal evaluation. Youth and volunteer development - portion of training provides volunteers with information about serving in a coaching/mentoring role when working with youth and adults. Topics include: –ages and stages of youth development –goal setting –developing people of character –additional 4-H project opportunities –positive reinforcement –teamwork –useful resources and tools that the volunteer can use with families and County Extension Agents Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Training Offered for horse, beef, swine, sheep & goat, and now small animal (poultry and rabbit) livestock projects. Every year each region responsible for hosting one Livestock Mentor training with training on two species at each one Regions will rotate species Horse mentor training will also rotate throughout the four regions –Will be offered annually Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Target Audience Potential Livestock Mentors should be adults who are registered 4-H volunteers and have a clear interest in helping youth and families with their livestock projects. Targeted toward 4-H project leaders not new volunteers Want volunteers to commit time back in their county helping support youth Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Recruitment CEAs should work one-on-one with volunteers to recruit for the Mentor program Not intent to recruit through mass media Personal recruitment will help ensure the volunteer is qualified and committed to attend the training and fulfill the role and carry out the purpose of the Livestock Mentor program Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Coaching Role Being a good “coach” or “mentor” to youth will be heavily emphasized Becoming a successful coach takes practice and patience from adult leaders. Adults who are successful coaches: –have a defined coaching philosophy and objectives –understand the importance of effective communication –provide positive reinforcement –motivate youth Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Testimonials Volunteers have stated the following: “That the “kid” is the project. The show animal is their project.” “I was very happy to see that, with all the information and resources given, the focus of the program was on helping make our 4-H programs enrich the youth involved.” Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Cost Volunteer should make the commitment by personally contributing to the training However, counties are encouraged to explore various avenues of garnering support to assist volunteers with the costs associated with attending the training (i.e. registration, lodging, mileage). Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Overview Purpose Training Target Audience Recruitment Coaching Role Testimonials Cost Texas 4-H and Youth Development