1. Volunteer Leaders Working with Judging Teams 4-H In-service, April 24 -26, 2007 4-H In-service, April 24 -26, 2007 Carmen G. Burgos Carmen G. Burgos Extension Specialist, Volunteer Development Extension Specialist, Volunteer Development

2. Why have a judging team program?  Judging: Is a valuable teaching technique  is a way to present project information  can stimulate interest in project work  can motivate youth to do better work  can be an incentive for youth to expand involvement in 4-H

3. Value to 4-H members Judging teaches youth to:  recognize best characteristics or quality; to appreciate high standards  expand their skills of observation  develop reasoning ability (critically thinking)  make sound and systematic decisions  improve their own work  develop ability to concisely express thoughts  think “on your feet”  develop self-confidence  be a team member (responsibility and accountability )

4. Why Involve Volunteer Leaders? Why Involve Volunteer Leaders?  You can reach a larger number of youth, expanding the county 4-H program.  Increase the quality of the 4-H experience for members.  Volunteers bring a unique set of experiences, knowledge and skills.

5. cont. Why?.....  Youth need validation from nurturing adults outside of the immediate family circle… increases resiliency.  Volunteers model contributing to the wellbeing of community… strengthening community ties.  Provides an opportunity to create ownership in programming efforts… increasing commitment and resources.

6. How Do I Involve Volunteers Leaders? How Do I Involve Volunteers Leaders?

7. Consider ….  Judging Team opportunities  Consumer Decision Making  Dairy  Dairy Products  Forestry  Horse  Land  Life Smarts  Livestock  Meat Science  Plant and Seed Identification  Poultry  Wildlife  Your goals and interest  Different ways of involving volunteers in judging activities.  Select a starting point  your knowledge/interest  potential volunteer coaches you already know about  decide which judging team(s) you want to start with

8. Prepare … before you recruit! Prepare … before you recruit!

9. What do I need before I recruit volunteers to coach a judging team?  Establish procedure for enrolling volunteers.  Collect teaching materials and resources volunteers & youth will need related to judging and subject matter.  Talk to other agents that have been successful in coaching and in utilizing volunteer judging coaches.  Establish a time-line and study plan  Develop marketing plan.

10. Cont. What do I need?...  Prepare short “Orientation” for potential coaches and volunteers (use as recruiting tool)  Prepare a core training for coaches  Expectations  Youth development information  Event requirements  Teaching youth: methods  Judging and subject matter materials & resources  Fund development  Organizing a 4-H judging event  Draft a county recognition plan for volunteers and youth (coaches could have input)

11. Tools  Volunteer position description  Marketing/recruiting information  Time-line  Study schedule (tentative)  Communication plan

12. Where and how can I find volunteers ? Where and how can I find volunteers ?  Sources:  Local businesses  Professionals in the industries  4-H alumni  Collegiate 4-H or college student  Teen leaders  School teachers  Retired professional  Methods:  Handouts at club meetings  Flyers at events  Personal visits  Attend or contact association/chapter meeting  Newsletter

13. Training…  Familiarize them with the opportunities  The benefits of judging  Who is eligible  Recognition program (county, regional, state  Expectations (position description)  Working with youth  Time-line and study plan

14. First meeting  Good beginnings are important and will pay off with high interest by the boys and girls.  Welcome – Ice breakers  Preview – experiences, trips, friends  Schedule  Positive learning environment  Evaluate individual progress

15. What does it take to have a successful experience?  Trained volunteers  Study resources and materials  Plan or study schedule  Coordinate paperwork requirements properly  Good communication  Clear expectations  Interest in helping each child reach their potential  Commitment: (youth, parents, and coaches)  Youth interested in subject matter and involved in the “doing” aspect of learning  Judging situation at every practice  Positive learning environment  Fun!

16. Recruit, Hire, Train… And Manage! And Manage!

17. Thank You! Thank You!