4-H VOLUNTEER LEADER ASSOCIATION
2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT
“4-H: A Taste for All”
In Louisiana 4-H Youth Development, volunteer development is a priority. We want to engage 4-H volunteers in an ongoing educational process, and opportunities such as the Louisiana 4-H Volunteer Leader Association (LA4-HVLA) Annual Conference are designed to build capacities for working confidently with youth and increasing service roles of volunteers. We were so excited to have caring adults who offer their time to become better acquainted with the 4-H Program at this year’s LA4-HVLA Annual Conference.
This year’s L4-HVLA Annual Conference was held at the Lod Cook Conference Center on the LSU campus on March 6-7, 2009. The conference was packed with great motivational speakers, opportunities to learn about 4-H SET Programs, programs like HEALTH ROCKS!, Service-Learning and Jr. Master Gardeners. There were 21 parishes that participated in the conference with a total of 63 participants. Thank you to all the 4-H agents who provided their volunteers with this great opportunity
The following outcomes were obtained through a survey that was administered to participants at the conclusion of the conference:
|
As a result of participating in this leader training,
|
Strongly Agree or Agree |
|
I was re-energized about 4-H |
100% |
|
I have a better understanding of how to provide an inclusive and safe environment for participants. |
90% |
|
|
|
|
I have a better understanding of how to engage youth in learning. |
97% |
|
|
|
|
I have a better understanding of how I can structure the program that will enable participants to determine things for themselves.
|
97% |
|
I have a better understanding of how to provide opportunities for participants to value and practice service.
|
97% |
|
I feel my 4-H program will be enhanced.
|
97% |
|
I am motivated to expand my role in 4-H |
93%
|
When participants were asked how do you plan to utilize what you learned?
- 70% indicated they will share the information with local volunteers, Extension staff.
- 40% indicated they will use the information to implement a local 4-H club, parish, area, regional, district or state 4-H project.
- 67% indicated they will use the information to enhance management of a local, parish, area, regional, district, and/or state 4-H project.
Thank you to Denise Holston, Lindsey Tassin, Dr. Janet Fox, Dr. Todd Tarifa, David Boldt, Renee Castro, Cheryl Skinner, Ashley Mullens and Katie Schexnayder for presenting such high-quality educational programs at the conference. A special thank you goes to Mr. Dwight Landreneau, Dr. Bobby Fletcher, Dr. Mark Tassin and Mr. Terril Faul for taking the time from their busy schedules to address the participants. We thank Trey Williams and Bruce Waguespack for providing great motivation for the group. In addition, thank you to Fran Castille, LA4-HVLA President, for planning such a wonderful conference, and thank you to Jaye Guerin for planning a wonderful volunteer-recognition banquet.
We look forward to next year’s conference. We are excited about the positive participation and feedback we experienced. We anticipate future years of growth and positive adult volunteer development as we expand our educational programs and opportunities for volunteers across the state.