Impact Statement for   Paula F Tarry

Planning Unit	009 - Barren County
Area	304 - Mammoth Cave
Reporting Year	2006
Last Updated	8/2/2006 12:56:31 AM
CMAP	2660 - Enhancing Community Involvement through Leadership & Lifeskills
PAC	440 - 4-H Leadership and Personal Development
Title	Recognition of 4-H Volunteers

Impact Statement

As identified by the Strategic Plan for 4-H Youth Development, the main element of a County Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, is a leader development plan that results in leader-led clubs and activities, continually expanding the leadership base and development of new leaders in a variety of roles. Statistics from the Clover Corner News published by National 4-H Council states that the average adult 4-H volunteer contributes 220 hours per year, donates $40 to $50 per year and drives between 300 and 400 miles per year. The statistics cannot reflect the true dedication, friendship and role models that many adults and teens are to the 4-H members.

Often rewards for being a leader are non-tangible. At the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum, two of the five State Conrad Feltner 4-H Outstanding Teen Leader Award recipients were from Barren County. They were honored to be rewarded for their efforts before their peers. One of the recipient stated in her application, “I realize that 4-H has provided me with valuable personal growth, understanding of different cultures and human behavior. I give credit to 4-H for helping me gain confidence, express my opinion and willing to take leadership positions. All of the 4-H experiences and people involved have helped to mold and shape me into the person I am today. I owe 4-H everything.” The other teen recipient echoed the remarks in her application by stating “Through active involvement in 4-H, I have absorbed knowledge that only experience can teach you. By observing and being involved, I have developed personality traits, speaking skills and leadership skills that help me daily and I will use throughout my life.”

One Barren County volunteer was awarded the State Conrad Feltner 4-H Outstanding Adult Award. In his application for the honor he stated “As I have watched and assisted 4-H members through the years reach their goals, they have given me hope for our future. The 4-H program has taught me responsibility and leadership skills. I have been given the opportunity to teach youth and adults while learning to appreciate and understand them. Watching our youth attempt new experiences through the 4-H program gives me pride to be recognized as a 4-H leader.”

Three individuals were recognized at the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum for their years of service. With a cumulative total of 85 years of service, they often reflect on the accomplishments of the many youth and adults that they have seen grow through 4-H. Their dedication to the 4-H program serves as a tribute for all 4-H volunteers!