Liz Dawley conducts the CE 4-H youth programs in Colusa County. Liz has been with Colusa CE office since 1993. Prior to this appointment she was a high school Home Economics teacher for over nine years. Liz graduated from St. Mary College with a Bachelors Degree in History, and a minor in Home Economics. Liz' title is Program Representative, rather than Advisor, like the other Colusa-based University staff. This is a non-academic paraprofessional position that does not have applied research or technology transfer responsibilities. The major focus is to work with volunteer leaders, provide support for the county 4-H clubs and conduct youth development activities in the community. This is done through collaborative efforts with the local 4-H Council and is intended to have the staff member work primarily with youth members and adult volunteers. Liz is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the 4-H Club Program. Programmatic support is provided by the academic 4-H Youth Development Advisor located in Sutter/Yuba Counties. Currently there are seven 4-H Clubs, with 350 members enrolled. Over 80 adult volunteers provide project guidance, logistical support for meetings and events, and direct educational service to youth. The youth gain knowledge, build self-esteem and learn leadership skills through various activities and events to help them reach their full potential as they face the challenges of today's world. Club Activities & Projects • Livestock Field Days. These are educational activities where youth learn and practice public speaking, appropriate presentation, project knowledge and decision making skills. • Home Ec. Review. This county wide event is where members exhibit Home Ec. related projects and participate in field day judging. • Presentation Days. Presentations are teaching techniques utilized in 4-H. They give members opportunities to practice their public speaking skills. • Leadership Conferences. These are opportunities for adult volunteers and teen members to acquire leadership skills and share them with the local county program. • County Fair. This serves as the year end exhibition for member's projects and is a significant educational opportunity. Outreach and Information Delivery Activities Outside of the traditional club structure, over 1200 county youth were reached through outreach efforts. • Williams Farm Day is a one-day mini ag field day which exposed over 600 school age children to hands-on activities. Featured were 4-H projects such as Y.E.S. (Youth Experiences in Science), Entomology, and Green Thumb Gardens. • Produced 11 issues of newsletter, Colusa County 4-H News. This newsletter is sent to 350 families and local agencies. • Distributed 5175 4-H Is 4-U informational flyers through the schools. • Promoted the 4-H Program at various events: window displays during National 4-H Week, booths at County Fair, Farm Equipment Show, and local community events. The following issues are associated with the 4-H Clubs: • Difficulties related to recruiting sufficient numbers of qualified adult volunteers. The primary driving-force for the 4-H program is volunteers. Projects can only be offered according to adults' expertise and time allowances. • Current club enrollment demographics do not reflect the demographics of county potential members. Breaking cultural barriers associated with bringing a higher percentage of the Hispanic community into the clubs is an ongoing challenge. • Low average income restricts member and adult involvement in regional, state and national opportunities.