Soon after the arrival of a new 4-H Agent in Grant County a problem was swiftly perceived. This problem was identified through a combination of direct conversation with volunteer leaders and the personal observations of the new 4-H agent, Haley McFarland. The problem being that the vast majority of Grant County 4-H volunteer leaders had a very basic understanding of their roles and were lacking guidance and knowledge regarding new statewide updates/changes.  

In response to this issue, the 4-H program assistant, Karley Luber, all program assistant, Michelle Jenkins, and 4-H Agent, Haley McFarland, planned a volunteer orientation/ update meeting. The goal of said meeting was to introduce and familiarize volunteers with the new 4-H agent, as well as, to provide them with the guidance and knowledge needed to perform to the best of their abilities and leave a lasting impact on the youth in Grant County.

The presence of all Grant County 4-H volunteer leaders was requested by 4-H Agent, Haley McFarland. 72% of the volunteer leaders were in attendance the day of the meeting. Dinner was served at the start of the orientation/update meeting. After a brief meal, 4-H Agent, Haley McFarland, conducted and led the orientation. Throughout this meeting 4-H Agent, Haley McFarland, introduced herself, shared statewide 4-H updates/changes, explained the new Nearpod orientation and annual update, answered volunteer questions, and shared her hopes and goals for Grant County 4-H. 

At the conclusion of this meeting, numerous volunteer leaders shared their appreciation of the guidance and knowledge shared. Volunteer leaders and the new 4-H Agent, Haley McFarland, had inviting and beneficial conversation that will further their impact on the lives of Grant County 4-H youth. All volunteer leaders were provided with the necessary information to complete the new orientation and annual update by the end of April 2024. In conclusion, a clear line of communication was established between volunteer leaders and the new 4-H Agent in hopes of providing a better understanding of 4-H and to more effectively impact the lives of Grant County youth through 4-H programming.