Teleconferences & ASPs

Today I was able to listen in on a teleconference for "newbies" in extension. The program that we used allowed us to watch a "powepoint online" chat with others, and listen and discuss over the phone. It was really nice to have a full meeting, but never leave the office (especially with gas prices the way they are!) The conference talked a lot about training volunteers, and requirement s that other counties have. Most of the people in the discussion had around 100 volunteers that they required to attend a training event, or conference "equal" to be elligible to remain a volunteer. I know that my county has over 200 volunteers in it, and I was trying to imagine starting a zero tolerance volunteer policy. I'm sure that it is something that could be adapted for my county, but I'm not sure that it is something that could just be "done" right away. I learned a lot about the other counties that were represented during the conference. It was also very nice to meet some people, and start networking. As Mark said the other day, "URS+EEET=VITA, VITA =Life". (sorry Mark, I just had to quote that!) and I'm pretty sure he should have added knowing the right people into that equation also.
I spent the rest of the afternoon prepping canisters for the buttermaking ASP at 3:00pm. I helped Mark teach three sessions, (30 minutes each). The classes were really responsive to the activitiy, and I think that the best class was around 12-15 kids. We had a session that was really large, and it was hard to maintain the group's attention for very long. I really enjoy doing the afterschool programs. Monday we will be teaching about Rockets to the group, and I really think that they will enjoy learning about them! I also will be attending the YMCA Healthy Kid's Fair on Saturday to represent 4-H and the programs we offer.