Volunteer Spotlights

Linda, Sonoma County

The Sonoma County Citizenship Project used to be a thriving project that taught youth about the need for community service, civic participation, and positive citizenship. Over the years, lack of interest caused the project to die out. When Linda learned of the need for a new citizenship project, she stepped up to create a group that teaches 4-H youth about the five pillars of the citizenship model.

Her unique approach to project planning gives a 5-year curriculum that is keeping her project focused, organized, and exciting. Her enthusiasm is bringing in new project members each year and exciting the project alumni to take on new leadership roles.

Not only is Linda an integral part of the county-wide project she created, she is also the leader of her club's Poultry Project, a member of the 4-H Sectional Leaders Council, and has served as her club's community club leader. When Linda sees an opportunity to become involved in 4-H, she embraces it an excels at it. She is truly a mentor and positive influence on all of the 4-H youth she works with.

In the words of one of her 4-H project members, Linda "constantly encourages, motivates, and inspires not only 4-H members, but everyone she encounters." It is for her dedication to the 4-H Youth Development Program that Linda was recently awarded the 2010 4-H Golden Clover Award in the category of Luella Zamzow Spirit of Citizenship.

Author: Annalee Sanborn, Student Assistant, State 4-H Office