Jim Douglas held Extension positions in Montana, Oregon, and Alaska for 30 years. He was District 4-H/CRD/Ag Agent in Southeast AK Panhandle from 1984-2004, and in 1998 he also became Kodiak District 4-H Agent and State 4-H Program Leader. In 1984 there were 56 youth in four 4-H Clubs in Southeast. Over ten years that grew to over 600 youth, 90 leaders and 20 clubs. Clubs included karate, cross country running, cross country skiing, outdoor skills, sailing, snow boarding, horse, small animals, dogs, cats, home economics, arts and crafts and teen leadership. In 1998 the State 4-H Leaders Association was struggling. Six years later they hosted the Western Region Leader Forum and had a treasury of over $20,000.
Jim taught Board Training and Volunteer Management Training for organizations and professionals. He served on the Juneau Community Education Advisory Council and the Mayor’ Task Force for Youth. In Juneau schools he taught poison control, drug education and gardening. He provided leadership and self-esteem training for students and at statewide teen retreats. For 18 years Jim facilitated a camping experience for over 1,000 youth and 60 teen counselors. Using the “K-State for Kids” model, Jim developed the “UAF For Youth” campaign to promote the University and 4-H to legislators. Jim was a 25-year NAE4-HA member and is a Life Member, participating on numerous committees including the 1991 NAE4-HA Conference committee.
