Dorothy has sponsored and taught a wide variety of projects to youth of Gila County. She has served as chaperone to Teen Congress in Tucson. She and her husband have helped organize and support summer camp programs around the state. Dorothy has served as President of the County Leaders' Council. She served for many years as the Gila County Fair 4-H Home Economics Superintendent. She has traveled to other counties to serve as a judge for the 4-H homemaking departments.

All of Dorothy's children were in 4-H and have served as
4-H leaders and three or the four are currently involved in 4-H around the state. Because of her, a third generation of Johnsons, her grandchildren, are growing up with 4-H being a way of life.