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Hiller Retirement Celebration
--Tiffany Boswell
Join the retirement celebration for Jan and Larry Hiller on Friday, April 25 in Pullman at the Quality Inn, SE 1400 Bishop Blvd.
Attention Counties
--Jan Klein
The original letter sent to you with 2008 Teen Conference registration information said that counties would not receive a list of the delegates registered for 2008 Teen Conference until June 16, when registration closes. PLEASE NOTE: We will be providing counties an undated list weekly, now that registration is open. It will list all the youth and adults who have signed up to attend 2008 Teen Conference. We hope this will assist you as you encourage other youth to attend and as you recruit chaperones.
“Rise to the Challenge!”
--Jan Klein
re YOU rising to the challenge, to get the word out to YOUR COUNTY teens, youth who have completed grades 7th through 12th are eligible, about Summer Teen Conference? Registration is up and running! Workshops and buses will fill up fast, and your teens won't want to miss it. To learn more about teen conference visit http://4-h.wsu.edu/conferences/teenconf/index.htm.
State 4-H Fair Commodity Presentations
--Tom Gwin, State 4-H Fair Manager
The State 4-H Fair Board is pleased to announce our Commodity Public Presentation Categories for 2008:
- Bountiful Beef, sponsored by the WA State Cowbelles
- Charming Chicken, sponsored by the WA State Fryer Commission
- Luscious Lamb, sponsored by the WA State Wool Growers Auxiliary
- Precious Potatoes, sponsored by the WA State Potato Commission
The Commodity Public Presentation Contest is for the intermediate and senior age divisions and will be held on September 20-21 at the State 4-H Fair in Puyallup.
Additional information will be available on the State 4-H Fair website, http://4h.wsu.edu/statefair/index.htm.
2008 State 4-H Hippology Contest
--Carol Beckman
The State 4-H Hippology Contest was held in Whatcom County on April 5, 2008. Ten counties participated in a very well organized and volunteer managed event!
Congratulations to the 2008 State 4-H Champion Hippology Senior team from Snohomish County. This senior team will be traveling to Louisville, Kentucky in November, along with their coach Kim Lobb.
Reserve Champion went to the Clark County team, with Stepanie Hope coaching.
National 4-H Conference Delegates Return to Washington
--Submitted by Jan Klein
WASHINGTON, April 22, 2008 – Washington's delegation to the 78th National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC, returned home from a week in which more than 350 youth and adults gathered to share ideas and form recommendations to guide the future of national 4-H youth development programs nationally and in their communities.
Washington delegates who attended the conference from March 29-April 3, include: Grant Maskal, Kittitas County, Clinton Gauthier, San Juan County, and Teen Leadership Coordinator, Jan Klein
This year's theme, “Green Aid: Acquire, Inform, Deliver,” reflected today's environmentally conscious society. Delegates focused on the question, “As society becomes more environmentally conscious, how can the 4-H Youth Development Program aid in enhancing socially significant and relevant programming to increase the environmental awareness of our clubs, our communities, our country and our world?”
Through conference focus groups, citizenship excursions, workshops, roundtable discussions and a dynamic town hall meeting, students crafted recommendations for the future of 4-H programs. National 4-H Director Cathann Kress presented these recommendations on behalf of the delegates to Agriculture Secretary Ed Schaffer and other 4-H and USDA officials during the USDA Assembly. The recommendations include:
- Strive for a more nationally coherent program, which reflects local needs and priorities. This would include reaching out with relevant programs to youth typically underserved by 4-H, such as urban audiences.
- Develop national opportunities to engage older members and keep them involved in 4-H.
- Encourage 4-H to make greater use of communication to engage members with one another and share curricular materials and program ideas.
- At all levels of 4-H, do a better job of telling the story of 4-H though national promotions and publicity.
- Invest and allocate funds to develop new project areas, deliver the latest technologies to youth at the local level and increase state-level funding critical to their program's health.
Schaffer accepted the recommendations and promised to give them careful consideration. He referred to the delegates as the “think tank” of 4-H and expressed his pride that 4-H, the nation's largest youth organization, is part of the USDA portfolio.
Though many 4-H'ers live on farms, a growing number also come from urban and suburban areas. With fewer American farms, there is concern for all young people, even some in 4-H, who don't have first-hand knowledge and understanding of American agriculture.
Schaffer asked the delegates, as young leaders, to look realistically at today's demographics, as USDA does. He also asked the delegates to spread awareness of how much we're all connected to the land, whether buying a loaf of bread, putting on a cotton shirt or drinking a glass of orange juice.
Delegates also met with their legislators on Capitol Hill Day to represent youth from their states and discuss state 4-H programs with congressional members and their staffs.
Ten 1890 and 1994 land-grant colleges and universities received scholarships to send youth and adult delegates to the conference. Scholarship recipients include Alcorn State University, Crownpoint Institute of Technology, Delaware State University, Langston University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University and A&M College, South Carolina State University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University and the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore. The Farm Credit System Foundation, Inc. and Fleischmann's Yeast funded the scholarships through donations secured by National 4-H Council, 4-H's private partner.
Since the first conference in 1927, the National 4-H Conference, known as the “Secretary's Conference,” continues to be USDA's premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program.
The National 4-H Conference is an avenue to help youth develop recommendations to guide 4-H programs nationally and in their communities. The National 4-H Headquarters seeks to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage youth in the work of the land-grant universities and USDA to enhance their quality of life. For more information, visit http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/index.htm
National 4-H Headquarters is located at USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, CSREES focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.csrees.usda.gov.
Tobacco Settlement Revenue - Investments in Youth Audio Conference
--Cema Siegel
SAVE THE DATE! May 5, 2008, 2:00-3:00pm (EST)
The Finance Project is delighted to introduce a new series of audio conferences for youth development program leaders, intermediaries, and policymakers that will highlight how states are using tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) payments to support programs and services for youth.
This audio conference series is part of a new project led by The Finance Project that will provide state and community decision makers with the information and tools necessary to consider how MSA revenues can support youth initiatives. Key elements of the project include:
- An online searchable database which will highlight state data on MSA revenues and allocations in recent years. The database will also highlight pending legislation impacting allocations and examples of how MSA funds are supporting youth programs;
- Promising practices highlighting innovative state and local uses of MSA funds to invest in youth development initiatives; and
- Strategy briefs and tools for state and local decision-makers looking to influence future allocations of MSA funds to support initiatives for youth.
Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) payments are currently funding a range of health, education, prevention, or other initiatives serving young people. The arrival of nearly $1 billion of additional MSA payments in 2008, available through a new stream of MSA funding known as the Strategic Contribution Fund (SCF), creates an immediate opportunity for program leaders, intermediaries, and policymakers to explore options for accessing these funds to support youth initiatives. These additional SCF payments, totaling nearly $1 billion each year, will be distributed across the states from 2008-2017. The purpose of this audio conference is to:
- announce the Tobacco Settlement Revenue – Investments in Youth project and its upcoming products and activities;
- provide a historical overview of the MSA, highlighting the new Strategic Contribution Fund (SCF) payments; and
- review the initial findings from our first publication, Tobacco Settlement Revenues- Recent State Actions and Opportunities for Youth Programs (April 2008).
Speakers:
- Peter Levin, Project Director and Chief Counsel, Tobacco Project, National Association of Attorneys General
- Alan Greenblatt, Staff Writer, Governing and Governing.com
- Amanda Szekely, Senior Program Associate, The Finance Project
Registration information coming soon! For more information on the audio conference series, please contact Cema Siegel at csiegel@financeproject.org.
Better Kid Care Satellite Broadcast
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
Penn State Cooperative Extension will be hosting a Better Kid Care Satellite Broadcast entitled "Improving Transition Times.” The coordinates for the May 15, 2008, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET satellite broadcast, can be found at http://betterkidcare.psu.edu/page02e.html. To view the satellite broadcast live on the web visit http://betterkidcare.psu.edu/livesat.html .
press release
There will not be a question and answer portion during the satellite broadcast. Content questions or follow-up questions can be answered after the broadcast by calling 800-859-8340, email betterkidcare@psu.edu or fax 814-865-7893.
3rd Annual Washington State Bullying Prevention Conference – Reminder
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
This message is reminder invitation to participate in the 3rd Annual Washington State Bullying Prevention Conference: Hot Topics in Bullying Prevention.
This conference is a joint effort of the Northwest ESD 189, the Puget Sound ESD and the Seattle School District . This year's presenting sponsor is Comcast Communications.
The theme of this year's conference is Hot Topics in Bullying Prevention.
- The Hot Topic for Day 1, May 22, is cyberbullying.
- The Hot Topics for Day 2, May 23, include brain development, gangs, GLBT, relational aggression and others.
There are excellent presenters on all of these Hot Topics.
The conference will be held at the Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, on May 22 and 23, 2008.
Mail, Fax or register online:
Mailing address: PSESD, MS KR-01, 800 Oaksdale Ave SW , Renton , WA 98057
FAX: 425-917-7810
Register online at the on PSESD web site: http://www.psesd.org
registration form
Registration is limited. Conference time is getting closer and space is limited. The deadline is May 9, 2008.
Professional Development Opportunity: Minding the Brain—Learning about Adolescent Brain Development
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
Children's Home Society is sponsoring a one-day workshop on May 13 which will provide an overview of brain structure and function, brain development specific during adolescence, effects of trauma on the brain and mind and implications for youth programming. For more information, and to register, call 800-298-6516.
Call for Proposal - 2008 Health Rocks!® Local Community Implementation Grants - Awards of up to $5,000 Each
--Sally Miske
Request for Proposals through Mississippi State University-Extension 4-H
- Deadline: May 1, 2008
- Contacts: Dr. Susan Holder at susanh@ext.msstate.edu or Dr. Rae Wilkinson at raew@ext.msstate.edu
Mississippi State University Extension 4-H (MSU-ES 4-H) is working with National 4-H Council to support implementation of the Health Rocks!® Healthy Life Program. Organizations selected as community sites will receive a grant of up to $5,000 through MSU-ES (depending on youth reached), newly revised beginning level curriculum, training, and incentive items at no charge.
Selected community sites will send a team of three (two teens between the ages of 14 and 18, and one adult leader) to training at the C. A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Little Rock , Arkansas June 27-29, 2008. Travel, meals and lodging will be arranged and paid by MSU-ES 4-H. Implementation runs June 30, 2008-April 30, 2009.
Anyone interested in this program is encouraged to submit a proposal to MSU-ES 4-H. Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. Central time, May 1, 2008. Proposals may be e-mailed, faxed or mailed to the contact person listed in the RFP - not National 4-H Council. Decisions will be announced on or before May 12, 2008. Questions regarding the Request for Proposal are encouraged and should be submitted to Contacts listed above.
Health Rocks!® is a prevention and decision-making program, which also provides key health knowledge. Curriculum is taught by teen/adult leadership teams that help youth learn skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, stress management, handling peer pressure, and effective communication. Special emphasis is placed on tobacco use prevention. The program also includes components that bring youth and adults together as partners in developing community strategies that prepare young people to make healthy lifestyle choices. Developing life skills helps youth develop internal strength to resist risky behaviors. Since its inception, the Health Rocks! healthy life program has been implemented in partnership with Mississippi State University Extension (MSU), which serves as the virtual training facility - providing training to youth/adult implementation teams, incentive support, personal and web-based technical assistance, and facilitating program evaluation and reporting. To final out more about Health Rocks! go to http://msucares.com/4h_Youth/health_rocks/.
USDA Ag Youth Loans
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
FSA makes operating loans to individual rural youths to finance income-producing, agriculture-related projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, Future Farmers of America, and similar organizations.
Each project must be part of an organized and supervised program of work. The project must be planned and operated with the help of the organization advisor, produce sufficient income to repay the loan, and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience in agriculture-related skills.
Who may borrow?
To qualify for a loan, an applicant must:
- comply with FSA's general eligibility requirements; be between 10 and 20 years old;
- reside in a rural area, city, or town with a population of 50,000 or fewer people;
- conduct a modest income-producing project in a supervised program of work.
What is the maximum loan amount?
The maximum amount for FSA youth loans is $5000.
What may loans be used for?
Loan recipients may use the money to buy livestock, equipment, and supplies; buy, rent, or repair needed tools and equipment; and pay operating expenses for running the project.
What size project can be financed?
Only projects of modest size can be financed. A modest project is limited in physical size, capital requirements, and overall objectives.
What security is required?
Applicants must sign a promissory note and be responsible for repaying the loan. In some cases, a cosigner may be required. Loan collateral normally consists of crops produced for sale, livestock, equipment, and other items purchased with loan funds.
What are the repayment terms?
The repayment schedule will be worked out with FSA. Payments will be tailored to the type of project for which the loan was made. For example, if the loan is to raise livestock or crops, it would normally be paid when the animals or produce are sold.
For More Information
To apply or learn more about youth loans or other loan programs, please contact your local USDA Service Center. http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=dfl-yl
JCPenney Mini-Grants
--Gregg Tabachow
National 4-H Council, in partnership with the JCPenney Afterschool Fund are please to release the RFP for the 2008 4-H Afterschool Mini-Grants: Creating After-School Slots for Youth!
National 4-H Council is providing 2,000 mini-grants totaling $1,000,000 funded by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund to county-based 4-H programs to increase access for youth currently not in after-school programs, or on the verge of leaving after-school programs due to a lack of funds. In addition to the financial support to attend an after-school program, each youth supported by the mini-grants will also receive a JCPenney gift card, courtesy of JCPenney Co., that may be used to purchase back-to-school clothing and supplies. These 2000 slots are for young people in kindergarten through 12th grade (ages five to seventeen).
Requirements:
- Afterschool programs must meet Monday-Friday and be within 20 miles of a JCPenney location.
- 2,000 grants totaling $1,000,000 are available.
- A 100% cash match is required. This match cannot be pending funds or tuition that has not been collected yet.
For the application, RFP and additional information on the 4-H After-School Mini-Grants, please visit http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/jcpenneyminigrants.aspx applying for these grants.
MetLife Awards of Excellence
--Gregg Tabachow
National 4-H Council, in collaboration with the MetLife Foundation, is extending the opportunity for you to apply for the 2008 MetLife Awards of Excellence! The Awards of Excellence are four (4) $1,500 cash awards to 4-H programs that exhibit excellence in Citizenship programming in an Afterschool/out-of-school environment.
For more information and to apply for the Awards of Excellence, please visit http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/MLAwardsofExcellence.aspx
Grant's Available
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
Grants are available in the following areas:
- After School
- Arts
- Child Welfare
- Civic Engagement
- Education
- Health
- Juvenile Justice
- Life Skills
- Management
- Parenting
- Recreation
- Research
- Safety
- Substance Abuse
- Well-Being
- Youth Development
Hawaii's State Leader Position Available
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
If you have been harboring a desire for Administrative Leadership in a dynamic 4-H program which just happens to be located in paradise here is your opportunity. Hawaii is seeking a new State 4-H Program Director.
Navy 4-H Youth Development Project Director Named
--Sharon Wright
We are pleased to announce that Rae Wilkinson, Extension Professor for 4-H, Mississippi State University , has accepted an assignment as the Navy 4-H Youth Development Project Director beginning May 1, 2008. Rae has served as State 4-H Military Liaison and Operation: Military Kids Project Director for Mississippi .
Rae will work with Navy Child and Youth Programs and National 4-H Headquarters to establish 4-H/Navy partnerships in all states and overseas. She will work from Navy Child and Youth Programs Headquarters in Millington , Tennessee and travel to Navy installations as they develop 4-H club programs with their 4-H colleagues.
As soon as contact information is established, we will send it to State 4-H Military Liaisons and Navy Child and Youth Program staff. Rae will participate in the CYFAR 2008 Conference in San Antonio and feature the 4-H Navy Partnership in a program showcase and during the Military Partnership post-conference.
National 4-H and Navy CYP greatly appreciate the strong support of Mississippi State University in encouraging Rae to take this assignment which will enhance the Navy 4-H partnership and benefit children and youth whose parents serve in the Navy.
Just a Reminder!
When you have new Extension staff that will be working in some capacity with 4-H, please let Nancy in the State 4-H Office know. They will be added to mailing lists, added to the 4-H Talk list serve, sent a 4-H Welcome Packet, and be assigned a state 4-H staff person as a point of contact, as appropriate. 4-H News is sent via the 4-H Talk list serve each week. Archived copies of previous weeks “Tuesday 4-H News” are available on the 4-H web site: http://4h.wsu.edu/. Please send submissions by Friday of each week to Tiffany Boswell, State 4-H Office, tiffany_boswell@wsu.edu. Detailed event information and registrations forms can be found on the 4-H web site.