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4-H Club Receives Thank-You from Iraq
--Ann Fagerlie
Every winter, like clockwork, you will find the F.U.N. 4-H Club, from Okanogan, working on their annual community service project. The 4-H members and leaders package up boxes to send to our troops stationed overseas. They have been doing this for several years without ever knowing who or where the soldiers are on the receiving end.
This time, the happy recipients, members of the 172D Infantry Brigade stationed in Iraq, not only sent a thank you letter, they included a photo. “It was hard reading the heartfelt letter to our club members without getting all choked up”, reflects 4-H leader, Sandy Shillcut. “I was so overwhelmed with emotion. I am very pleased to know that our 4-H club's efforts are appreciated.”
Ask Sandy whether her 4-H club will continue doing the community project. You can bet on it. After the county fair is over, they will launch their annual community service routine.
They begin by having a fund raiser to defray postage costs, and start filling up boxes. The care packages are then mailed to the troops stationed overseas and arrive just in time for the holidays.
Learn more about 4-H by calling the WSU Okanogan County Extension 4-H office 422-7239.
Armed with holiday candy canes are members of the 172D Infantry Brigade stationed in Iraq
Thank you letter from the troops
Get ready to cheer for WSU Football and 4-H on September 19!
--Jan Klein
WSU vs. Southern Methodist, Martin Stadium
Tickets MUST be purchased by Sunday, August 30 at Midnight ! The special reduced priced game tickets are available through the “group Ticket Window.” Sideline reserved Seats $27, End Zone Reserved Seats $13. For a flyer with ordering information go to http://4h.wsu.edu/.
4-H will be recognized at the game and have a reserved cheering section. 4-Hers can also participate in an exceptional outing called “Future Cougar Day”.
Future Cougar Day is a great way to learn more about WSU's world-class academics, experience the campus atmosphere, and, of course, cheer for the Cougars at a home football game.
Come to Pullman and campus on September 19, 2009 and be a part of the Cougar family for the day.
- Visit with faculty at the academic fair.
- Take a tour of campus.
- Learn more about academic areas that interest you.
- Enjoy a pre-game barbeque.
- Join in the traditional "Go Cougs!" cheer at a WSU home football game.
I encourage you to support 4-H and WSU by buying your tickets today. I'll see you there!
4-H Council Meeting Deadline Approaches
--Kevin Wright
The deadline for recommendations to the Washington State 4-H Council is September 1, 2009. C0985, WA State 4-H Council Recommendation Form , may be ordered from WSU Extension Publishing and Printing by calling 1-800-723-1763; or the form is available online at: http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/c0985/c0985.pdf.
Recommendations are an important way for 4-H volunteers to suggest changes and improvements to the 4-H program. Recommendations should go through a process at the local county level to refine and approve them before being signed by County Council Presidents and 4-H staff.
Mail your completed and signed recommendations to:
Nancy Mordhorst
WSU 401 Hulbert Hall
PO Box 626248
Pullman WA 99164-6248
This year's State 4-H Council Meeting will be held Sunday, October 18 at the Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound, as part of the State 4-H Forum, October 16-18. Watch for registration information online at: http://4h.wsu.edu/conferences/Forum/index.htm.
The Council meeting is a chance for 4-H youth and volunteers to discuss issues critical to 4-H, suggest changes in the Washington State 4-H Youth Development Program, and elect representatives to the State 4-H Advisory Board and State 4-H Fair Board. All youth and adults may participate in the committee meetings. Registration material for the Council meeting will be included with the State 4-H Forum registration brochure. A complete agenda and copies of submitted recommendations and applications will be sent to county offices prior to the Council meeting.
The State 4-H Council Meeting is made up of 3 parts: district caucuses, committee meetings, and a general council session. During the district caucuses representatives are elected to the State 4-H Advisory Board and State 4-H Fair Board of Trustees. County-designated voting delegates will elect representatives from their own district. This is also an opportunity to discuss and plan district programming for the future.
The committee meetings are a chance to discuss recommendations from the counties for improvements to the 4-H program. If a committee doesn't have many recommendations or finishes early, it is a great chance to discuss project issues and plan for the upcoming 4-H year.
At the general session each of the committee actions on recommendations are accepted or rejected. The accepted recommendations then go on to the State 4-H Fair Board, State 4-H Advisory Board, statewide committees, or State 4-H Staff for approval. The State 4-H Program Director has final approval of all recommendations. In general, approved recommendations will be implemented October 1 of the following 4-H year.
State Board Positions Looking For Nominees
--Kevin Wright
There are positions for teens and volunteers from every district on the State Advisory Board and State 4-H Fair Board. The Council meeting is an opportunity to elect representatives to these boards and through the recommendation process, have input on changes and improvements to the Washington 4-H program.
The applications, guidelines and background information about the Council meeting are available on the 4-H website at: http://4h.wsu.edu/council/index.htm. Please review the information carefully and be sure to have applications and recommendations postmarked by September 1, 2009.
State 4-H Fair Board Positions up for Election
Northwest District
- NW1 3-year term through 2012
Southwest District
- SW1 3-year term through 2012
Northeast District
- NE1 3-year term through 2012
- NE3 2-year term through 2011
Southeast District
- SE1 3-year term through 2012
- SE3 2-year term through 2011
West Teen
- 1-year term through 2010
East Youth
- 2-year term through 2011
Learn more about the State 4-H Fair Board and download applications at: http://4h.wsu.edu/statefair/trustees.htm.
State 4-H Advisory Board Positions up for Election
Northwest District
- NW2 3-year term through 2012
- NWTeen 2-year through 2011
Southwest District
- SW1 2-year term through 2011
- SW2 3-year term through 2012
- SW3 1-year term through 2010
- SWTeen 2-year term through 2011
Northeast District
- NE2 3-year term through 2012
- NETeen 2-year term through 2010
Southeast District
- SE1 3-year term through 2012
- SE3 2-year term through 2011
- SETeen 2-year term through 2011
Other Positions
- School Age Care (SAC2) 3-year term through 2012
- Challenge (Chall2) 3-year term through 2012
Learn more about the State 4-H Advisory Board and download applications at: http://4h.wsu.edu/volntr/sab/sablist.html.
Outstanding County Volunteer Awards
--Kevin Wright
Each county may submit an outstanding volunteer to be honored at this years' Forum. Counties are encouraged to send a poster or display about the volunteer. Please submit the Outstanding County Leader form and electronic picture of the volunteer no later than September 15, 2009 to Joy Faerber at faerber@wsu.edu. Forms can be found on the 4-H website at: http://4h.wsu.edu/conferences/Forum/awards.htm.
Auction
--Kevin Wright
Once again this year the State 4-H Forum will feature both live and silent auctions. The live auction will take place on Saturday evening, October 17, 2009.
Be sure to fill out the form completely and mail or email it to the Grays Harbor County Extension Office. DO NOT mail the auction item to Grays Harbor County - bring it with you to the Forum. The Auction Form can be found on the State Forum website: http://4h.wsu.edu/conferences/Forum/index.htm.
The auction is a great way to make money for your county 4-H program. The profits from the auction are divided between the 4-H entity that donated it and the State 4-H Advisory Board. More details about this division are on the donation form. Be sure to mail in your donation forms by September 30, 2009, so that your items may be included in the auction catalog.
Teen Opportunities and Deadlines
--Jan Klein
Summer 2009, is coming to a close; but 4-H Teen Opportunities for 2010, are just beginning! Take a look at the following leadership opportunities and think about teens in your county who are ready for a BIGGER picture of 4-H! You can open the door for a high school teen, by simply inviting them to run for either of these positions. Printing an application and handing it to them directly is a strong affirmation of their potential! Please note: both applications are due October 1, 2009.
Youth Positions Available on the 4-H State Advisory Board
--Jan Klein
Teens, who have been in 4-H for several years, are looking for leadership opportunities beyond the county level. The youth positions on the 4-H State Advisory Board, offer the opportunity to use personal 4-H experience to build a better State 4-H program. Each year, youth positions are available from each district.
What will they bring to the 4-H State Advisory Board?
- The youth voice and perspective.
- Creativity and energy.
What will they receive from the experience?
- An opportunity to partner with adults to provide input into 4-H program issues, and the State 4-H Forum.
- Exercise and development of their leadership skills.
- Expenses paid for travel to face to face meetings.
How do they apply?
- Submit an application, with requested signatures, to Jan Klein, State 4-H Teen Leadership Coordinator by October 1, 2009.
The application is at http://4h.wsu.edu/volntr/sab/SABTeen.pdf. Once accepted, information will be sent on to the youth to prepare for the State Advisory Board youth elections held at each District Rally.
Here are the openings for this year:
Northwest District
NW Teen 2-year through 2011
Southwest District
SW Teen 2-year term through 2011
Northeast District
NE Teen 2-year term through 2011
Southeast District
SE Teen 2-year term through 2011
Learn more about the State 4-H Advisory Board and download the application at http://4h.wsu.edu/volntr/sab/sablist.html.
State Ambassador Elections
--Jan Klein
The Washington State 4-H Ambassadors' goal is to promote and portray 4-H in a positive manner through cooperation and communication, leadership and planning. These teens, with advanced leadership skills, are responsible for planning 4-H Summer Conference, mentoring and training County Teen Representatives, supporting the KYG leadership team and informing county 4-H staff and youth of 4-H State and national events and leadership opportunities. Two teens are elected each year from each district for a 20 month term.
What will they bring to the State 4-H Program:
- contribute enthusiasm and knowledge to the 4-H program
- a role model to preteens and teens, throughout all levels of the program
- recognize and utilize each others' strengths, contribute to positive youth-adult partnerships
- a resource to the county, district, and state 4-H programs and staff
- encourage other 4-H youth to develop leadership potential
- creatively plan and facilitate district and state 4-H events
What will they receive from the experience?
- Improved communication skills
- Leadership opportunities in developing, organizing, facilitating and evaluating events
- Partnerships within and outside of the 4-H community
- Lifelong friendships
How do they apply?
- Submit an application, with requested signatures, to Jan Klein, State 4-H Teen Leadership Coordinator by October 1, 2009.
The application is at http://4h.wsu.edu/StAmb/amb_app.pdf. Once accepted, information will be sent on to the youth to prepare for the State Ambassador elections held at each District Rally.
Learn more about the 4-H State Ambassador positions: requirements and commitment and download the application at http://4h.wsu.edu/StAmb/index.htm.
2009 Citizenship Washington Focus
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
I'm proud to share that 4-H's premier summer national conference, Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), finished its final week at the 4-H National Youth Conference Center here in our nation's capital just a few weeks ago. Nearly 2,000 young people from over 35 states (including two delegations from Washington State!) traveled to the Center to experience the living classroom of Washington, DC. While participating in CWF, 4-H'ers improved their understanding of the importance of civic and social responsibilities in order to become better citizens and leaders and strengthened their communication skills, exchanged ideas, practiced respect, and formed friendships with other youth from across the country!
At the end of each week, 4-H'ers reflected on what they learned throughout their week in Washington, DC and how this week had changed them. I wanted to take a moment to share that impact with you here:
- “I feel I have a greater appreciation for government and my country's history. [CWF] made me ponder future careers, and I feel this experience has brightened my future."
- "I really learned a lot about how to get together and just listen to others' opinions and to be respectful even when you don't agree with what someone says."
- "This trip has definitely been a once in a lifetime opportunity. With the help of [CWF]my eyes have been opened not only to our nation's rich history, but I have been inspired to take this country by the horns! I have learned that I can do whatever my heart desires."
- "I've learned more about communication, history, travel, and people in general. This trip has been really fun and has me interested in learning new things and continuing in 4-H."
- "I'm a better leader after this amazing experience. I will take so much home to my club and county. I made many friendships that I will keep for a long time! Thanks!"
If you haven't already, take a moment to learn more about CWF at www.citizenshipwashingtonfocus.org. The 2009 delegates created videos, slide shows and newsletters to represent all the experiences they took part in through CWF. Just click on the media tab to check them out.
Registration is already open for the 2010 CWF program and preferred weeks often fill up fast. Feel free to contact Jan Klein at jlklein@wsu.edu with any questions about how 4-H'ers from your county/club/unit can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Western Region Leaders Forum 2010
--Pat BoyEs
Greetings from the Land of Enchantment! I hope your summer is going well. Before you know it we will be planning our State adventure to New Mexico for the 2010 Western Regional 4-H Forum. Our colleagues in New Mexico are planning a dynamic educational experience for us and of course we will be promoting our 2011 hosting of the WR4-HForum when we Cruise to 4-H Excellence.
New Mexico is close to having the registration site prepared for WRLF 2010. Currently if you go to their website you can view pre-conference tour options, youth activities, some of the forms and other info they have prepared. Their goal is to have registration posted by September 1. I'll send you a message when it is ready.
We'll want to have a strong cohort from Washington attending in New Mexico so we'll be well prepared to host in 2011.
Find information about WRLF 2010 at http://nm4h.nmsu.edu and then click on “details” under WRLF 2010 logo.
On-line Volunteer Administration Professional Development
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
Save-the-Date: Monday, September 21, 2009 will be the launch date for the Everyone Ready program – on online professional development program for all Extension staff regardless of title or program area. National 4-H Council received a grant from the Monsanto Co. to fund this project for 3 years. This is an outgrowth of the work of the National 4-H Learning Priority Team – Volunteerism for the Next Generation, which was convened by National 4-H Headquarters. The team created a rubric/syllabus and self assessment that will assist staff in identifying their knowledge, skills, and competencies in the area of volunteerism. Much of this information was first shared at the National Extension Conference on Volunteerism in Kentucky in April.
The Everyone Ready program features online seminars and self-instruction guides which will be made available on the third Monday of each month. These modules will take about 1- 2 hours of time each month to complete. These modules are provided at no charge to individuals or states although the cost normally to an individual would be $495 per year and a cost to a state/organization would range from $12,000 to $18,000 per year. A 36 Topic Cycle of Everyone Ready Online Seminars and Self-Instruction Guides is attached to this message. Registration is free but required for this program. Information on how to register will be available on Sept. 21, 2009 on the National 4-H Council web site under Staff Resources: Volunteerism for the Next Generation: Everyone Ready. The web address will be announced later.
The Everyone Ready program is an outgrowth of the work done by the National 4-H Learning Priority Team – Volunteerism for the next Generation. It is intended to be one tool for staff to increase their skills and competencies related to volunteerism. In addition, the currently out-of-print TAXI materials from National 4-H Council are being revised and formatted into Volunteerism for the Next Generation Fact Sheets that will be posted on the National 4-H Council web site under Staff Resources: Volunteerism for the Next Generation: Everyone Ready. This web site will be available on Sept. 21, 2009 as well.
Please discuss with your State 4-H Program Leader and State 4-H Professional Development Liaison ways to promote the new Volunteerism materials to be hosted on the National 4-H Council web site as well as the launch of Everyone Ready. Please also feel free to share this information with others in your state that coordinates other Extension volunteer programs such as Master Gardeners, Master Food Preservers, Master Naturalists, or Master Wildlife Stewards. Everyone Ready would also be appropriate for Extension County Directors or others who work with volunteer boards, councils, committees, and foundations.
We would like states to think of ways to create cohorts or learning groups to support staff as they complete the Volunteerism Self Assessment, create their own Volunteerism Professional Development Plans, and utilize the Everyone Ready modules and Volunteerism for the Next Generation Fact Sheets to meet their goals.
You should have already received a notice about the upcoming webinar on Friday, August 21, 2009 1:00 p.m. CDT hosted by Pam Garza of National 4-H Council and Ryan Schmiesing, National 4-H Program Leader - Volunteerism and Professional Development. This webinar will be an opportunity to learn more about the details of the various Volunteerism resources and how you can be a part of the “beta test” for Everyone Ready.
Sheri Seibold, 4-H Youth Development Specialist at the University of Illinois will be serving as the Point Person for Everyone Ready. If you have questions, please feel free to contact her at sseibold@illinois.edu or at 217-333-0910.
Kellogg Foundation announces new RFP
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has announced a new grant opportunity to help communities and organizations address issues of racial equity, with emphasis on vulnerable and marginalized children. This grant opportunity seeks to strengthen and bolster community-based approaches for racial healing and racial equity. The Kellogg Foundation anticipates awarding grants up to $400,000. Kellogg provides this explanation of their goals:
- Racial equity refers to principles of fairness and justice.
- Racial equity work describes actions designed to address historic burdens as well as to remove present day barriers to equal opportunities.
- This is accomplished by identifying and eliminating systemic discriminatory policies and practices. Specific remediating strategies, policies, and practices are also required.
- These actions address the effects of historic injustice and prevent present and future inequities.
- Our approach to racial equity is inclusive. We will focus on priority concerns for vulnerable African American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Arab American, and European American children and families within the context of their communities.
For more information and to review the RFP, click here.
Proposals may be submitted online no later than September 30, 2009. The review and decision-making process will be ongoing throughout the RFP period from July 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009.
National 4-H Council is exploring several concepts for this proposal, but we felt that state and county 4-H programs might also want to apply for these funds.
Want to Learn more?
I will host a teleconference for state contacts who want to learn more or discuss program ideas.
Teleconference date: Thursday, August 20th, 2009
Teleconference time: 11:00 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. CDT, 9 a.m. MDT, 8 a.m. PDT).
Teleconference number: 1-866-910-4857, pass code: 755226#.
To RSVP for this call, contact Scott Mathewson at smathewson@fourhcouncil.edu. There are a limited number of lines, so please plan to coordinate state participation.
For additional questions regarding the RFP itself, please contact Linda "Jo" Turner at jturner@fourhcouncil.edu. We welcome your participation so that we can share ideas and strengthen the proposals submitted by the 4-H system.
Job Opportunity
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
University of Tennessee Extension, Assistant Dean, 4-H Youth Development http://ext1.ag.utk.edu/Employment/Jobs.nsf/391A69A9E21691508525695800526330/787249D11A80F431852575D600713BE7?OpenDocument.
Job Opportunity
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs
Position announcement from North Carolina A&T State University for a 4-H Youth Development Specialist. If you have questions regarding the position, please feel free to contact Dr. Claudette Smith at clsmith@ncat.edu or Dr. Celvia Stoval at cestoval@ncat.edu.
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.