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Table of Contents
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Focus on Youth News for OCES staff working with youth. 4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. oklahoma4h.okstate.edu Dear Extension Educators, 4-H Youth Development: Each new year brings changes for each of us. Sometimes they are minor changes, and sometimes they are major changes. It is hard to believe that after 21.5 years at OSU, I am facing a major change as I complete my Extension career the end of this month. It has all gone by very quickly, particularly the last 8.5 years, during which time I have had the opportunity to work with all of you in guiding the 4-H Youth Development program. There is great strength in Oklahoma’s 4-H youth development program. The greatest strength is you, all of the dedicated 4-H youth development educators, the strong core of volunteers serving each county, the State Volunteer Board and the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Board. Emphasis on volunteer core competencies through programs in volunteer certification, development and management and club management continue to strengthen our club program. I encourage you to keep well-trained, well-informed volunteers a priority in your county. Programs in science and technology and shooting sports have provided new options for 4-H youth in the past several years. As new 4-H specialists are hired in environmental education and exercise and fitness, programs in these areas will bring additional opportunities for youth development. The future is bright for Oklahoma 4-H! Although I will no longer formally be part of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, I will watch with interest as 4-H continues to grow and develop youth, touching and improving lives throughout this great state. Best wishes to each of you as you continue making important differences in the lives of young people. As you get caught up in day to day activities try not to lose sight of the fact that what you do is very important and significant to so many youth. Thank you for the cooperation, support and collegiality you have provided me during my tenure as Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development. I leave with very positive memories of this time and will miss you. Sincerely, Lynda Harriman Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development |
| Due to changes in the awards and recognition format, we are updating all forms on the OAE4-HA award website. National has made some additions and changes to some of the awards criteria; therefore, we have to make some adjustments on the state level website and forms. This should be completed by January 23. If you would like to use the old forms, please change the dates (e.g., some say 2002). Send all award applications and information to:
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Core 3 –Evaluation of Impact on VolunteersReminder - Do not forget to distribute and collect the volunteer evaluation form(s) for Unit 3 Core continuing education. This is the tool for determining the impact of continuing education conducted at the county level. If you used form 3C with your volunteers at the beginning of the year, those forms can be turned in to your district specialist, and we can begin to tabulate the pre-tests. Forms 3D and 3E are not due until August 2006. There are three Unit 3 evaluations listed on the web-site. The Form 3C Beginning of the Year and Form 3D End of the Year forms must be used in conjunction with one another. It is basically a pre- and post- test. If you did not distribute the Beginning of the Year form during the fall of 2005, then your county will need to use the evaluation form 3E, titled "4-H Volunteer: My Understanding of 4-H Youth Development End of Year Evaluation" to collect impact information. All forms are in your Unit 3 manual, on the CD, as well as on the OK 4-H web site at the following address http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/edu/comp.htm. DON’T FORGET to remove from the evaluation form(s) the sections of Core 3 which are not being emphasized in volunteer continuing education during the 05-06 program year. The data being collected should only reflect the Unit 3 curriculum emphasized/taught this year. If you have questions about modifying the form please do not hesitate to call or look on the CD under Evaluation for instructions provided during in-service. |
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4-H Core Competency 6-Month Staff Evaluations due February 1Due February 1, 2006 - access evaluations In Unit 3 notebook, on CD or at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/edu/comp.htm. All forms are listed under Evaluation. · Form 3A Six Month Evaluation of Material Use, UNIT 3 · Form 3B Six Month Evaluation of Observable Change, UNIT 3 Please be sure to re-read the instructions before completing and submitting your reports. REMINDER - The number being reported on the "Recognizable Changes" is a percentage. The total for each line being reported must equal 100%. The number being recorded is not the actual number of volunteers. Examples of completed reports are available at the same web address. Do not report on sections of Core 3 not being emphasized in your county during the 2005-06 program-year. As a state we are not collecting data on materials being used from Units 1 and 2. Please continue using each but be sure emphasis is on Unit 3 over the next two program years. Both evaluation forms are due to District 4-H Program Specialists on February 1. |
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Why should 4-H be funded by public dollars?Have you ever wondered what makes OCES and its programs like 4-H different from other programs? Obviously the fact that 4-H project curriculum is backed by university research is one reason, but with the public access of information, many organizations are touting the same principles. As we work with decision-makers and justify our work as Extension Educators (and/or volunteers) it is important to know why CES is and should be a public program. The following article provides some valuable food for thought. |
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4-H JacketsReno Sporting Goods has been out of business for about
six months, but they still are getting jacket orders. The man who
is taking care of Ms. Reno says he still has some jackets and is willing
to ship them (WITHOUT MONOGRAMMING) for $50 each if he has the right
size. Please
know that this is just an individual, not a business, so I am sure there
is no kind of warranty. At this time Awards and Moore is the only
Oklahoma-based 4-H jacket vendor. There may be some others advertised
on the internet as well. |
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4-H Ambassador Applications Due March 21stAll senior 4-H members interested in being a state ambassador
must apply Barbara Hatfield |
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Discovery Unlimited“Life Unlimited” is the message of Discovery Unlimited 2006. The objective of this year’s conference will be to focus programming on important life skills for young people; looking forward to travel opportunities; and developing leadership capabilities. A conference schedule/flyer can be viewed and downloaded online. General information, registration materials and a letter for chaperones can be accessed from the Oklahoma 4-H web site under “Activities and Events/Discovery Unlimited” after February 6th. Included within the general information is a web address for Saints Groves Camp where directions to the camp can be obtained. The cost is $35 for each chaperone and delegate. The fee includes meals, lodging, T-shirt, educational materials and entertainment. There must be one adult chaperone for every five delegates, and the chaperone(s) must be certified 4-H Volunteers. A suggested deadline of March 20th is recommended for collecting fees and RAM/Code of Conduct form at the county level. County registration is due in the State 4-H office on or before March 27th. This deadline is firm, as adequate time is needed to notify counties who submit alternates. Each county is responsible for determining how their county delegates and alternates are selected. Please encourage your “tweeners” to attend "Discovery Unlimited" April 21 & 22 at Saints Groves Camp in Stillwater. It is critical that our organization focus on these young people if we intend to maintain enrollment and increase participation of the 13-19 year olds. Four-H members who were 11-12 years old as of January 1, 2006, are eligible to participate. Emily Gregory, Committee Chair |
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4-H Dime Drop for Habitat for HumanityThrough efforts coordinated by the State 4-H Officers Team, Oklahoma 4-H has teamed with Habitat for Humanity (HFH) to raise enough money to build one house for a low-income family. There is still time to join the Dime Drop campaign! Every dime makes a difference in achieving our goal of $9000. Please let us know your county or club’s interest by completing and returning the information requested on-line at http://www.clover.okstate.edu/fourh/habitat. Hats off to the following counties/clubs who have filed a commitment form with the officer team: Cherokee (2), Comanche, Craig, Harmon and Hughes The timeline for collecting money concludes on May 7th, and funds need to be received in the State 4-H Office by May 17th. Send one check or money order, made payable to “4-H Dime Drop,” and mail to the State 4-H Foundation. On February 25th members of the state Leadership team will assisted with painting and general clean-up at a house in Oklahoma City. We look forward to providing even greater assistance with a significant donation from the Oklahoma 4-H program. Thanks you for all your help and support. Carrie Highfill, NW District VP, Service Project Chair |
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Pop Tab Collection Program AnnouncedThe state 4-H officers, Collegiate 4-H and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Oklahoma happily announce the 2006 Pop of Success pop tab campaign. Gearing up for our 20th anniversary with the OKC Ronald McDonald House, we are asking each county to bring as many pop tabs as possible (in a box or firm-sided container with lid - no plastic bags) to the 85th State 4-H Roundup. Pop tabs are collected because they are the purest source of recycling available. Each gallon of pop tabs equates to the cost of one family's stay for one week at the Ronald McDonald House. During Roundup the tabs will be weighed and total weight collectively tallied by district. Points will be awarded toward districts' points for the Spirit Award. We need county educators' support in getting the word out so we can reach our maximum potential. Thank you for your hard work and support of the Oklahoma 4-H Kids Helping Kids Campaign. Pop Tab Fun Facts
Jered Davidson, State 4-H President |
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Real Colors TrainingInterest Survey – Would you like to become a facilitator for doing Real Colors? The program is very similar and much less expensive than True Colors. With an enrollment of 20 or more, the organization will do an Oklahoma-based program for a fee of $425 per person. The training typically runs $700-1000 per person. If there is enough interest we will include it in the in-service catalogue next year. Please email Judy Talley by March 1st if you are interested. If you had a key that could unlock all the answers to human nature, would you use it? Real Colors® is that key. The Real Colors Facilitator Training Workshop, which utilizes the powerful Real Colors Personality Instrument, will teach you how to successfully present Real Colors workshops to employees, managers and supervisors. For those in an educational or non-profit setting, you will be taught the power of using Real Colors with volunteers, teachers, school counselors, students, parents, and others! The Real Colors Personality Instrument is a simple, intuitive system for identifying the four temperaments (Blue, Gold, Green, or Orange). It provides users with an effective tool for understanding human behavior. The Real Colors Facilitator Certification Training is presented in a fast, fun, interactive format. Using this powerful knowledge, they can develop more effective communication skills and build better relationships, in and out of the workplace. Once certified, you will be able to conduct workshops that teach others how to:
In educational or training settings, Real Colors will provide these additional benefits:
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2006 4-H Families Count: Family Strengthening Awards – $15,000 EachDeadline: June 1, 2006 Contact:Sharon Anderson 701-200-1262sanderson@fourhcouncil.edu or Audrey Adams 301-961-2819aadams@fourhcouncil.edu 2006 4-H Families Count: Family Strengthening Awards Funding Provided by the Annie E. Casey Foundation The 2006 Families Count: Family Strengthening Award program offers five awards in the amount of $15,000 each to programs within the Cooperative Extension System that focus on family strengthening in rural communities. Application information is now available at http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/4HFamiliesProgram.aspx. You may have heard about this program at the NAE4HA meeting in Seattle. I hope you give thought to programs in our state that would qualify for this award in 2006. The first step in the process is obtaining the Programs of Distinction (PoD) recognition through National 4-H Headquarters. PoD information can be found at http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm. PoD materials should be submitted no later than March 15, 2006. The final application date for the Family Strengthening awards is June 1, 2006, so those of you who are involved in family strengthening programs should begin the process now. This is a great opportunity to receive $15,000 for program support! Please feel free to contact Audrey Adams at National 4-H Council by phone or email if you have questions: Audrey Adams,Grant Coordinator, Grants Management Team, National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-961-2819, aadams@fourhcouncil.edu |
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Reminder Science and Tech Opportunities4-H Omniplex Camp In: 4-H members, volunteers and families from across the state will have the opportunity to learn about science by camping in at the Oklahoma City Omniplex February 3-4. 4-H members can explore the spectacular science exhibits, see stunning scientific demonstrations, travel to the planets and beyond in planetarium shows, and sleep in unimaginable places, like under a dinosaur, in a giant mouth or next to a tornado. The 2006 theme is Crime Scene Science. Pull out your tweezers and magnifying glass and enjoy a fun filled forensics night. We will spend the night uncovering the truth about fingerprints, shoe and lip prints, hair and blood analysis, DNA and more. Registration Fees: Youth (any age) $27.50, Adults $15.00, Due January 25, 2006 Science/Technology Leadership Conference: The State 4-H Office will host a Science Leadership Conference on February 11, 2006, at Oklahoma State University. The conference is geared toward club members and adult volunteer leaders who are interested in starting a science project club in their local counties. The conference will feature three workshops, including biotechnology, precision agriculture, and geology. Registration is $15 and includes lunch and materials. The deadline to register is January 26, 2006. |
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2006 ESRI GIS Grant Program for U.S. 4-HESRI announces two grant options for the ESRI GIS Grant Program, designed for U.S. 4-H in cooperation with National 4-H Headquarters, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)/U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support its geospatial outreach, education, and community involvement efforts. The goal of this program is to foster and support the integration of geographic information system (GIS) software in U.S. 4-H clubs. The 2006 4-H Grants are posted at and downloadable from:http://www.esri.com/grants/esri/06003_4-h_fy06.html |
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Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)CWF is a week-long 4-H citizenship program for youth, ages 15-19. Thousands of young people from across American stay at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, near Washington, D.C., each summer to participate in the program, which provides opportunities for young people to:
Oklahoma will participate in CWF program, June 22-July 2, 2006. Information can be found on the State 4-H website at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/cwf.htm A hard copy will also be sent to county offices. For additional information, please contact the State 4-H Office, (405) 744-8891. |
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Opportunity for Youth Entrepreneurs from NFIBApplications are now available for the 2006 Young Entrepreneur Awards. This scholarship program, sponsored by the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation, is designed to set future small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship. A minimum of 400 award recipients will attend the university, college, community college or vocational/technical institute of their choice with $1,000 in tuition assistance from the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation. One outstanding student will receive a $10,000 award, and four regional winners will receive $5,000 each. Students interested in the Young Entrepreneur Award will be asked to demonstrate their entrepreneurial achievement by answering a short, personal question defining their efforts. Applicants will also compose an essay about the importance of free enterprise and provide standardized test scores, GPA and class rank. Each applicant also must obtain the nomination of an NFIB member after Jan. 2, 2006. For more information, go to http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_25328.html. |
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CWF Program AssistantsPlans for this summer’s Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) are currently underway; however, a major factor to the success of the program is the Program Assistant (PA) staff. National 4-H Council is looking for bright college-age students to facilitate the program. If you know someone who would be an excellent PA, please let them know that applications are due by January 30, 2006. The application form and additional information can be found at http://www.4hcwf.org/programassistant.aspx or contact Lita Haarer, Recruitment Coordinator, National 4-H Council, (301) 961-2898. |
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4-H PublicationsNo. 435—4-H President Guide is available on the 4-H website “Literature Online” under Leadership Development. This material can be printed by the counties in sections for each monthly meeting. The 4-Her can use these sheets as reference guides for contests and county project yearly report forms. The pages can be downsized to two monthly sheets per page plus duplicated on both sides. Included in this material are parliamentary procedures for meetings. No. 436—4-HTreasurer Record Book is available under Leadership Development and provides very good information about money collected and utilized by the club during the 4-H year. No. 375---Beginning of Life (Chick Embryo) is shelved and available to order by email, phone, 405-744-8887, or fax, 744-6522. This manual is a part of the School Enrichment program and includes a set of lessons plans for 4-H volunteer leaders and teachers. Please be sure to add this project in your county yearly report to help provide funding for viable projects. No. 715---4-H Forestry Manual (no charge) is available by calling 744-8887. Also, this manual is on “Literature Online” by opening Environmental Sciences. If counties are low in supply, please email or call in an order as manual will not be restocked. The manual provides information on the forestry cards utilized in forestry contests. |
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