Focus on Youth
News for OCES staff working with youth.
March, 2011
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.
Table of Contents
Dear Educators and Volunteers,
I think we all agree that Congress is faced with a big challenge when it comes to reducing the federal debt and budget. And while we all want to see that happened, none of us want the cuts to come from "our" programs. To that end, we need to all be working to encourage Congress and the White House to treat the Cooperative Extension budget line (Smith-Lever) the same as other formula funding lines by restoring the Smith-Lever line to FY10 levels similar to all other formula fund lines in the budget.
The request is for you to highlight and share success stories from your community. Educators and constituents can help develop a clear picture of the nationwide support for Cooperative Extension. The social media is one way to tell the story, and this effort is being done in parallel with the other, more traditional efforts of mail, email, and face-to-face contact with Congressional representatives. Both actions need to be taken for maximum effect. House Members are in recess this week and may be back in their district for meetings, so if you know them personally take the opportunity to talk to them.
Nationally we are encouraging your staff and your constituents (e.g., 4-H members and volunteers, master gardeners, farmers, local government officials, commodity groups) to contact members of Congress regarding the proposed cuts to Cooperative Extension in the continuing resolution for the 2011 federal budget. The message is that Smith-Lever should be treated fairly and not be cut when other formula funds were left alone or given small increases. The success stories that this social media campaign will collect and share provide the rationale for why the cuts are counterproductive and why the Cooperative Extension budget may also deserve a small increase. Cooperative Extension is local, helps local people through education and expands the potential of people to be successful. That needs to be expanded and supported, not reduced.
A Cooperative Extension System Facebook page has been created at www.facebook.com/CooperativeExtension. This Facebook page will be used to collect stories of CES impact and success, which then can be used to share with members of Congress and others in the budget decision-making process. This page will create a core group of social network members who can then spread this message as they interact within their own social community networks as well as share them in other social media sites.
Charles Cox
Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development
4-H Members Recognized for Volunteerism
Congratulations to Timothy Reeves, 12, of Okmulgee, a sixth-grader at Reeves Homeschool Academy and a member of Okmulgee County 4-H, for being named one of the two state honorees in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for 2010. Timothy has raised more than $4,600 for a local Ronald McDonald House over the past three years. Timothy started raising money for his cause when he joined 4-H three years ago and decided he wanted to "pay back" all that was done for his sister. "From the time she was born until she was around three, she was in and out of the hospital several times," said Timothy. "Organizations like Ronald McDonald House made our family's situation a little easier."
Every year when his 4-H group's Ronald McDonald House fund-raiser begins, Timothy springs into action. He starts by making calls seeking donations from family members and friends. Then he spends the next three months knocking on the doors of businesses in Tulsa and three other cities, and standing outside local stores asking for donations. "The hardest part I have had to deal with are all of the 'nos' that I have had to face," said Timothy. "But through that I've learned that you can't get a 'yes' without some 'nos'." Every year, Timothy's fund-raising total has increased, helping to pay bills at the Ronald McDonald House, stock the refrigerator for families staying there, build more Ronald McDonald houses to shelter families whose children are hospitalized, and fund research to find cures for sick kids. "We will never know how many people this money has touched or how many it will touch," said Timothy. "All I know is that this is a way that I can do my small part in a big world."
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United State'' largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. The program was created in 1995 by Prudential, in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), to honor middle level and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national level.
The program's goals are to applaud young people who already are making a positive difference in their towns and neighborhoods and to inspire others to think about how they might contribute to their communities. Over the past 15 years, more than 280,000 young Americans have participated in the program, and more than 90,000 of them have been officially recognized for their volunteer work.
Two other Oklahoma 4-H members were listed as Distinguished Finalists this year. Katy Crocker from Tulsa County was recognized for her efforts to bake and share cookies to firefighters, soldiers and others who provide service to our communities. Emily Morrow of Cleveland County was recognized for her volunteer work with the Health Rocks! Program.
Celebrate Bake and Take Month in March
For the past several years, 4-H has been participating in Bake and Take. However, this year, the promotion has been expanded and there are awards!!!
Oklahoma State University's Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center (FAPC), the Oklahoma Wheat Commission and the Made in Oklahoma Coalition are teaming up with Oklahoma 4-H to promote Bake & Take Month in March. Four-H members across the state are asked to bake products made with wheat and using Made in Oklahoma products while completing the steps of service learning (preparation, action, reflection and celebration).
The Made in Oklahoma Coalition is sponsoring awards to the top three 4-H clubs who participate in baking and using Oklahoma products while documenting their effort. Top entries will receive 1st place $250, 2nd place $150, 3rd place $100. The top entry will also receive the opportunity to tour an Oklahoma food processing company. See the attached file for more information.
2011 State 4-H Fair Classes
The word files for the 2011 State 4-H Fair Classes have been updated and submitted to both fairs. They are located on the state 4-H website at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/statefair.htm
As in the past, there are two files with fair book information - one with the changes highlighted and one without. Note -- These are the files that have been submitted to the OKC fair. Unfortunately, a word document is not available for the Tulsa State Fair, but the class information is the same.
When the information is posted on the OKC and Tulsa State Fair sites, it will be linked to our website. Also, the dog show entry forms, the interactive booth information, etc., will be updated as information is available.
If you have questions about the upcoming state fairs, please contact me in the state 4-H office.
Discovery Unlimited - 4-H is the Key...Unlock your potential!
DU is May 20-21, 2011, at Jacob's Ladder, near Chandler. Discover Unlimited is intended to help retain the membership of our "tweeners" in the Oklahoma 4-H program. It is critical that our organization focus on these young people if we intend to maintain enrollment and increase participation of the 13- to 19-year-olds.
Friday evening's speaker is Jered Davidson, 2005 state president. Workshops will include "4-H: Rockin' Your Health;" "Travels Make for Friendships;" and "4-H Projects can Broaden Life's Experiences."
Registration will be $35 and will include housing, food, educational supplies and a T-shirt. All youth must register through their county Extension offices - no exceptions. County registration and ALL health forms are due to the state office on or before April 13. No exceptions.
Conference information, forms, and art are posted at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/discovery.htm.
Kendra Rash, Discovery Unlimited Chair
State Parent-Volunteer Conference
"4-H: The Green Promise" is the theme of the 2011 State Parent-Volunteer Conference. The conference is scheduled for July 9, in Stillwater. The conference objectives are:
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"Educate" Through project work we teach youth how to think rather than what to think. How are we preparing youth to understand that there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer but choices to be made based on known and unknown factors?
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"Create" Creativity is the production of original ideas that are made useful. How are we training youth to generate ideas and develop creative solutions through project work?
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"Innovate" Innovation is the successful integration of new useful ideas. What opportunities are we providing youth to demonstrate their mastery of problem solving?
We have received a 2011 Monsanto grant which provides another year of scholarships for certified volunteers attending the conference for the first time. Be watching for more information.
Donna Dollins, State Volunteer Board President
State 4-H Parent-Volunteer Conference - Call for Workshop Proposals
The State 4-H Volunteer Board extends an invitation to county educators, paraprofessionals and volunteers to present a workshop July 9 2011 in Stillwater. The proposal form may be accessed on line at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/volun/eduopp.htm.
In keeping with the conference theme we seek workshops which develop resilent youth who are capable of learning to learn, create solutions and have mastery of innovative problem solving.
Volunteers, Extension educators and paraprofessionals are needed to instruct workshops which will enhance the volunter's skills for guiding youth in individual project areas or in the development of Generosity, Mastery, Independence and Belonging. Proposals are due March 31, 2011.
Youth Development Focus
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Track 1 - "Educate" Through project work we teach youth how to think rather than what to think. How are we preparing youth to understand that there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer but choices to be made based on known and unknown factors?
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Track 2 - "Create" Creativity is the production of original ideas that are made useful. How are we training youth to generate ideas and develop creative solutions through project work?
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Track 3 - "Innovate" Innovation is the successful integration of new useful ideas. What opportunities are we providing youth to demonstrate their mastery of problem solving?
State Volunteer Board
What is "Everyone Ready?"
"Everyone Ready" is an online volunteer management training program developed by Energize Inc. National 4-H Council, through a grant from Monsanto, is making this program available to all Extension staff nationwide regardless of program area or title. There is no cost to states or individuals (an individual training value of $495 per year).
Each month a new volunteerism topic is introduced - either as an online seminar or as a self-instruction guide. In addition, Extension staff will have access to e-Volunteerism: The Electronic Journal of the Volunteer Community (a $40 value) and will be able to purchase volunteerism resources from the Energize online bookstore with a 20 percent discount. New topics are introduced on the third Monday of each month.
Register for "Everyone Ready"
Extension professionals who work with volunteers are encouraged to enroll and actively participate in the "Everyone Ready."
To register go to www.4-h.org/volunteerism. Go to the "Everyone Ready" section and click on Register. Once registration is completed, you will receive an email confirmation and will then have a user name and password that can be used to enter the Extension "Everyone Ready" page.
Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Forum
The Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Forum will be held October 6-9, 2011, at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, just outside Little Rock. In keeping with the conference theme, we are seeking workshops and funshops with focus on "4-H: It's a Natural.: It's a natural could include positive youth development, resilient youth, stronger families, etc.
Volunteers and Extension Educators are needed to instruct workshops which will enhance the volunteer's skills for guiding youth in individual project areas or in the development of Generosity, Mastery, Independence and Belonging through the national initiatives of Science; Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Citizenship.
Forum focus areas: 1) Healthy Living, 2) Science, Engineering and Technology; 3) Environmental/Outdoors and 4) Youth Development.
Attached is a copy of the Proposal Request and Instructions for completing the proposal.
REMINDER - Nominations for National Conference - 2012
As noted in the last issue of Focus on Youth, 4-H members must be nominated for the honor of being a National Conference delegate. The Letter of nomination is due in the state 4-H office on March 1st.
Nominees will be notified that their name has been submitted, and an application will be attached. If the nominee is interested in pursuing the application process their package will be due at the time of state record books. Interviews and presentations will be done in conjunction with record book interviews.
We seek individuals who are actively involved in identifying and addressing community/school/organization needs and issues through Civic Engagement. They have learned to demonstrate leadership qualities through the organized efforts which involve others (youth-voice, community leaders, government/social-service agencies, businesses, schools, etc.) in significant roles and opportunities.
Please consider nominating individual who may not be the 4-H member who is actively pursuing multiple goals in 4-H, school, sports, other youth serving organization, faith based groups, etc. It is recognized that we have members who gain and regularly share their talents and skills in the name of 4-H, but are not interested in pursuing recognition through Record Keeping or other competitive venues.
To be given consideration as an Oklahoma delegate the individual must be nominated by an Extension Educator, club leader, 4-H volunteer, district 4-H program specialist, or state 4-H staff person. It is expected that the adult making the nomination has seen exemplary self-responsibility and mastery of the life skills necessary for the expectations and duties as outlined.
National Volunteer Week - National Points of Light Institute
April 17 - 23, 2011
National Volunteer Week reflects the power that volunteers have to "inspire by example" - volunteers both encourage those they help and motivate others to serve!
Twenty-three million more Americans are volunteering today than in 1989, according to research by Points of Lights. They report volunteering has increased by one-third over the past 20 years. Baby Boomers and older Americans are 40 percent more likely to volunteer than their peers in 1989.
What can this mean for 4-H? Expand your recruitment pool beyond the parents of our 4-H members. Look to those whose children are grown and have time, talents and experiences which will benefit the 4-H program and the youth we serve.
Find out how you, too, can participate in the week's many offerings. Discover how simple it is to nominate volunteers for awards, including the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Global Youth Service Day
April 15-17 is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning.
Established in 1988, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and is now celebrated in over 100 countries. On GYSD, children and youth address the world's most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and governments.
The goals of Global Youth Service Day are:
- To MOBILIZE youth to identify and address the needs of their communities through service.
- To SUPPORT youth on a life-long path of service, learning, and civic engagement.
- To EDUCATE the public, the media, and policymakers about the year-round contributions of young people as community leaders
Young people organize and lead projects that address their communities' needs. Projects cover a broad range of issues, which often fit within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals including projects that focus on hunger, HIV/AIDS, malaria, environmental protection, girls' education, and poverty. Past project examples include: malaria prevention workshops, environmental awareness efforts, campaigns that promote literacy or aid to the homeless, and education around healthy eating habits. Projects can include direct and indirect service or advocacy opportunities.
Visit www.gysd.org! The GYSD Planning Tool Kit walks you through the steps of creating a GYSD event. Sign up to receive announcements, newsletters, and progress reports. Register your GYSD event and become part of an international youth service movement!
www.gysd.org/resources has a multitude of resources, including: the GYSD Planning Tool Kit, The Service-Learning Curriculum Guide, Semester of Service Strategy Guide, and many tip sheets.
Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Volunteer Awards - Due April 15th
The application form and guidelines for 2011 District and State volunteer awards are available at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/awards/recogn.htm.
Nominations submitted to the District 4-H Office must be received electronically. A complete packet will include ALL of the following volunteer's vita, three letters of recommendations and an electronic photograph, no later than 5 PM on or before April 15, 2011.
The selection committee asked that the following be shared with county educators: "Please do not complete the vita for the volunteer, it is obvious when it is and is not the work of the individual. The information on the Vita needs to be thoughts, philosophy and words of the volunteer." For those counties nominating a modest or humble volunteer who will not "toot their own horn," it is suggested that you work one-on-one with the individual to record answers for each question on the vita.
State 4-H Council Spring Traveling Workshop
These train-the-trainer traveling workshops are packaged programs ready to take back to the local club and implement. The content is appropriate for adult and teen volunteers. The audience receives lesson plans which can be taken back to the local club.
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
Leadership |
Healthy Living |
Citizenship |
Citizenship |
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Leadership |
Overview of Treat with Service Workshop
The fourth H in 4-H is "health." But how often do we devote 25 percent of our total programming efforts as volunteers and 4-H members to health? Through health-related programming and project work members develop physically, socially, emotionally, mentally and morally. This program offers endless benefits, and every member of the club can apply his or her unique talents to carrying out the service project. To learn more go to http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/leadership/workshop.html.
Charles Maloy, State 4-H Leadership Council
4-H Animal Lovers are Howling about Bake and Take Month
This March for Bake and Take month, give pet treats a try. Make a batch of dog treats for the humane shelter and spend some time playing with the dogs and cats on your visit. Bake some cookies for shut-ins and bake some dog treats for their pets.
You can find dog bone treat cutters at most pet shops, or use your regular cookie cutters. (Just be sure not to confuse the cookies with Fido's treats). A wheat-based dog treat recipe is available on the 4-H Literature Online website at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/litol/.
Please follow the new Bake and Take guidelines and offer your support to "Made in Oklahoma" products.
Introducing 4-H Youth to the World of Sporting Dogs
Registration is now open for the 4-H Sporting Dog Workshop, to be held in Stillwater on April 2, 2011 from 8:30 am - 3 pm. This workshop will provide introductory information regarding bird dogs for youth and volunteers participating in the 4-H program. The interested youth will learn about types and breeds of sporting dogs, basic obedience and commands, proper use of training devices and basic husbandry in the field and at home.
Pre-registration is required and is limited to the first 50 paid 4-H members, along with their volunteer leaders. Registration cost is $10 and includes lunch. For more information go online to http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/animal.htm.
4-H Dog Show Opportunities
Muskogee County is hosting the NED Dog Show. This show is open to all 4-H members. Four-H divisions at this show will include showmanship, agility, and obedience. The fun match in the afternoon will include Rally and Agility and is open to 4-Hers, parents, friends, supporters, or everyone.
Show Date: April 16th.
Location: Muskogee Fairgrounds
More information will be posted when available at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/animal.htm.
Pet Care Seminars
Each month the Vet Teaching Hospital provides educational pet care seminars that are open to the public. This includes 4-H members and their families. The seminars are held at the McElroy Hall Auditorium on the corner of McFarland and Farm Road at 7 pm. Programs this spring include the following:
March 1, 201 - Rehabilitation for My Pet: Is there such a thing?
April 5, 2011
May 3, 2011
4-H Zoo Snooze
There is still plenty of space available for the 2011 4-H Zoo Snooze. Mark your calendars for the night of April 15, 2011, as we will be offering another OKC Zoo Snooze opportunity for 4-H members. Four-H members are invited to come spend the night at the OKC Zoo and learn about ZOOTASTIC CAREERS. Later that night they will venture outdoors for a night hike through the zoo. The hike will be followed up by 4-H activities. In the morning we will slip out for an early tour while the animals are up and having breakfast. The rest of the day is yours to spend at the zoo. Make plans today. It's sure to be a wild time! Registration is available online at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/animal.htm Registration is limited and will be on a first come/first serve basis.
Indian Electric Cooperative Scholarship
High school seniors in the Indian Electric Cooperative service area are eligible to apply for the Indian Electric Cooperative Scholarship. The Indian Electric Cooperative Service area includes the following districts:
Cleveland
Frontier
Hominy
Jennings
Keystone
Mannford
Oilton
Olive
Pawhuska
Pawnee
Pretty Water
Prue
Sand Springs
Shidler
Woodland
Wynona
Yale
Seniors who attend public or private school, or those who are homeschooled are eligible for this scholarship.
You can download the application from the Oklahoma 4-H awards page at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/awards/handbook.htm
Applications are due on May 2.
Reminder: 4-H Ambassador Applications due April 1
The 2011 4-H Ambassador applications are available on the Ambassador link on the 4-H website or at the following address http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/ambassador/become.html
Applications are due to Cathy Allen April 1. Ambassador interviews will be held on the OSU campus Saturday, May 14th.