Table of Contents
Focus on Youth
News for OCES staff working with youth.
June, 2009
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.
Dear Extension Family,
Extension educators have been referred to as “change agents.” I guess this is because over the years we have been involved in bringing innovation to our clientele. Change agents are catalysts in that we can be part of helping to start or enhance or continue change. Recently, members of OAE4-HA heard a very good speaker at their annual conference, Jeff Wilkie. Jeff shared some characteristics that a change agent needs. Those include: (1) Sensitivity of a Social Worker, (2) Insight of a Psychologist, (3) Stamina of a Marathon Runner, (4) Persistence of a Bulldog, (5) Self Reliance of a Hermit, and (6) Patience of a Saint. As you think of yourself, which of these characteristics are evident in you?
Over the past 100 years the 4-H program has undergone many changes, and as we continue to seek to reach more youth and families more changes must continue to take place. During the conference we heard a great deal about technology and the learning styles of our current generation of youth. If we hope to reach more youth in our current generation of youth, we must embrace technologies. Of course there are many folks like me who may not “Twitter” or know how to do everything. We need to remember that not everyone is “connected,” so we must not leave folks on the other side of the “electronic divide.”
As we are all aware, change is inevitable. Sometime it is small and unnoticed, and other times it very visible. One such change at Roundup will be the election of state administrative positions. Members of the State 4-H Leadership Council Class of 2008 who have met or exceeded 80 percent of the expectations of their duties will be eligible for an administrative position on the council. State candidates will be elected by voting delegates. All counties will have at least two voting delegates (or more, based on registration) who will cast the counties' votes based the ballots cast by delegates in their county meetings. While some people think this is a big change, it really is not new. Since we are honoring our past as part of the Centennial Celebration, think of it as being a “Retro” Roundup or revisiting the past of long ago. LOL
Check out details about the 4-H Centennial online through
the 4-H website or on Facebook.
Charles Cox
Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development
Companion Animal Judges List
I am asking for your help to develop a companion animal judges list. The purpose of this list is to help county fair boards, local 4-H clubs and extension educators have a resource to locate people that are willing to judge companion animal shows. The information we need for the list is the judges name, certification if applicable (not required), address, phone number, email and which type of events they are comfortable judging.
People of all experience levels are invited to be posted from the parent of the 4-H dog member that is only comfortable helping a neighboring county have a local obedience show to the rabbit judge that is an ARBA certified judge who is willing to participate in statewide events.
This list will be posted on the 4-H website. Fees and references will not be posted on the list. It will be the responsibility of the caller to determine if the judge’s fees and qualifications meet their needs.
Operation: Military Kids News
OMK has had tremendous success making the proper connections with military
officials. We have become part of the Joint Family Support Assistance
Program and have identified numerous needs our military families face.
Please notify your military families of the following events: Frontier
City Military Family Appreciation Day May 30th, the Science
Museum Camp-In June 12th, Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum August 8th
and OSU day August 12th. I will send out more information as events
continue to be planned. If you are interested in getting involved in
Operation: Military Kids, please let me know. We have several educators
lined up to present workshops for the Oklahoma National Guard Camp to
be held at Camp Gruber in Muskogee. I want to thank everyone who will
be involved in this camp and look forward to seeing you there. I also
want
to thank Kyle Worthington and Gale Goodner for coordinating with News
9 in OKC to promote our Hero Pack program. Finally, please join us May
28th in a Centra Ready, Set, Go training hosted by Haskell County Extension
Educator Chellee Burson starting at 9:00 as we discuss military culture
and issues military kids face. If you have any questions please feel
free to give me a call or shoot an email.
County Medals
It’s
time to order your county medals, pins and special awards. Attached are
the order form and
instructions
for ordering your medals. The due date
is June 30, 2009. If you need more time please call at 405-744-8887
and make arrangements. Otherwise you will have to pay for all medals ordered
after this date.
Dog Daze of Summer 4-H Dog Show
You and your dog are invited to the Statewide Dog Daze of Summer 4-H Dog Show. The show will take place June 13, 2009 at the Tulsa Dog Training Club near 61st Street & Hwy 169 in Tulsa. The show will consist of Obedience, Rally & Showmanship.
This show is being hosted by the 4-H Paw Starz Dog Club, and they are requesting that members bring items such as a dog or cat treats or toys. This will be used in their Meals 4 Paw Starz program in which pet items are distributed to pet owners that are Meals on Wheels recipients.
For more information about this show see the registration form.
State Parent-Volunteer Conference
"Oklahoma 4-H Volunteers: Honoring, Celebrating and Envisioning" is the theme of the 2009 State Parent-Volunteer Conference. The conference is schedule for July 11, in Stillwater.
Conference program, workshop descriptions and enrollment form are posted on line at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/volun/eduopp.htm. For the third year, Monsanto scholarships will be available for certified volunteers attending the conference for the first time.
The program and enrollment form were mailed directly to volunteers whose name and address were submitted to the state office as club leaders of “chartered” clubs. Please assist the State 4-H Volunteer Board in promoting the conference to all other parents and volunteers in your county.
Conference objectives include:
- Celebrate past, present and future traditions as part of the Oklahoma 4-H Centennial.
- Enlighten volunteers as to how diverse 4-H opportunities and experiences develop capable youth.
- Encourage volunteers to establish and nurture a support network with fellow volunteers.
- Motivate parents and volunteers to serve as project leaders, committee members and club leaders.
There will be four tracks of workshops:
Track 1 - “Honoring” our past - workshop
topics which are a rich part of our history and still viable to today’s
youth and our communities.
Track 2 - “Celebrating” our present -
current trends and interests of youth and youth development programming
or volunteer development.
Track 3 – “Envisioning” our future
- introduction of new and unusual programs, projects, and coming trends
which will put our youth programming out on the cutting edge.
Track 4 – “100 years of Service" -
Invitation only! - the top recipients of the 100 years of Service project
will be invited to present the innovative service learning program
their club conducted.
During the luncheon Oklahoma 4-H will recognize volunteers who have been selected by their county for Volunteer of the Year and Life-Time Service awards and announce the District and State award recipients.
The early bird enrollment fee of $30 and enrollment form are due on or before June 19. Any enrollment postmarked after June 19th will be responsible for the full enrollment fee of $40.
Theresa Bragg, State 4-H Volunteer Board President
Centennial Share Fair – State 4-H Parent-Volunteer Conference
The State 4-H Volunteer Board would like to invite your county 4-H Parent-Volunteer Organization and/or County Leaders Council to provide a Share Fair display at the State Parent-Volunteer Conference July 11 in Stillwater. Applications for the “Centennial” Share Fair are attached and due on or before June 1.
This year the Share Fair displays will focus entirely on the 4-H Centennial celebration. We want to showcase interesting and innovative examples of centennial activities at the club or county level – programming, projects, fair exhibits, alumni activities, special events, and/or community involvement, which have taken place or are currently being planned in regard to the 4-H Centennial. We want to make this a learning experience which provides an opportunity for 4-H volunteers and parents to get some great ideas for use in their clubs or county program.
It is the responsibility of a volunteer/county delegation attending the conference to set up the display and be available to answer questions during breaks. These exhibits are not intended for individual 4-H members to showcase project work. We want the display to showcase efforts of a local 4-H group or county program.
Misty Highfill, NW District Representative, State Volunteer Board
"4-H Volunteers - A Southern Traditions” - Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Forum – Deposit due July 17th
New – delegate
packet posted at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/volun/eduopp.htm
Looking for a way to rejuvenate your enthusiasm as a volunteer or county educator? Rock Eagle is the place! The best way to describe the experience is 4-H Camp for Adults. The days are packed with excellent workshops and the evenings are filled with entertainment and Fun Shops. To view a video of the 2008 conference, follow the link http://www.4hsrlf.org/08srlf/08slideshow.htm.
The conference will be held in Eatonton Georgia, October 1-4, 2009. Full Conference registration will not exceed $275. A $50 deposit is due July 18, 2009, the remaining balance is due August 21st. Visit the host state conference site at www.4hsrlf.org for current information regarding the conference. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Oklahoma typically travels as a group via air transportation.
The mission of the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum is to increase the capacity of volunteer and salaried staff to contribute to the achievement of the mission of 4-H youth development and the Cooperative Extension system as a whole. The primary purpose of the forum is to educate and prepare participants to share what they learned back home. Participants benefit from the experiential learning activities which require them to discuss, use and apply what they learn. The ultimate application is for individuals and teams to teach others.
SRVLF is an excellent opportunity to meet adult volunteers from 13 southern states, Puerto Rico, Grenada, and the Virgin Islands.
National 4-H Conference – CHANGE in Application Process
NEW – Delegates must be nominated by Extension Educator, club leader, 4-H volunteer, district 4-H program specialist, or state 4-H staff person.
Nominee must complete a portfolio which illustrates the individual’s skills in identifying, planning, conducting and evaluating social/environmental/political issues in their communities, school, 4-H program, faith group, etc.
National 4-H Conference is a working conference and a training ground for youth who are focused and committed to working for the Oklahoma 4-H program. Funds are being invested in training delegates to return to Oklahoma for the maintenance and implementation of 4-H programming. 2010 delegates will be making more than a personal commitment of their time. Initially delegates will be expected to pay 2/3rds of their transportation, lodging and registration. If the delegate fulfills his/her duties, the funds will be reimbursed to the family. The application for 2009 delegates is attached and available online and is due July 1. Interviews will be scheduled and conducted during free time/social activities during Roundup.
Oklahoma’s delegates must be team players. The delegation will function as a team for approximately two years from the time you attend Conference until the Back Home Action Plan is completed. Pre and post conference work is mandatory. Delegates will work cooperatively with previous teams in learning, maintaining and coordinating existing programs.
National Conference is an opportunity for youth and adults to solicit input from a diverse cross-section of the Cooperative Extension System and to strengthen and expand the 4-H Youth Development program at local, state, and national levels. National Conference is an intense week of committee work, workshops, legislative visits, and presentations. Delegates will contact and meet with Oklahoma decision makers during their time in our nation’s capital.
Four-H members must be freshmen, sophomores or juniors in high school on September 1 of the year of nomination. If the delegate of choice is a high school senior on September 1 of the year of selection, he or she will be expected to complete up to a two-year commitment to the program. He/she is encouraged to reside in Oklahoma during that time.
CHANGES - 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.
The nominee’s portfolio will illustrate the individual’s skills in identifying, planning, conducting and evaluating social/environmental/political issues in their communities, school, 4-H program, faith group, etc.
To be given consideration as an Oklahoma delegate the individual must be nominated by a 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. A county may nominate no more than two people per year.
Centennial Fair Exhibits
All exhibits in the 4-H Centennial division are intended for members to learn about and document our 4-H heritage through the process of identification, preservation and restoration.
4-H Curriculum has been developed to introduce and educate 4-H members and volunteers to appropriate preservation and conservation techniques. The criteria/standards used to evaluate the 4-H member’s exhibit will reflect the child’s mastery of conservation and/or preservation techniques and their ability to document memorabilia/history.
Curriculum currently
available: 4H•HLTH•402 Collectibles;
4H•HLTH•404 Preserving Books, Paper Documents, & Photographs;
4H•HLTH•406 Preserving Memorabilia; 4H•HLTH•407 History
Mysteries Part 1; 4H•PDL•111 Heritage Posters and Displays; 4H•HLTH•410
History Mysteries Part 2 and 4H•HLTH•411 Authentication Card.
Materials underdevelopment and available May 1 include Preserving Vintage
Clothing and Textile Products; Preserving Metal, Wood and Plastic Collectables;
Documenting and Cataloguing Collectables; and Displaying Collections
and Collectables. All curriculums can be downloaded
on the Oklahoma 4-H webpage under 4-H Centennial.
Updates have been completed for the 2009 Fairs. Attached is a revised handout for use at the county level.
2009 State 4-H Roundup Spirit Contest
The Banner will be 25 percent of the total points for the contest. Banners will be judged on creativity, design, and depiction of theme – Oklahoma 4-H Centennial: Honoring, Celebrating and Envisioning
Service Projects – 50%
100 Years of Service will be 25 percent of the total points for the contest. The winner will be determined by the total number of video/PPT/reports submitted. If two or more districts submit their top 25, the tie breaker will be the district who has the most projects selected for the top 10. Top ten will be to recognize clubs (members and volunteers) who excel in ingenuity – creativity, resourcefulness, and life skill development in the project planning, implementation and reporting
Each One, Reach One will be 10 percent of the total points for the contest. The winner will be determined by the total number of new members from each county.
Operation Oklahoma Military Kids will be 15 percent of the total points for the contest. The winner will be determined by the percentage of counties who participate and the total number of items collected. List of item and report form are attached and posted on the internet at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/events/roundup.htm.
Chant will be 25 percent of the total points for the contest. The chant content must promote Roundup theme. Presentation of chant will not be determined by how loud the delegates yell, but on audibility and creativity – audibility being defined as the words being distinctly understood. No props (includes signs, flags, or anything that must be held or worn), no face paints or noise makers will be allowed.
State 4-H Leadership Council
Tree Grant Program
DUE DATE: July 10, 2009
TOPIC: The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is proud to present the Tree Grant Program in its 13th year! 226 grants have been awarded in the past 12 years, making a visible difference to Oklahoma’s public transportation corridors. The purpose of this grant is to improve communities through the use of trees; i.e. screening, aesthetics, erosion control, noise barrier, etc... In 2009, $435,000 is available to award to communities ranging from $1,875 to $25,000 with a 25% Local Match requirement.
LINK TO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/beauty/treegrant/index.htm
Geospatial Institute
The Oklahoma Geospatial Institute is open to counties participating in the Geospatial Initiative team, or who have received an ESRI Grant or who are planning to develop and complete community mapping projects during the 2009-10 4-H year. The Institute is June 30 – July 1. Registration is due June 12. (Geospatial Institute Registration Form) (2009 Geospatial Institute Schedule)
State 4-H Horse Show Schedule
The State 4-H Horse Show will take place June 18-21 in the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee. A schedule is attached.
4-H Centennial Train Ride – July 17, 2009
Carter, Murray and Pontotoc Counties are hosting a Centennial train ride in celebration of 4-H’s 100th birthday. Participants can board the train at Oklahoma City, Norman, Purcell or Paul’s Valley and will then enjoy lunch and a Centennial program in Ardmore. Members and volunteers must arrange for pick-up in Ardmore around 1 p.m. as the train ride is only one way. Cost is $20, which includes the train ticket and lunch in Ardmore. Please order your ticket by July 1. See attached flyer for additional details.
Beef Barn Talk
Attached is the 2009 OSU Beef “Barn Talk” in-service flyer for Oklahoma Agricultural Instructors and Oklahoma Extension Educators. Please RSVP, rusty.gosz@okstate.edu, if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you this summer.
Companion Animal Resources
The state 4-H office has Rally Kits and Obedience Jump
Kits available for check out, as well as Dog and Rabbit Learning Lab
Kits. The Learning Lab Kits contain various interactive lessons that
your clubs can utilize from breed identification, genetics to some basic
health care and grooming techniques. The kits can be used as single lessons
or stations for the youth to rotate through. They make great knowledge
bowl kits for local and county contest. The Learning Labs can be checked
out by contacting Karen Brown at
the state 4-H office, 405-744-8885.
The Rally Obedience Kits contain everything a club needs to set up there
show ring for a 4-H Dog Rally Obedience Contest. They include; signs,
stands, cones, bowls, stopwatches and numbers. The Jump Kits include
high jump, broad jump and bar jump for basic or rally obedience. These
kits can be checked out by contacting Gloria
Baum, 405-744-8887.
State Recognition of County and Life Time Volunteers
The State 4-H Volunteer Board is courteously extending the deadline for counties to recognize their volunteers during the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the Leadership Development Conference July 11, 2009. The Oklahoma Farmers Union graciously sponsors lunch for the recipient and one guest.
Please understand that this individual(s) is not being considered for the district and state awards since this is an extension of the original deadline.
Please use the attached revised form for county volunteer(s) who you want recognized at the luncheon. The form, letter of recommendation from 4-H staff member and a photograph must be received electronically in the State 4-H Office on or before June 12, 2009. This deadline is firm.
We look forward to honoring the outstanding work our local and county volunteers provide the 4-H program.
State 4-H Volunteer Board
Each One, Reach One – Centennial Style
In recognition and celebration of our 100 years of service to Oklahoma youth we encourage each county to expand their enrollment and retention of new volunteers and members, but more importantly the retention and participation of new 4-H members and adult volunteers through Each One Reach One. This year the program has been expanded to include the recruitment and retention of adult volunteers.
To have participated in “Each One, Reach One,” an enrolled 4-H member (who has been an well rounded and active 4-H member for a minimum of one year) has been provided an orientation for being a mentor, they then recruited one “new” member (who is not an immediate family member) into their local club and mentored that person during their first year of enrollment. This program is not intended for Cloverbuds.
The goal of “Each One, Reach One” was not “Quality not Quantity.” We wanted the 4-H member or adult volunteer to make an investment in the individual, so the new member/volunteer becomes as passionate about 4-H as the mentor!
Attached is a copy of the Club Report and the mentor and mentee E.O.R.O report form located in 4H.PLD.504. Reports are due June 1 to the county extension office. All club reports and E.O.R.O. forms collected at the county level are due by June 15th to the State 4-H Office.
Robbie Maples
Committee Chair