4-H News:

National 4-H Week Marketing and Media Resources Kit Now Available

The National 4-H Week Kit is now available online at www.4husa.org.

National 4-H Week is Sunday, October 2 through Saturday, October 8, 2005. National 4-H Week welcomes you to connect with the 4-H community where young people across America are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. This year's theme is Make the 4-H Connection.

How can you promote events going on in your community? What do you need to get it all done in time? Where can you hold an event? The National 4-H Week 2005 Kit contains a wide variety of media relations and marketing communications collateral to help you successfully promote National 4-H Week 2005 events and activities in your community.

To check out the kit click here.

The kit contains the following materials: activity guides, bookmarks, brochure, certificates, fact sheets, folder labels, interview information, letterhead, logos, name badges, news release template, newspaper ads, placemats, posters, proclamations, radio PSAs, table tents and many tips, resources and how-to guides.
Many of the materials are available in a version that you can easily save and open in Microsoft Word, customize with your community and contact information and print on color printers. All files are in .jpeg (graphics), Adobe .PDF and Microsoft Word. There is a link on the site to help you download the Adobe Reader software.

We hope you find these materials helpful and look forward to promoting National 4-H Week across the 4-H community. Once you have used the site, please take a moment to fill out our survey so we can make National 4-H Week 2006 even better!

If you have any questions, please contact Allyson McMahan at amcmahan@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-961-2915.

National 4-H Week 2005 marketing communications and media relations materials are available by clicking here.
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4-H Citizenship Washington Focus Delegates Say Goodbye

(Chevy Chase, MD)—Twelve dedicated young adults worked behind the scenes to make the seven weeks of Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center a success.

The Poling Fellows, also known as the CWF program assistants, provided exceptional leadership to 1,800 youth from 29 states during the 4-H summer leadership program. This year, the program assistants became Poling Fellows thanks to a generous donation from 4-H alumnus Mr. Harold A. Poling.

During their stay, CWF delegates spent a week in the nation’s capital learning about the federal nation’s government as well as enhancing their own leadership, citizenship and life skills. They took time to meet with their senators, congressmen or other key governmental leaders on Capitol Hill and visited national historic sites. They also participated in a variety of workshops centered on the 4-H youth in governance initiative, bill writing and committee meetings. Some of the highlights of their stay were the United States Army Twilight Tattoo, a military performance held on the White House Ellipse every week during the summer, and a talent show. After long days of workshops, meetings and visiting the sites, the CWF delegates hung out at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, exchanging 4-H stories and creating long-lasting friendships.

Both the Poling Fellows and CWF delegates were able to meet with a variety of key speakers on a weekly basis including National 4-H Hall of Fame Laureate Eleanor Wilson; National 4-H Council President and CEO Donald T. Floyd, Jr.; George Brown, former lieutenant governor of Colorado, Tuskegee airman and National 4-H Council trustee; Colorado Senator Wayne Allard; Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen; and Chevy Chase Mayor William Hudnut.

One highlight for the Poling Fellows was meeting Major General Galen B. Jackman, commanding general, United States Army Military District of Washington. Major General Jackman currently serves as President Bush’s personal escort and served Nancy Reagan during President Reagan’s funeral in June 2004. During a reception at Fort McNair, Major General Jackman spoke to the Poling Fellows and Week 3 Citizenship Washington Focus delegates, chaperones, staff members and friends.

For more information on how you can continue to change the lives of young people who attend Citizenship Washington Focus, contact Carolyn Fernandez, director of development, at cfernandez@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-961-2983.

The Poling Fellows join with National 4-H Council President and CEO Donald T. Floyd, Jr.
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National 4-H Headquarters Honored for GIS Work

(San Diego, CA)—National 4-H Headquarters at USDA recently was honored with a 2005 Special Achievement in GIS award for its outstanding use of geographic information system (GIS) technology.

ESRI presented the award at the 25th ESRI International User Conference in San Diego, CA, before thousands of GIS professionals. Out of more than 150,000 organizations worldwide, the winners of this award stood out for their exceptionally dedicated work and commitment.

National 4-H Headquarters and the National GIS/GPS Design Team have integrated GIS technology into youth programs to launch community mapping programs in 175 communities in 44 states. GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes database information about a location, including streets, buildings, water features and terrain and turns it into visual layers. The ability to see and analyze geographic features on a map gives users a better understanding of a particular location, enabling planners, analysts and others to make informed decisions about their communities, the environment, and businesses.

Youth involved in the program map social, economic and environmental situations that need to be addressed positively. The program trains its members in the technology and enables them to engage in community governance as they present their GIS-developed maps and work with elected officials, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Through the 4-H community mapping program, youth become part of the solution, using GIS to demonstrate and visualize problems and present solutions to their own communities.

“This award reflects the significant dedication and support these organizations provide to the people who depend on them,” said ESRI President Jack Dangermondt. “Each of the winners uses GIS technology to go beyond what is expected into the realm of excellence.”

Fifteen 4-H youth and 21 adults representing 10 states attended the conference and, in addition to receiving the award, contributed in a variety of capacities. They worked with Trimble, a company that makes GPS receivers and equipment, and ESRI to host the Trimble GEO Treasure Hunt. Conference participants used GPS receivers—their own or those loaned by Trimble—to locate landmarks around the San Diego Convention Center based on geospatial information.

They also hosted a meeting of the GIS Partners in 4-H Technology and 4-H Alumni Informational Special Interest Group (SIG). Youth members of the National 4-H GIS GPS Leadership Team shared maps and photos from GIS and GPS projects they conducted in their states, as well as get ideas for new projects, techniques, experts and data sources.

Several hundred people attended, including government and business, scientists, educators, 4-H alumni, youth representatives of school programs and staff from several other 4-H programs present at the conference.

Additionally, the National 4-H GIS/GPS Team 4-H created an exhibit in the Youth Community GIS Gallery to share information about the 4-H program today and especially GIS and GPS programs. They gave four presentations on our local and national 4-H geospatial programs and events and their impact across the country, such as the Forest Park Signage service learning project conducted during the 2004 National 4-H Leadership Conference. Three maps of national and local programs were accepted for hanging in the map gallery.

Despite their busy schedule, the National 4-H GIS/GPS Team also held meetings to plan leadership activities for the coming year, including new or expanded projects and potential new partnerships. Information on the activities and plans will be available at the 2005 NAE4-HA conference.

For more information on the 4-H and ESRI partnership, visit http://www.esri.com/industries/k-12/4-h/index.html.

National 4-H Headquarters at USDA receives a 2005 Special Achievement in GIS Award for its work with the National 4-H GPS/GIS Team.
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4-H Afterschool Opens Doors Award Application Available

We are proud to announce that 4-H Afterschool is offering an award recognizing 4-H volunteers who are involved in 4-H Afterschool programming in their communities. Awards of $500 each will be awarded to 25 volunteer-led 4-H Afterschool projects. The funds will be given to outstanding 4-H volunteers—youth and adults—who are providing one or more of the following activities within their communities:

1) training after-school program staff;
2) increasing the use of 4-H curricula in after-school programs;
3) helping organize 4-H Clubs in after-school programs;
4) providing 4-H activities to youth in after-school programs; and/or
5) working with JCPenney Afterschool Fund partners (Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA, Junior Achievement and/or Afterschool Alliance) or other groups (schools, faith-based, community-based groups) to offer 4-H curricula and/or training to youth and staff in after-school programs.

This awards program is open to all 4-H youth and adult volunteers currently involved with a local 4-H Afterschool program. The funds must be used to support 4-H Afterschool work in local communities. A local 4-H professional staff member must sign the award application verifying that the applicant is a 4-H volunteer.

For more information and to obtain an application, contact Ron Drum, national coordinator, 4-H Afterschool at rdrum@fourhcouncil.eduor 301-961-2814.
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Kansas Kids Capture Memories

(Junction City, KS)—Snapping away at everything in sight, thirty 4-H youth from Kansas and Nebraska gathered in June for the Photo Adventure Camp at Rock Springs 4-H Center in Junction City, KS.

Sporting digital and still-film photography cameras alike, the three-day camp was a hands-on learning opportunity for the campers. They had the chance to interact with professional and experienced photographers, learn more about photography and test out techniques new to them.

“You can show people things they don’t normally pay attention to--like putting your camera in close to a flower. You see a lot more detail and color!” said Julie Lanham, 14, of Wyandotte. Many of the campers shared the same enthusiasm about learning photography.

The week also included multiple fieldtrips around camp as well as an off-campus fieldtrip, each location offering backdrops and props for practice in taking pictures. Unfortunately the weather was inclement for part of the time at camp, but the youth were able to improvise. They set up areas for still-life photography, dark rooms for testing out techniques they had learned and outside areas to take portraits. They also found other ways to try out different lighting techniques and practiced using black lights, bubbles, ice, mirrors and other props.

Fifteen-year-old Alex Gaines of Geary County has been taking photos since he was seven years old. A four-year veteran of the camp, Alex said he enjoyed trying out some of the new techniques. “We did some fun stuff this year such as leaving the shutter opening and doing the ghost effect,” Alex said.

Every morning the campers submitted their completed rolls of film from the day before. In the afternoon, they were able to look at the developed rolls and go through the shots they had taken and determine how to improve.

Kodak Ambassador “Bud” Prince was one of the volunteers working with the youth, and he spent some time sharing his experiences with photography and film. He gave tips to improve picture-taking, including ideas about framing and balancing photos. He showed slides from his past work at Kodak and his recent voyages outside of the United States.

“I got involved in working with 4-H through Kodak. I always have good times with the kids and coming to Kansas to work at the camp,” Prince said.

Co-Camp Directors Pansy Freeman and Kathleen Romonda started the camp 10 years ago. Each year has had its challenges, but both say they’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Freeman and Romonda work with all of the youth, but most closely with the three teen-leaders who also work closely with the kids at the camp.

“We work their tails off setting up for camp and helping with activities during camp,” said Pansy. The teen leaders help keep the days running smoothly by making sure the other youth participate and running errands.

Youth who attend the camp have fun and learn skills that help them express themselves in new and creative ways.

"There are so many ways to be a photographer. I like showing how people can change," said Rachel Webb, 14, of Topeka.

Camp co-director Pansy Fryman helps Alex Gaines set his camera for the next photo.
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Oakland County, MI, Club Teaches Others to Fish

(Attica, MI)—There’s a proverb that says, “Feed a man a fish and he will eat for one day. Teach a man to fish and he will have food for a year. ”The 4-H Collectors’ Club of Oakland County, MI, has taken this to heart—and members have learned to raise organic vegetables and poultry, build a greenhouse and a chicken tractor, solicit resources from their community and keep financial records as they carry out a unique project to provide food and healthy lifestyle education to 20 local needy families.

National 4-H Council, in partnership with Kraft Foods, Inc., awarded the 4-H Collectors’ Club a Healthy Lifestyle grant of $7,200.00 in January 2005. This provided incentive for the ambitious project, which was chosen from a field of 93 applicants. The club’s project included growing food for needy families using energy-efficient and environmentally safe methods, securing donations of crock pots and other resources from the community and teaching the selected families about good nutrition and physical activity. The club had previously received a $2,000 “Feed the Hungry” grant also funded by Kraft Foods and decided to further develop their former project.

The group of six home-schooled 4-H members started off by building a 30-foot greenhouse to extend their growing season. They also are working with a local architect to design a second earth-sheltered greenhouse fueled by solar energy. The group has built three chicken tractors, bottomless, moveable pens made from conduit covered with chicken wire that can be moved manually around the garden so that the chickens can harvest their own insects and fresh green foliage. These pens allow for healthier birds and natural pest removal. Solar-powered fencing also helps eliminate unwanted garden visitors such as deer.

“We have made great progress doing chickens and vegetables. The garden looks all pretty mowed and the marigolds and chives stand out,” said Lois, the club secretary.

The response from the community has been wonderful. More than $2,000 of in-kind donations have been received, including crock pots, 120 chickens, 100 pounds of organically-grown beef and materials for the greenhouse. Many people have contributed their time and expertise to help the 4-Hers learn and gain experience.

The club has worked with a rural church and an urban church to recruit local Hispanic and African-American families with children ages 5-12 who want to learn how to create routine exercise regimens and cook nutritious food.

“With [4-H members] learning about all of this and doing all these projects, they are also really giving back to the community,” said Project Leader Kathy Aubin.

The 4-H Collectors’ Club shows off their new greenhouse.
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This Edition's Top 4-H Headlines

As always, young people in 4-H are making headlines in newspapers across the country! Check out 4HUSA.org to read the following stories and more!

National: Introducing the 4-H Beanie Baby bear
Hawaii: Hawaii Youth Make a Difference for Sarah
Oregon: Police, 4-H Tech Wizards partnership is win-win
Texas: It’s a Dog’s Life During the Dog Days of Summer at the Annual Texas 4-H Dog Show
Ohio: Rocketing to a science career

Resources and Opportunities:

National Summit on Your City’s Families

The National Summit on Your City's Families will be held in San Antonio, TX, from September 25-28, 2005. The summit is being sponsored by the Institute for Youth, Education, and Families of the National League of Cities (NLC) – the largest, non-profit, non-partisan membership organization representing municipal officials.

The conference has a variety of activities including keynote speakers, workshops, site visits, peer learning and a town hall meeting.

Click here to visit the Summit webpage which includes the registration form, draft agenda, a list of workshops, hotel information and information on previous conferences.
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Out-of-school Programs Supported in Harvard Publication

Featured in the latest issue of Harvard Family Research Project’s “Evaluation Exchange” journal is a new theory called “Complementary Learning.” This learning technique claims to narrow the achievement gap among youth. It encourages being active in non-school learning programs such as early care and education, families, after school programs, libraries, museums and other community programs. Although school is very important in a child’s development, it does not fully prepare youth for the real world.

This type of learning requires that the school and non-school programs coincide and complement each other.

The articles in this issue of “Evaluation Exchange” provide useful information on what type of methodologies to use and different programs that children can become active in. Click here for the Harvard Family Research Project issue free of charge.
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Agroterrorism Awareness Materials Available

Two Agroterrorism courses are available on CD through The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC). The two versions, General Awareness and Extension Awareness, include five sections: Introduction to Agroterrorism, Natural and Intentional Events, Crops, Livestock, and Prevention and Preparedness.

Agroterrorism is any plant or animal disease which threatens people economically, physically and generates fear throughout a population. The courses designed show the type of attacks that could occur to crops, livestock and the Nation’s food supply. To find out more about the courses or to order the free CD visit the TRAP Web site.
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