4-H News:

2006 National 4-H Conference Call for Workshop Proposals

National 4-H Headquarters, USDA is now accepting workshop proposals for the 2006 National 4-H Conference, March 25-30, 2006.

The 2006 National 4-H Conference theme, “Connect 4-H—Let’s Get Together!” reflects the many connections we have within and across 4-H, including the Essential Elements of the 4-H Youth Development Program—independence, belonging, generosity, and mastery. When there are sustained opportunities for young people to gain a sense of independence, belonging, generosity, and mastery, youth can master skills to make life choices, effectively contribute to decision-making and act responsibly, and positively influence their communities and beyond.

A major goal of the 2006 National 4-H Conference is to offer participants a rich and meaningful personal and professional development experience through a comprehensive understanding of the Essential Elements of the 4-H Youth Development Program. Each workshop will focus on one of the four essential elements of youth development and be led by a team of youth and adults. Workshops will be meaningful, fun, and of the genre that “gets folks out of their seats and ready for action.” Workshop facilitators will provide participants with a “toolkit” that will assist them in applying what they learned back home.

Conference delegates are strongly encouraged to submit workshop proposals. Proposals from teams other than National 4-H Conference delegates are welcome; please review the workshop materials on the conference Web site for additional information about visiting presenters.

Visit the “Call for Workshop Proposals” link on the conference Web site, http://4hconf.4-h.org, for more information about the call for workshop proposals as well as a simple form to submit to Natl4HConf@csrees.usda.gov regarding your intent to submit a proposal (due December 19) and the submission form (due January 12).

Applicants are asked to notify their state or institution 4-H program leader of their proposed workshop and facilitators. Also due December 19 are e-mail confirmations from state or institution 4-H program leaders to Natl4HConf@csrees.usda.gov indicating they’d been notified of the proposed workshop(s). This communication is required for a workshop proposal to be considered for the conference.

Interested in attending the 2006 National 4-H Conference as a conference delegate? National 4-H Headquarters, USDA sponsors the National 4-H Conference, also known as the Secretary’s Conference. National 4-H Headquarters extends an invitation, on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture, to each land-grant institution to send a delegation of youth, adult volunteers, and/or Extension professional staff to the National 4-H Conference. Each state/institution has their own processes for identifying and selecting their delegates. Please contact your 4-H office to learn more about representing your state or institution at the National 4-H Conference. Delegation coordinators in each state have been notified that preliminary registration is open through November 14, 2005.

The conference will be held March 25-30, 2006 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center – operated by our private partner, National 4-H Council – in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Questions about National 4-H Conference? Please contact Maria Parisi, National 4-H Conference coordinator, at National 4-H Headquarters, USDA at 202-720-8857 or mparisi@csrees.usda.gov.

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4-H and the Latino Community

Did you know Latinos will make up half of the growth of our country during the next two decades? This group comprises 14 percent of the US population, or about 41 million people, and nearly 14 million are under age of 18. The population is expected to reach more than 55 million by 2020.

4-H is a diverse organization that welcomes youth of all cultures from all parts of the country. National 4-H Council is looking at ways to reach out to Latino communities in our country through 4-H programs. We’d like to know if you’re doing any work with this community, and if so, if you could share with us what you are doing.

Email Gretchen Hilburger at ghilburger@fourhcouncil.edu to share your work and ideas. ¡Muchas gracias!
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EYSC 4 Applications Due November 11

This is a reminder that EYSC 4 RFA’s are due Friday, November 11, 2005. Applications and all supporting documentation (an original and five sets) must be received by Sally Miske at National 4-H Council by 5 p.m. Eastern time. Faxed and e-mailed versions are not acceptable.

EYSC 4 is a federal grant fund opportunity open to land grant university 4-H/youth development programs to launch an innovative youth in governance program. Youth will be engaged in decision-making processes and develop leadership skills by preparing them, in partnership with adult leaders, to meet immediate needs and improve the quality of life in their communities. Engaging Youth Serving Community year four is a competitive grants program focused on rural communities, supported by national training, to provide state/local training and development, implementation and evaluation of community based issues forums and action plans.

Up to 16 grants of $25,000 will be awarded. If federal funding continues, it is expected that university grantees (and associated local sites) will be funded for up to three years. Universities are welcome to submit applications individually or in collaboration. Universities do not have to have participated in EYSC 1, 2 or 3 in order to qualify.

The two documents needed to apply for funding, the EYSC4 Request for Applications and EYSC4 Application Form, can be downloaded from the National 4-H Council Web site at http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/RuralYouthDevProgram.aspx. All land-grant university applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Sally Miske at National 4-H Council at smiske@fourhcouncil.edu. Questions also can be asked of Sally Miske at the NAE4-HA Conference in Seattle, Wash. (Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2005) at the National 4-H Council exhibit.
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Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

There are only 10 days left to nominate one of your 4-Hers for the 11th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards! This prestigious program honors young volunteers in middle and high school grades for outstanding community service; awards include sizable cash prizes, engraved medallions and a trip to Washington, D.C. County 4-H offices have until Monday, Nov. 7, 2005, to submit their top youth volunteers for state-level judging.

All county 4-H agents should have received program materials in the mail in August. Information and applications also are available at www.prudential.com/spirit, or by calling 1-888-450-9961. Don't miss this opportunity to bring well-deserved recognition to your top youth volunteer and to your local 4-H program!

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Nebraska 4-Hers Meet U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Johanns

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.—Two Nebraska 4-H youth put their leadership and public speaking skills to test last month in front of the United States Secretary of Agriculture.

Justin Taubenheim of Amherst, Neb., and Mary Jacobson, of North Platte, Neb., represented 4-H when USDA Secretary Mike Johanns attended the 28th annual Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Neb. Johanns has been traveling to conduct a series of listening forums centered around the 2007 Farm Bill, speaking about today’s agricultural issues and holding open dialogue with attendees.

Both dedicated 4-H members, Taubenheim and Jacobson played integral roles in the listening forum. Taubenheim led the flag salute to begin the afternoon’s events and Jacobson presented her viewpoints concerning one of the six farm policy USDA considerations.

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman was also present for the forum which was attended by hundreds of farmers and agricultural group representatives.

Husker Harvest Days is a showcase that presents developments in the world of agriculture, displaying the latest equipment, technology and items relevant to the states’ agriculture.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.—Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, Justin Taubenheim, United States Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, and Mary Jacobson at the Husker Harvest Days 2007 Farm Bill Listening Forum.
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2006 National 4-H Camping Institute

South Dakota is excited to be the host for the next National 4-H Camping Institute. Plans are underway to make sure all attendees have a Monumental Experience. The National 4 H Camping Institute will be held February 17-21, 2006, at the Cedar Canyon Wesleyan Camp in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills home of Mt. Rushmore, the shrine of democracy.

Workshop proposals are still being accepted (deadline has been extended) from anyone interested in sharing your camping knowledge with the rest of the camping enthusiasts attending. Please take the time to visit and fill out the Call For Proposal Form and return it to the address on the form to be considered as a presenter during the 2006 NCI.

Visit the SD 4-H website at http://4h.sdstate.edu to find the workshop proposal form and the registration information. For more information, visit the NCI Booth at the NAE4-HA Conference in Seattle, Wash.
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Resources and Opportunities:

Travel the World with Agriventure

Agriventure, the International Agricultural Exchange Association has increased the number of program options. Travel the world, work, learn and earn while experiencing a new culture and develop lifelong friendships worldwide. The program offerings to over 16 countries last in time from 5-18 months in the following categories:
• Agriventure- traditional working farm or home economics- work for a period of time, includes room and board, then holiday to travel about
• Agriventure Plus- for the more advanced trainee- seeking management experience and pay will be commensurate with experience
• Agriventure WorkAbout- Seasonal work on a farm or two, then travels on your own
• Agriventure Horticulture Plus- placement in a traditional horticulture/viticulture location

Visit www.agriventure.com or contact the North American office at 1-800-263-1827 or Paul Weubbe (a former 4-Her) at pweubbe@yahoo.com.
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