On June 4, 2006, the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) program began yet another year of enriching the lives of young 4-Hers from across the country. CWF is a leadership program that allows teens to participate in a variety of activities that broaden their appreciation and respect for both themselves and others in their world. Delegates attend workshops, embark on field trips, enjoy social events and work on committees, giving them hands-on opportunities to learn and grow by practicing skills that will help “make the best better.”

The delegations are led by college-aged program assistants (PAs) who live on the campus of the National 4-H Youth Conference Center for the summer. The PAs work closely with the groups during their time in Washington, D.C. by giving tours, facilitating the educational workshops and committees, and helping the participants have an exciting and positive experience during their stay. In addition, each of them become licensed tour guides during their first week on the job.

This year’s CWF PAs range in age from 18-22 years old. They are Heidi Arni of Missouri; Ryan Clements of Missouri; Holly Eichelberger of Illinois; Gabe Lilly of Wisconsin; Karla McKilligan of Iowa; Joe Pluhar of Texas; Justin Ralston of Indiana; Chad Richardson of Wisconsin; Jeff Sorenson of Minnesota; and Abby Wucherer of Wisconsin.

Visit http://www.4hcwf.org for more information about the CWF program at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center and how you can be part of it as a participant or a PA.
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National 4-H Technology Leadership Conference

The National 4-H Technology Leadership Conference will be held at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln from June 24–27, 2006. There will be 15 focus areas for activities and ideas so 4-H members can learn new skills. It will be a chance to learn technology and science ‘life skills’, discuss ethical issues, identify career opportunities, and explore applications in 4-H and daily life. There will be computer labs and other technology tools provided to learn new skills. There will be a State Night Out, skillathons, dance, computer access, and have the opportunity to meet other 4-H teens from across our nation. There will also be after-conference workshops to sign up for more learning opportunities. If you are interested please check out the conference information at http://4hntc.4-h.org.

The Workshop session ‘Help Your Community Be Prepared: Emergency Readiness’ will be giving the youth hands-on opportunities to learn how to work with emergency responders in their own communities. 4-H youth want to learn how to become part of the solution to make a real difference in their community’s preparedness for disaster. Youth want to learn how to engage decision makers to create youth-adult partnerships to empower their community to strengthen their community readiness. You are invited to submit learning resources and information about work in your state/county related to emergency preparedness. This information will be shared at the 2006 National 4-H Technology Leadership Conference and available for colleagues to learn and share what we are doing across the nation in 4-H youth development in support of emergency preparedness. Following the national conference, the information will be available through the Community Readiness Web site. If you have information or are interested, check out http://www.crn.mystateusa.com.
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4-H Afterschool Launches New Website

Visit 4hafterschool.org for a fresh look at news in the 4-H Afterschool world. The updated Web site has stories and background about 4-H Afterschool programs, resources for educators, and links to find programs in your area. Check it out to see for yourself!
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Texas Club Wins National Tree Planting Grant

Pioneer Farms 4-H club in Austin, Texas recently applied for and won a National 4-H and Deft, Inc. Tree Planting Grant. Together with volunteers from the community, they planted 116 trees and shrubs at the new front entrance of Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms. Pioneer Farms is an 1880's non-profit living history museum that is a very important piece of Texas history and is run solely by volunteers. The group raised $6,750 in matching funds.
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Report from the Road: Ron Drum Visits 4-H Afterschool Sites in Missouri
-- submitted by Ron Drum, national coordinator, 4-H Afterschool

There is just something about a visit to Missouri. I’m not sure if it is the pace of life, the manner of the people, the lay of the land, the weather, or all combined! Whatever it is it creates a comfortable feeling, like one gets when curled up with a good book in front of a warm fire on a cold evening; such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain. During the last week of April, I was given the opportunity to experience such a feeling as I visited our “Missouri 4-H R.I.S.E.” (Respect and Integrity through Skills and Education) grantee; one of ten recipients of the Teens Teaching Youth Workforce Preparation Skills 4-H Afterschool Grants, made possible through support from the JCPenney Afterschool Fund and NFL Charities.

Wednesday

As I stepped off the gangway into the terminal, there stood Missouri State 4-H Leader and Grant Primary Investigator (PI) Ina Linville, ready to welcome me to her home state. As chance would have it, The University of Missouri Chancellor Dr. Brady Deaton and his wife Dr. Anne Deaton were on my flight as well. After Ina introduced me to them, she whisked me off to begin a visit that would carry me from one end of the state to the other!

After an afternoon of acquiring background information from Ina and Jackson County 4-H Specialist Beth Rasa, it was time to attend my first RISE session. Upon first entering the classroom on Wednesday afternoon, only a few people were there. A few adults stood to the side and two little girls were sitting, giggling, in the middle of the room. A few moments later one of the little girls, in a pretty pink sweater, walked toward me. She stretched out her hand and, as she gave my hand a solid, confident shake said, “Hi! My name is Andrea. Welcome!” Then she spun around on her heel and just as quickly as she had come, she was back beside her friend, giggling once again.

Soon she was joined by many young people who came rushing into the room for the “4-H Program.” Three people who entered were of special note. The room suddenly came alive when Neldra Flint, the coordinator of the RISE program in Kansas City, entered followed by the two primary teen trainers for the afternoon, Janiece and Renee’. As we chatted about their experiences as trainers and what they had planned for this evening, we were joined by more teens and participants.

The lesson for the evening was about using logic and team work. Each participant was given a clue and had to work together to determine what had happened. Someone had been murdered, and they needed to work together and, if they combined all of their clues carefully, figure out who, how, when, where, why and by whom. As the young people did their detective work, I did a little of my own asking various teens and participants why they were there and what they thought of the experience.

As I settled into my bed that night I thought about what all had happened that day. Wednesday was a look at the Missouri 4-H RISE program from an urban, Kansas City, point of view. The participants represented a diversity of race and culture, something one of the teen trainers pointed out to me as being what he valued most from the experience. I knew the next day, Thursday, was going to have a different “flavor.” We would be traveling across the state to St. Francois County, south of St. Louis. There the program would have a more rural, less diverse look and I wondered how that would impact the program, if at all.

Thursday

Well, we didn’t go by raft and Ina, the driver, had to do more then just “lay on the oars”, but we did follow the current, so to speak! Before we left, we stopped by the State 4-H Office on the University of Missouri campus for a quick tour and time to get things in order. Then we headed out for our trek across Missouri. As we drove along the scenery changed, houses were further apart and eventually we were driving through farms and woods and flat and later hilly territory. Ina pointed out a farm that only a few weeks before had been a beautiful scene to see but now was laid waste by a recent tornado. Undaunted, you could already see where the owners had begun their work to put back what nature had taken away!

Little town names began to appear on the signs at the side of the road. Suddenly the name of the town we wanted appeared and we headed in that direction stopping finally in front of the building that housed the St. Francois County Extension offices and of course, 4-H. 4-H Specialist Lynna Lawson and Program Associate Kayce Amsden were there to meet us. Over a BBQ lunch I learned more about the program I was about to visit and the people who were making it happen. We talked about how this program was different from the Kansas City approach, what successes they were having and were things were not going as well as they would have liked. At the office we talked some more – about Missouri 4-H and Extension. Next we would head to the program, again held at a local school.

I knew from my Kansas City experience that these young people would be great fun as well and I was not disappointed. We arrived early so we could have some time to talk to the teen trainers. In Kansas City, the teens rotated the teaching roles around a sizable group of teens. Here the program was given the leadership of only two teens, William and Andrea. Both of the teens came every week to implement their RISE program. When I asked them why they would give so much of their time to something like this William told me, “I’ve learned things that have helped me at work – like being more courteous and stuff. This has helped me in all ways!” Andrea added, “This helps me learn more and I like helping others; helps me all around no matter what!”

When the participants came pouring into the room the lesson was about completing a job application. To be honest, I was a little concerned. To me it just seemed like such a difficult concept for 10 and 11 year olds to be discussing. How surprised was I!? They set right to work, put all silliness aside and started reviewing stuff like, “previous work experience” and “references” and “salary expectations.” One of the items on the application asked for “marital status.” When Kayce asked the students who knew what that meant, ALL of them raised their hands.

I had my questions for them as well so started asking various children the usual questions of what they were learning and why they had come. One child told me he was there because “I have to be here.” When I asked if he was having fun, “Sure!” was the bright response.

Another child approached me and asked, “Don’t you want to ask ME any questions?” so I asked him why he came to the program. “I like the fun things they do!” he answered and then quickly returned to his seat. I guess he just wanted me to know.

It was a wonderful session and seems like a great program implementation plan. I had a great deal to consider about BOTH Missouri 4-H RISE versions and where we are going with the Workforce Preparation Skills Development program in general as I headed back to Maryland and my “regular” duties.
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Washington State Youth Succeed with 4-H Dog Programs

Chelsea and Indy take Best Junior Handler at the Peninsula Dog Fancier Clubs all-breed dog show in Bremerton, Wash. She was chosen over 55 other juniors out of the novice senior group.

Chelsea, the Cool Canines Club and 4-H Foster Friendship

A 175-pound Saint Bernard dog is 14-year-old Chelsea Cowen’s best friend. The Puyallup, Wash. teen was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Tourette’s Syndrome when she was six. It was impossible to fit in, no matter what she or her parents tried- until 4-H came to the rescue.

She had no friends, so her parents found a puppy named Artie to be her companion. They joined the Pierce County 4-H dog club called the Coolest Canines in her community through the encouragement of the club leaders, hoping for a positive change. The 4-H dog club was the answer. People were drawn to Chelsea because of Artie. 4-H kids were more tolerant and accepting of her differences, and, for the first time in her life, Chelsea had friends. Chelsea’s participation in 4-H activities began there, with many winning presentations and successes to follow.

“I can’t imagine where we would be if it wasn’t for 4-H. Chelsea has confidence, friends, and a self-assurance that was lacking before,” shares Chelsea’s mother. “4-H kids are a lot more tolerant of differences and so supportive.”

Chelsea learned about showing dogs through 4-H. Her relationships with Artie and her other dogs, 4-H volunteers, and the other 4-H members in her club brought confidence and friendships she had not known before. Over the years Chelsea has worked with other dogs too. Artie is no longer alive, but she has trained the others and learned to get along with different dog personalities.

But working with the dogs was just the beginning. Six years ago Chelsea started public speaking. She now gives a public presentation about Tourette’s Syndrome, sharing that once she gets in front of people she feels comfortable and can say anything. “Mom said I’d make a great salesman since I’m good at public speaking. The stage is my sanctuary.” Her presentation describes what Tourette’s Syndrome is, a mental disability that disturbs you physically, and goes into the facts and how she feels about living with it and how she has dealt with it.

An active 4-H member, she also plays the clarinet and is trying drums and drama. She was recently involved in a local 4-H government project. Chelsea continues to be busy in 4-H with her dogs as well, feeding, caring for and working with the Saint Bernards. She says all the work is worth every minute and she has gotten much more than she will ever be able to give to the dogs or 4-H. To learn more about 4-H youth development clubs and programs anywhere in America, visit 4HUSA.ORG. You may find your own community of friends through 4-H.

At his home in Snohomish, Anders Thoreson, 17, gets a congratulatory kiss from his dog, Topper, after winning Best Junior Handler in the Westminster Kennel Club show at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Dan Bates/The Everett Herald.)

Washington State 4-H Member Wins at Westmister
Submitted by Betsy Fradd

To win at The Westminster is the highest honor in the world of American dog shows. To win when you and your family are not regulars on the dog competition circuit is astounding. 17-year old Anders Thoreson, and his dog, Topper, recently took home the top prize in the Junior Handling competition at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York. Anders, a 4-H member from Snohomish, has been working with Topper, a five-year old German Shorthair Pointer, for over three years. “Topper loves people, is always alert and likes to have fun,” said Anders who trains with his canine companion an hour a day to ensure he shows well. Anders is part of the D.O.G.S. (Dogs of Greater Standard) club in Snohomish County. He credits his nine years in 4-H with helping him prepare for his experience at Westminster. “4-H helped me learn about responsibility. I’m in charge of Topper and my other dog at my house,” explained Anders. “I do all the care and feeding of them. I plan my schedule around the dogs.”

Elizabeth Thoreson said her son’s independence is one of his strongest assets. “Anders pays for all his dogs’ needs. By keeping his 4-H record book it allows him to see how much it costs to have a dog. 4-H instills a lot of responsibility. It gives him connections with adults who treat him with respect and provide a lot of learning opportunities,” she added.

One of those adults is his D.O.G.S. club leader Jo Simpson. A 4-H club leader for 15 years, Simpson was instrumental in helping Anders develop his dog handling abilities. “He’s naturally good at it. Anders is one who is willing to listen to coaching from people he respected and who knew about the breed. It takes determination and drive,” explained Simpson. It also required a lot of travel. In order to compete at Westminster Anders had to qualify with ten wins in American Kennel Club or member shows during the previous year. Trips throughout Washington and Oregon were constant. “Sportsmanship is huge,” added Simpson. “The contestants have to be able to lose. They learn to shake it off and be glad for others and look forward to the next competition.”

At Westminster, Anders along with 121 other junior handlers, were judged solely on their handling skills. Scott Price, a professional dog handler for over a decade, has been working with Anders this past year. “Anders has a true energy for dogs. He anticipates their needs and treats dogs professionally.” Price added that Anders win at Westminster was well deserved. “Anders did nothing to distract. He made adjustments in the ring. He had a true understanding of what he was doing and what the judge was doing. This was his learned ability and his natural ability coming together.”

When he’s not showing Topper Anders enjoys playing trumpet in the wind ensemble and jazz band at Snohomish High School. On some weekends, he works with local veterinarian Dr. Tom Koenig. “Anders is remarkable. He’s very confident and handles all the animals very well. He respects them and is not afraid of them so they respond positively to him,” said Koenig, who has allowed Anders to observe two surgeries in addition to performing general vet assistant duties.

Anders plans call for continuing to show Topper in the American Kennel Club competitions as well as in 4-H. Following high school he wants to go to college and eventually enroll in Veterinary School at Washington State University. “I think being a vet would be very meaningful,” explained Anders. “I could help animals and help people as pets are a very important part of many lives.”
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Incarcerated Fathers and Their Children Find New LIFE

Incarcerated fathers and their children build better relationships through the 4-H LIFE program.

A group of inmates are learning how to breathe new life into their relationships with their children through a unique program at a maximum security prison.

Through the 4-H LIFE-Living Interactive Family Education-program at the Potosi Correctional Center in Mineral Point, Mo., youth build relationships with their incarcerated fathers through 4-H club work. Developed jointly between the fathers and local 4-H staff, the program focuses on improving parenting skills and bettering the children’s social and academic adjustment and overall well-being.

Click here for the rest of the story.
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CSREES Creates New Listserv

The Communications Staff at USDA created a new listserv to keep all interested parties (stakeholders, media, colleagues, and others) up-to-date with the latest news releases and announcements from CSREES. This is a great way to promote the outstanding work the agency is doing across the country. To subscribe, send an e-mail to Jennifer Martin indicating your interest, and she will add you to the list:

Jennifer Martin, CSREES Media Coordinator
jmartin@csrees.usda.gov
202-720-8188
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State 4-H Day at Connecticut’s Capitol
M. Jodi Rell, Governor of Connecticut, named April 19, 2006 Connecticut 4-H Citizenship Day at the Capitol. The day was to commend the many dedicated men and women for their many achievements and their commitment to youth, and included breakfast at the Hartford Armory and a display in the concourse between the State of Connecticut Legislative Office Building and the State Capitol. An official statement went out from the Governor about the 4-H program and its successful and positive reach across the state.
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Resources and Opportunities:

Learning About After School Programs

The eighth publication in our "Out-of-School Time Evaluation Snapshots" series is now available on our website. "Learning From Small-Scale Experimental Evaluations of After School Programs" reviews the evaluation strategies and findings from rigorous, experimental studies that are smaller or more local in scope than the national evaluations usually featured. Although they are often overlooked, these evaluations can provide valuable information for practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and others about investing in, conducting, and evaluating OST programs. Find out more here and here.
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Posters and Educational Brochures Available

The Entomological Foundation has brought together the talents of two highly respected individuals to produce an Insect Diversity poster created by Charley Harper and subtitled by Dr. E.O. Wilson: Celebrating the Little Creatures of the World. The Insect Diversity poster and accompanying educational brochure is a great resource for teaching about insects to younger students. The poster depicts 24 insects (14 different insects and 6 orders of insects). Proceeds from the sale of these posters support the educational initiatives of the Entomological Foundation in educating young people about science through insects. To learn more go to http://www.entfdn.org/print.php. All posters are produced on high-quality acid free paper and sale for $34, which include S&H.
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Teaching Moments
Everyone has an inner voice and hears positive or negative self-talk. Your self-talk might remind you to watch out for cars when crossing the street, or it might remind you to be careful when doing something new. Or your inner voice could be saying that you are a winner and that you will have a good day. There is one important thing to remember about your inner voice: You control the on/off switch. Nobody else can control it. Find out more about self-talk and other available tips at www.TeachingMoments.com.
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