4-H News:

4-H Brand Network Web Site Launches

Take a moment to check out the new 4-H Brand Network Web site!

Launched just last week during the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference in Milwaukee, Wis., this site is a place for everyone in 4-H – members, volunteers and professionals – to promote 4-H across the country.

Over the next few months, the 4-H Brand Network will be updated frequently with resources for you to promote 4-H using resources that are quick and easy to download and adapt for your state or county 4-H programs.

Not registered yet? Click here to get started!

As always, Clover Corner News will continue to provide you with information about 4-H news, resources and career opportunities, but will also be your place to find out what’s new on the 4-H Brand Network so we can all work together to promote 4-H across the country!

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Agriculture Secretary Johanns Honors 4-H/Army Youth Development Project

The 4-H / Army Youth Development Project received honors from USDA Secretary Michael Johanns at the 59th annual USDA Honor Awards Ceremony. The project was cited for “collaboration of Federal agencies, using public resources wisely, and meeting critical challenges facing American children as their parents are deployed.”

"The Honor Awards recognize truly outstanding service by USDA employees who have achieved great things through their dedication, leadership and hard work," said Johanns. "The men and women we are honoring today deserve our gratitude and I am proud to celebrate their contributions to the Department of Agriculture."

The Honor Awards are the most prestigious awards presented by USDA. This year there were 34 individual and group award winners.

Visit www.National4-HHeadquarters.gov to learn more about this award and 4-H programs that support military youth and their families.

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4-H County Agents Enjoy “Charlotte’s Web” Sneak Preview

More than 600 county 4-H agents enjoyed a sneak preview of “Charlotte’s Web” during the NAE4-HA Conference in Milwaukee, Wis. Thanks to a partnership between the National 4-H Leadership, Paramount Pictures and Walden Media, many 4-H professionals enjoyed a night at the movies as a thank you for their great work in helping our youth across the country. They had the opportunity to watch this classic story two months prior to the December 20th premiere.

The movie, which features Dakota Fanning as Fern, the voices of Julia Roberts and 4-H alumnus Reba McEntire, and many other noteworthy actors and actresses, showcases the 4-H Emblem multiple times throughout the movie. On top of that, the “Charlotte’s Web” story speaks directly to the great work that 4-H does in developing youth – building friendships, commitment to goals and having fun!

Other opportunities to promote 4-H during the release of “Charlotte’s Web” will be shared in Clover Corner News and on www.4-HBrandNetwork.org. Stay tuned for more information!

Click here to learn more about NAE4-HA and future conferences.

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4-H Volunteer Forums a Success

A New Jersey 4-H member provides entertainment during the Northeast Regional 4-H Volunteer Forum.

During the month of September, 4-H volunteers were busy traveling across the country to join other volunteers at three regional forums. The southern, northeast and north central forums were all held to help volunteers share ideas to bring back to their clubs.

Through hands-on workshops, speakers and activities, 4-H professionals and volunteers gather to explore the variety of options available to use in 4-H programs back home. From healthy living club activities to craft ideas to science and tech workshops, volunteers left with bags full of resources to take home!

The Western Region Volunteer Forum will be happening after the New Year in Phoenix, Ariz.

Visit www.4hvolunteersusa.org to learn more about any of the volunteer forums or contact your county or state 4-H offices for more information.

4-H volunteers perform a role play on how to work with reporters during the Promote What you Love: 4-H! workshop.

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Announcing Youth in Action Grants
Sponsored by National 4-H Council and Cumberland Farms, Inc.
NEW Deadline: Friday, November 17, 2006, 5:00 p.m. EST

The goal of the Youth in Action Grants is to implement youth-led service learning projects that address a community need and incorporate the Essential Elements of 4-H. Grantees must reach a minimum of 100 youth and 30 adult and teen volunteer leaders for each $1,400 grant awarded.

Only 4-H/Extension Programs within Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont are eligible to apply. Please refer to specific eligibility requirements in the full application below.

Click here to download the application.

All proposals MUST be emailed by the State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader or University Extension Administrator as appropriate for the 1862, 1890 and 1994 land-grant institution. It is the responsibility of the applicant to facilitate this process so that the application arrives by the deadline.

If you have any questions, please email agustafson@fourhcouncil.edu.

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New 4-H Activities Available on CYFERnet

There's no better time to celebrate our ever-changing world! In November, CYFERnet's all-new Mission of the Month site highlights a trio of explorer-themed adventures:

1. The Great CYFERnet Travel Bug Race -- Tour the globe vicariously and win a prize along the way? The more miles your bug travels, the greater your chances of winning big.

2. 4-H Youth Favorite Places -- From Nebraska City's Arbor Day Farm to Nashville's Adventure Science Center, 4-Hers across the country are putting their favorite spots on the 4-H map. Don't miss a chance to share your favorite place with the rest of the world.

3. EarthCaching -- Treasure hunters of all ages can discover ancient mountains, sunken forests and countless other gems. With just Internet access and a GPS, EarthCachers get a "behind-the-earth" view of Mother Nature's marvels.

Each Mission of the Month activity is affordable, enlightening and, most importantly, tons of fun! Click here for complete details.

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Spirit of Community Awards Nominations Close November 7

The deadline for nominating 4-H members from your county for the 12th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is just days away! 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 educators have until Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006, to submit their top youth volunteers for state-level judging. All county 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 4-H youth in your county!

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Resources and Opportunities:

PBS KIDS GO! CYBERCHASE Adds New Features

Celebrate a brand new season of math and mystery on PBS KIDS GO! this fall. Youth educators can use the site find ways to think about math and guide kids as they learn and have fun with it. Lessons offer activities and hands-on learning experiences for youth to learn and have fun. For more exciting adventures, check out CYBERCHASE Online at www.pbskidsgo.org/cyberchase.

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NetAid Scholarship and Award Program

Do you know any high school teens in the United States who have led a poverty-fighting project? Has it had an impact on people in developing countries? Or raised awareness about global poverty in their own communities?

Then tell these inspiring teens to APPLY TODAY for a NetAid Global Action Award and they could win $5000 for college or a charitable cause of their choice.

Deadline: November 30, 2006

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