Farmers Fight - Stand Up: advocacy for agricultural professions

“Farmers Fight is a student-led initiative at Texas A&M to reconnect American society to the world of agriculture. Beginning with university students, Farmers Fight encourages consumers to ask where their food comes from, and give students, faculty, public officials, and farmers and ranchers an opportunity to become "agvocates" for the agriculture community.” I wanted to share a UTube video of one of our students promoting our profession. I think other institutions may be interested in forming similar student groups. Let’s make this viral on social media!

Performed by Jasmine Dillon.

4-H Know Your Clothes!

King County 4-H shows multiple examples of clothing "make overs" so that teens have concrete ideas of how to transform their clothing choices for more formal events. This film is about 15 minutes long, but if you want good ideas of how to choose clothing that is appropriate for business activities, conferences, etc. it's well worth watching the entire video. Setting of the film was a Goodwill Store so you can get the look you need for not too much cost. Great job, kids!

4-H flash mob!

Spokane County's Campaign video/flash mob for the 2012 4-H Know Your Government Conference. This video was part of a campaign for their candidate. Check it out!

Citizenship Washington Focus registration is open!

Dear 4-H Community:

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a week-long, 4-H citizenship and leadership program for youth ages 14-19. Thousands of young people from across America stay at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, near Washington, D.C., every summer to participate in the program, which provides opportunities for young people to:

• Strengthen their communication, leadership, and citizenship skills on a national level.
• Understand the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders.
• Exchange ideas, practice respect, and form friendships with other 4-Hers from across the country with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience hands-on learning using the historical classroom of our nation’s Capital city, Washington, D.C.

Registration for CWF 2012 is now open! This is a once in a lifetime experience that allows your young people to see the world from a new perspective. Don’t let your 4-Hers miss out on this national citizenship and leadership opportunity. All you need to do is gather a group of 5 or more participants (including both youth and chaperones), visit the Citizenship Washington Focus website and click on the “Register” tab to follow the registration steps.

This summer, we have over 1,600 young people participating in the CWF program. Visit the CWF website to learn more about the CWF program. You can view videos and read testimonials under the “Experience CWF” tab or take a look at the CWF schedule under the “Register” tab.

For more information about the program or how to register your group to participate, please don’t hesitate to contact Molly Young, Director of Youth Opportunities, with questions. We look forward to hosting you and your young people to our Nation’s Capitol of Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2012!

My Leadership Started A Revolution!

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Chloe Robocker is a four year member of the Jefferson County 4-H Know Your Government program led by Marianne Walters and Sue Hay. Throughout her high school years Chloe has developed an avid  interest in county and state government, participating in mock trial, running for 'governor' of the state of 'KYG',  becoming a master at writing bills and press releases. She expanded her 4-H experience by serving as page in the Washington state legislature. Her enthusiasm and affinity for governmental activites resulted in being one of eight students in Washington state who planned and facilitated the 2011 Know Your Government conference in Olympia, WA.  

Chloe's sense of leadership and citizenship has led other teens to stretch their commitment to leadership More Than They Could Ever Imagine! 

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London boy breaks Seven Summits record with Everest climb

George Atkinson began the Seven Summits challenge at the age of 11

A boy of 16 has become the youngest person in the world to scale the highest mountains in every continent.

George Atkinson, from Surbiton, south-west London, began the Seven Summits challenge by scaling Kilimanjaro in 2005 and completed it by reaching the top of Mount Everest on Thursday.

He broke the record of US teenager Johnny Collinson, who completed the challenge at the age of 17 last year.

George's mother Penny said she felt "elated and emotional".

The British Mountaineering Council has confirmed George's record, who was aged 16 years and 362 days when he reached the summit of Mount Everest.

George, who turns 17 on Sunday, began the challenge of climbing the highest peaks in seven continents at the age of 11 by scaling Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

He then climbed Russia's Mount Elbrus in 2007 and reached the summits of Indonesia's Carstensz Pyramid and Argentina's Mount Aconcagua in 2008.

Mount McKinley in North America was next, followed by Mount Vinson in Antarctica which he climbed late last year.

In her son's blog, Penny Atkinson announced the completion of his challenge: "George has done it. He reached the summit at about 8.15am Nepali time.

"It sounds as if the weather is good...

"A big thank you to everyone who has helped George to achieve his dream."

She added: "Just get my boy down safe now!"

Power of YOUth in Washington State

WSU Extension Youth Take on Media and Politics
 More than 250 4-H youth and volunteers from around Washington gathered in Olympia recently for a series of press conferences that addressed illegal immigration, year-round schools, teen violence and Internet privacy.

These events weren’t part of a candidate’s political platform or hosted by a special interest group. They were a part of the 2011 WSU Extension 4-H’s Know Your Government conference.

4-H’ers became members of the media during the four-day conference in February as they examined and reported issues that impact their communities, and gained an understanding of politics in the media. They also learned how their own views can affect the coverage of these topics.

Read more

Clallam and Jefferson County youth attend 4-H Know Your Government Conference for 2011!

Front l. to r.: Gena Royal, Clallam County 4-H Coordinator, Steve Tharinger, Clallam County Representative, Sue Hay, Jefferson County, 4-H Assist Coordinator; Back l. to r.: TBD, TBD, Sarah Chisick, TBD, Hannah Tipton, Mariane Walters, Jefferson County 4-H leader.

Quotes from Know Your Government 2011 – Politics and the Media

If you ever wonder how much value our WSU Extension 4-H teens get out of our program and the 4-H Know Your Government conference then take a look at the comments below.  Thank you for all the incredible work you do as volunteers and staff to enrich the lives of our youth!    

- Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H Media Relations Coordinator

Quotes from Know Your Government 2011 – Politics and the Media

I’ve learned responsibility, leadership and organizational skills through 4-H.

Alyx, Pend Oreille County

I learned about the strength of united people.

Paige, Walla Walla County

4-H, and Know Your Government, has taught me great networking and leadership skills.

Jayme, Island County

I learned how to shoot with a hand-held camera.  I can’t wait to use these skills in my film career!

Naomi, King County

I’ve learned the difference between liberal and conservative views and how to write for a news broadcast.        

Sidnee, Asotin County

I learned how to produce a video and excellent ways to make a youth’s voice heard in the community.

Katrina, Asotin County

I learned the power of partnership between teens and adults and how we can work together to make change.

Melissa, Thurston County

I have learned to branch out and that being out of my comfort zone is okay.

Kelsey, Island County

I have learned how to be a positive influence in my community and numerous leadership skills.

Baylee, Skagit County

I have learned many ways to help my community and to speak in front of large groups.

Lindsey, Skagit County

4-H has made me who I am today which is a young, motivated and responsible adult with tons and tons of leadership skills.

Amanda, Spokane County

I have learned how to be a better part of a team.

Haley, Snohomish County

I’ve learned tolerance! 

Joann, Lincoln County

I’ve learned to take responsibility for my actions and how to be a leader.

Kelcey, Pend Oreille County

I learned the power of voice.

Shawntae, Spokane County

I have met people and become friends with both adults and teens and have learned organization, leadership and responsibility.

Bethany, Spokane County

From 4-H I’ve learned to never, ever give up.

Hannah, Skagit County

I learned the value of helping people.

Stephanie, Ferry County

I learned a lot about leadership and learning to listen to other people’s ideas.

Paul, Whatcom County

I’ve learned how to be a “people person.”

Corydon, Benton County

I’ve learned lots of leadership skills and opportunities through 4-H.

Nick, Whitman County

Corydon Funk interviewed about 4-H Know Your Government Conference!

Our comedy started a revolution!

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Jordan Henderson, Norm Vat, Kathy Thi Thach, Kevin Kop and Milton "Chino" Celedon-Perez are members of the 4-H Technology Club in Tacoma, Washington. They star in an upcoming 4-H video about environmental stewardship and salmon habitat enhancement. Each one of these talented actors brought something special to the project, making the process of production a real team effort.  The goal was to produce a film that would appeal to children - that included some comedic elements - but that would teach them about real scientific issues. Chino led the script writing, Kathy and Norm were the lead reporters, Jordan anchored the script with his card playing skills, and Kevin cracked everyone up with his puppets and silly voices. These 4-H actors have discovered talents individually and as a team that are More Than They Could Ever Imagine!

ONLINE WEBINAR: Advancing Positive Youth Development Through Advocacy and Policy

CYFERnet and Building Partnerships for Youth are pleased to invite you to the following webinar:

Advancing Positive Youth Development Through Advocacy and Policy

January 20, 2011, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time


Presenters: Elizabeth Gaines, Forum for Youth Investment


Danielle Evennou, Forum for Youth Investment

Webinar participants will have the opportunity to learn how they can impact directly impact youth through advocacy and policy efforts that advance positive youth development. The Forum for Youth Investment is a nonprofit, nonpartisan "action tank" dedicated to helping communities and the nation make sure all young people are Ready by 21®: ready for college, work and life. Informed by rigorous research and practical experience, the Forum forges innovative ideas, strategies and partners to strengthen solutions for young people and those who care about them. A trusted resource for policy makers, advocates, researchers and program professionals, the Forum provides youth and adult leaders with the information, connections and tools they need to create greater opportunities and outcomes for young people.

Presenter Information

Elizabeth Gaines
Elizabeth Gaines is Director of Policy at the Forum for Youth Investment where she oversees the Forum’s work related to state and local policy and manages various national partnerships and networks of executive leaders, legislators, advocates and youth councils. She coordinates the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet Network and is the primary contact for a partnership with NCSL and focuses on building the Forum’s relationships with both executive and legislative policy makers interested in improving youth policy.

Danielle Evennou
Danielle is Policy Associate at the Forum for Youth Investment. She supports the development of the Forum's federal, state and local policy work, including America's Youth Councils Network and Children's Cabinet Network.

To register or for more information, click on:

http://cyfernet.ces.ncsu.edu/mn/training/user.php?r=107

4-H challenge course first in an urban setting

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010
By Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H

PUYALLUP - The first WSU 4-H challenge course in an urban setting will be built at Camp Long in West Seattle.

A memorandum of agreement between WSU Extension 4-H and the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation will provide outdoor facilities for youth to experience hands-on activities designed to help them develop decision making, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Scott VanderWey, WSU 4-H adventure education director, said the activities will help increase the teens’ self confidence and positive risk taking.

“Our learn-by-doing method engages teens so they understand what it’s like to make healthy decisions for themselves and their peers,” said VanderWey. "The research based approach, known as social emotional learning, is proven to increase student motivation, student attendance, mastery of subject material, and a more positive school climate."

Seattle Parks and Recreation and WSU Extension have been partnering for almost three decades to serve youth and adults through 4-H clubs, Master Gardener programs and community outreach. City of Seattle naturalist Christina Gallegos has advocated for a challenge course on Seattle park property since the early 1990s.

“As a challenge facilitator, I am convinced that there is no better method to help connect youth with nature, leadership and problem solving skills,” she said.
Since 1980 WSU 4-H has run adventure education programs in 19 of the state's 39 counties. Camp Long will be the state's ninth 4-H challenge course.

Other courses are located in North Bend, Chelan, Leavenworth, Yakima, Gibbs Lake in Jefferson County, Pan Handle and Saint Pete’s in Thurston County, and Twin Lakes in Ferry County on the Colville Indian Reservation. More than 250,000 youth have participated in the challenge program.

Groundbreaking for the challenge course at Camp Long is set to begin in spring 2011, and the facility is expected to be open to the public in the fall.

For more information on the WSU 4-H Adventure Education Program visit:
http://4h.wsu.edu/challenge/index.html

Article Source

Tolerance PSA: "Dear Parents"

Anti-Bullying Message

Join the Revolution of Responsibility!

National 4-H Council has new campaign:

 

4-H is more than an organization, it is people. Our new campaign, “Join the Revolution of Responsibility” will tell the 4-H story in far more compelling terms than ever before. We’re showing the revolution through the lives of real 4-Her’s making a real impact in their communities and giving voice to the uncommon dedication and barrier-breaking commitment of the young people who are 4-H. This firsthand, pure truth will not only illustrate the real legacy of the 4-H movement, but will leave the viewer wanting to be a part of the 4-H experience.

• Learn how showing hogs eventually let Lindsay Binegar buy a house at the age of eighteen.
• Learn how the 4-H Tech Wizards were able to cross a digital divide in their community.
• Learn how the 4-H group in Wake County, NC was able to help their community find healthy food options.

These are just some of the ways that 4-Hers are starting a revolution.

Watch the Video!

Jerry Newman Dedicated Extension Professional Retires After Three Decades of Service to 4-H

By Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H

He’s a collaborator, an innovator, and a person who considers being on the forefront of animal science, not only necessary, but responsible and essential.  Jerry Newman impacted the lives of countless 4-H staff, volunteers, and youth during his 30 years as a WSU state staff specialist. 

It started with chickens in 1950 in the Florin Silver Leaf 4-H Club in northern California.  At 10 years old his appreciation of animals soon branched out to include rabbits and sheep but he found his true calling with livestock.   “I got my first calf in my teens and enjoyed working with the animal in different ways,” said Jerry who spent a decade as a 4-H youth.   It wasn’t until much later that I would know the impact that livestock can have on children and teach them life skills that can carry them through their adulthood.”

Over the years Jerry’s admiration of agriculture and large animals led him to studies at University of California, Davis, where lived in a barn for two years taking care of 24 dairy bulls.  Another six months assisting a sheep herdsman solidified his resolve to work in an agriculture-related career.  After a brief stint in the Army Reserves, Jerry became the 4-H youth advisor in Solano County and later went on to earn a Master’s degree in Agriculture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His time and talent built a large program there during the 1970’s.


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Washington State 4-H Inducts Four into Hall of Fame

Outstanding County Volunteers Also Honored for Service to Youth

PUYALLUP, Wash.—Four Washington residents were inducted into the Washington State 4-H Hall of Fame for their leadership, commitment, and impact on 4-H and their communities.  Honored at the 2010 4-H Forum in Spokane on October 15 was:
Lawana Harting, Dayton, Columbia County, has been a 4-H leader for 28 years.  She leads projects in sewing, food and nutrition, entomology, beef, and leather craft.
Donna Hanger, Dayton, Columbia County, started her first 4-H club in 1971. She and co-leader Lawana Harting also are project leaders for food preservation, health, and swine.  Together they also coordinate the Columbia County 4-H Dress Review, Foods for All Occasions, and baking contests.
Bruce Bradley, Port Orchard, Kitsap County, has served as a rabbit club leader, State 4-H Fair Rabbit Superintendent, and on the Washington State 4-H Fair Board.  A volunteer for over 28 years, Bradley is also active in the Kitsap 4-H Council where he has held several leadership positions.
Jerry Newman, Palouse, Whitman, joined WSU Extension 4-H as a youth development specialist in 1979.  Newman provided leadership in many project areas including equine, beef, sheep, swine, and animal quality assurance.  He was also responsible for designing statewide and national curriculum and was instrumental in 4-H contests including Horse Bowl, Hippology, Horse Judging, and Forestry Stewardship.

Sasha joined the Revolution of Responsibility!

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Join the 4-H Revolution of Responsibility!

Sasha O'Meara Crowell and her horse share an unusually close bond - you can see it when they ride together because they literally move "as one." It is a remarkable thing to see such a poetic bond between human and animal. Sasha has inspired her younger 4-H friends to strive for a level of excellence that was previously
More Than They Could Ever Imagine!

 JOIN JEFFERSON COUNTY 4-H TODAY!