Volunteer Extension Cord (VEC) is a way to advise you about Texas 4-H Volunteer Development. This newsletter is e-mailed to County Extension Agents, Texas 4-H Faculty, District Extension Administrators, and Regional Program Directors. In addition 4-H volunteers who are active in VLAT or their District Adult Leaders Association (and we have your e-mail address) will receive VEC. To add an e-mail address to our list, send a message to texasvolunteer@tamu.edu and type subscribe followed by your name, county, district and e-mail address. We are always looking for news items, county and regional highlights, recognition of volunteers and other information related to volunteer development.
Please send information to the following e-mail texasvolunteer@tamu.edu
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. Loss of a Great 4-H Volunteer
2. Dog Project Workshop
3. National 4-H Week Marketing and Media Resources Kit
4. Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort
5. Texas 4-H Photography Contest Rules
6. Texas 4-H Technology Team Applications
7. Texas 4-H Rabbit Extravaganza
8. Texas 4-H Ambassador Workshop
9. Junior Leadership Retreat
10. VLAT Winter Meeting and Training
11. Youth and Volunteerism
12. Relocation
1. LOSS OF A GREAT 4-H VOLUNTEER TO THE TEXAS 4-H AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program was saddened to hear that Mrs. Jan Irvine died suddenly on Monday, September 26, 2005 at her home in Rockwall. Jan, 44, was the wife of Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation Trustee Shawn Irvine and mother to Rockwall County 4-H member Emily, age 14.
Shawn and Jan have been involved with the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program for more than 15 years. Shawn, as the former youth specialist with Texas Utilities, later TXU, worked hand-in-hand with the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program in training the Texas 4-H Council at their annual planning and orientation meetings. Jan was always present to assist with the trainings, conducted many of the etiquette trainings, and prepared the decorations for council events. Any county that has had 4-H members serve on the Texas 4-H Council, has more than likely had 4-H'ers return after Council training talking about the humor, dedication and love that Jan had for 4-H and the youth that participated in the program.
Jan was a very important part of Texas 4-H Congress since the event has been held in Austin. She served as the coordinator and lead contact with the Marriott Hotel staff and arranged for many of the special events, banquets, and theme nights. Additionally, Jan was instrumental in arranging facilities at the Texas State Capitol and throughout Austin for the event. This event was truly her event, she loved it and loved working with the 4-H members to make it the best leadership event for our members.
Shawn and Jan toured with many 4-H members over the years to National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference. Shawn currently serves as the 4-H and youth representative on the T-CARAT (for the entire Texas A&M Agriculture Program).
Because of their dedication and commitment to the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, Shawn and Jan Irvine were both recognized with the Citation of Outstanding Service to the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program in 2004.
Jan was also very active in the Rockwall community. She volunteered with many civic organizations, along with committees and functions at Emily’s school. Jan truly was a gold star volunteer for her community and state.
As a tribute to Jan and her wonderful work, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation has created the “Jan Irvine Memorial Fund” at the Texas 4-H Foundation Office. Anyone who would like to contribute, please send your memorial to P.O. Box 11020, College Station, TX 77842-1020 and indicate you’re contributing to the “Jan Irvine Memorial”.
Jan’s celebration of life will be Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1200 E. Yellow Jacket Lane, Rockwall, TX.
2. Dog Weekend Workshop - 4-H Dog project members, this one is for you! and your dog, too. This workshop is open to all 4-H members, ages 9 (or 8 and in the third grade) through 18. Members may bring one dog (only) but are not required to bring a dog. 4-H Members not enrolled in dog project but who want to get more information, are encouraged to attend. It will be held at the Texas 4-H Center, October 28-30, 2005. Information at http://texas4h-ctr.tamu.edu/pdf_docs/dogpromotional%20brochure.pdf
3. National 4-H Week Marketing and Media Resources Kit Now Available at http://4hmediaresources.4husa.org/4hweek_kit.htm.
4. Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort - The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program and the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation are joining the efforts of so many other great organizations in assisting our fellow Americans devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation has established a hurricane relief fund and all monies will be given to a charity/organization helping to reestablish the stability of the people affected by the hurricane.
To donate, send your check, made payable to the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation-Hurricane Relief, P.O. Box 11020, College Station, TX 77842-1020. Collections will be accepted until November 30, 2005.
All contributions are tax deductible and no part of your donation is going to be used for administrative expenses, etc. Additionally, "Letters of Caring and Hope" - For those 4-H members from around the country that are searching for ways in which they can support Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama youth, we are asking the 4-H members and volunteers to write encouraging letters.
The letters will need to be sent to the respective state 4-H offices, contact information below:
Mississippi State 4-H Program
c/o Dr. Susan Holder
204 Bost Extension Center
MS State, MS 39762
Louisiana State 4-H Program
c/o Terril D. Faul Division Leader, 4-H Youth Development
P.O. Box 25100
Baton Rouge, LA 70894-5100
Alabama State 4-H Program
c/o Lamar Nichols, Assistant Director
215 Duncan Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849
The letters will be distributed through the 4-H agents, youth and volunteers to young people affected by the hurricane.
5. Texas 4-H Photography Rules Announced – Attached are the 2006 Texas 4-H Photography Rules. They are also posted at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/photography/06_Photo_Rules.pdf.
6. Texas 4-H Technology Team – Applications are now being accepted. Go to http://tx4-h.tamu.edu/technology/ to learn more about this team and retrieve the application.
7. Texas 4-H Rabbit Extravaganza – Go to http://texas4-H.tamu.edu/project/rabbits.htm for more information about the Extravaganza to be held on November 12, 2005 at the Bell County Expo Center, in Belton.
8. Ambassador Program Workshop at the Texas 4-H Center, November 11-13, 2005. The Texas 4-H Ambassador Program was designed to utilize older 4-H members to project a clear and accurate image of the Texas 4-H Program. More specifically, youth will tell and show audiences how 4-H has impacted them personally as well as others and how the 4-H program is addressing key youth issues in the community and state.
Recreation should be a part of every 4-H club meeting. There's more to recreation, however, than just playing games. Learn how to process the activities so that they are not only fun, but they teach valuable life skills.
Who can attend the weekend workshop? 4-H members ages 13 and older who are part of an Ambassador team, Recreation team, County Council, District Council or Club Officer. This weekend workshop is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills.
Registration Form:
http://texas4h-ctr.tamu.edu/pdf_docs/Amb2005letter.pdf
Agenda: http://texas4h-ctr.tamu.edu/pdf_docs/AmbAgenda2005.pdf
9. The Junior Leadership Retreat is a new opportunity for 4-H members up to 14 years of age to participate in a state-wide leadership training program. Workshops on communication, team building, leading recreation, etc. will be led by members of the State 4-H Council in coordination with Extension 4-H Specialists and the Texas 4-H Center staff. More information at http://texas4h-ctr.tamu.edu/pdf_docs/Jr%20Leader%20Retreat1.pdf
10. VLAT Winter Meeting and Training – Plan to join other Texas 4-H Volunteers at the winter meeting and training January 13-15 at the Texas 4-H Center. This is held in conjunction with Teen Retreat to promote a fun filled educational weekend for both youth and volunteers. Texas is sending delegation of seven volunteers next week to Southern Region Leaders Forum. These individuals will be sharing all the great workshops and resources. Look for registration information in the coming months.
11. Youth and Volunteerism – See the latest study on the driving force of why youth are volunteering. http://www.civicyouth.org/research/areas/comm_partic.htm
12 Relocation – Effective August 1, 2005 my office was relocated in Amarillo and the Research and Extension Center. My e-mail has remained the same: ab-burkham@tamu.edu. Other contact information is listed below: Angela Burkham 6500 Amarillo Blvd, West Amarillo, Texas 79106 806-677-5600
Angela B. Burkham
Extension Program Specialist
4-H Volunteer Development
ab-burkham@tamu.edu
6500 Amarillo Blvd, West
Amarillo, TX 79106
Voice: 806.677.5600
Fax: 806.677.5644
"4-H is a community of young people across America
who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills"
Texas A&M System -