The Making of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Strategic Plan – 2005-2009
Texas 4-H Scholarship Expanded
National 4-H Calendar Photography Contest
Texas Beef Young Leaders Institute and Tour
Taming the Public Speaking Monster
Texas 4-H Clover now on-line
Texas 4-H VOICE
Texas 4-H launches a study on Positive Youth Development
Youth Reining Clinic
Spring Fling at the Texas 4-H Center
Summer Fun at the Texas 4-H Center
Tax Exempt Status and Donations
Longhorn Recreation Lab
New Coordinator of 4-H Friends and Alumni Name
Texas 4-H Horse Master Volunteers – First Class Trained!
1. The Making of The Texas 4-H And Youth Development
Strategic Plan - 2005 2009
By Martha Couch
In the summer of 2003, Texas AgriLife Extension Service (TCE) Organizational Excellence plan emphasized the need for many new strategies for the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program . Throughout the fall, six listening sessions were held across the state allowing 4-H members, families, and volunteers to give input to the future of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program.
At the 2004 Texas Association of Extension 4-H Agents Association Conference, a focus group provided input to the strategic plan. In the Fall of 2004, an observation sheet was shared with members, parents and volunteers for additional input. The following are the areas of emphasis for 2005 - 2009.
Focus on Youth - We believe the future of Texas depends upon productive, positive and prepared youth. Preparing today's youth to be healthy, well-educated, involved, and capable of leadership portends a strong and secure future. 4-H youth development creates positive settings, focusing on the strong development of life skills.
Focus on Local and County 4-H Programs - We believe the grassroots of the 4-H and Youth Development Program are in the local and county programs. We believe youth subscribe to involvement and recognition at the local and county level. We believe a strongly supported local and county 4-H program will develop stronger leaders and youth for roles throughout the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program. We believe resources must be directed to our local and county level to make it strong and successful.
Focus on Volunteerism - We believe volunteers are the most valuable 4-H and youth development resource. We believe, as the largest youth organization, with the largest number of volunteers, that we must equip, train, and support those who contribute so much to our program success. We believe one dedicated volunteer can positively affect countless lives.
Focus on Quality Programs - We believe successful and effective 4-H and Youth Development Programs require development of program priorities. In addition, the staff must be supported with adequate human and fiscal resources to generate, evaluate and enhance 4-H programs responsive to identified current and emerging needs.
Focus on Collaboration - We believe 4-H and other youth focused organizations can work jointly to develop strong programs reaching youth. We believe building strong collaborations can multiply the impact of limited resources, enabling outreach to broader audiences and greater impacts.
Focus on Diversity - We believe involvement of all youth is vital to the 4-H and Youth Development Program. Our youth tell us that diversity is much more than skin color, addressing culture, social structures, ethnic lifestyles and mores, history, language and much more. 4-H programs must be open and supportive.
Texas 4-H Scholarships Expanded
by Toby Lepley
The Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation announced on Thursday, January 26th the gift of an additional 71 - $10,000 scholarships endowed by Mr. Dick Wallrath of Champion Ranches in Centerville. These scholarships are scheduled to be given away at Texas 4-H Roundup this June. See article posted on AgNews (http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/4HYO/Jan2606a.htm). We are very thankful for and grateful to Mr. Wallrath for his wonderful commitment to the youth of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program. With these 71 new scholarships the 4-H program is in a position to potentially award more than 200 scholarships at Texas 4-H Roundup.
National 4-H Calendar Photography Contest
National 4-H Council needs winning photos from your state and county fairs (2001 – 2006) to create the 2008 4-H Calendar. Thirteen photographs will be selected. These original photographs will be gallery mounted and framed and a brass plate engraved with the title and photographer's name will be attached. The winning photos will be on display at the National 4-H Conference Center from September 2006 through November 2006 and also posted on our web site www.4-hmall.org .
Texas Beef Young Leaders Institute and Tour
The Texas Beef Council with the assistance of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be conducting a youth leadership program for Junior and Senior High School age students interested in the beef industry. This will be an outstanding opportunity. Go to texas4-h.tamu.edu for more information.
Taming the Public Speaking Monster
by Cheryl Newberry
Texas 4-H is catching up with the times and the method demonstration/illustrated talk contest has a new name and face! This public speaking opportunity is now known as "Educational Presentation." The concept is still the same but a few changes have been made. In addition to the educational presentation, the 4-H Public Speaking Contest is also an opportunity for 4-H'ers to showcase their public speaking abilities.
To assist with training youth and volunteers in public speaking and provide an overview of educational presentations and the public speaking contest, a lesson plan with other support materials including a power point has been developed by Cheryl Newberry, Extension Program Specialist--4-H. She will be posting the resources to the West Region 4-H website by February 15, 2006. The website link will be: http://uvalde.tamu.edu/xtension/4-H/westregionindex.htm . Click on Program Resources to get to the information on "Taming the Public Speaking Monster".
Texas 4-H Clover now on-line
By Jeff Howard
The Texas 4-H Clover/Opportunities Handbook has been revised to reflect updates to the Texas 4-H program for the 2005-2006 4-H year. The Texas 4-H Clover is a summary of all of the opportunities available to Texas 4-H members and Volunteers. Additionally, there is a project selection guide that contains information and descriptions of the majority of projects that 4-H members can participate in. There are also summaries of support curricula tied to the project and business ideas that youth may consider as a result of their project experience. The Texas 4-H Clover/Opportunities Handbook is posted on the Texas 4-H website at Click on publications, then the document is posted in PDF format.
Texas 4-H VOICE
By Jeff Howard
Texas 4-H is about to launch a new web-based advisory committee. Texas 4-H VOICE will be a virtual committee set up through a secure server on the Texas A&M University campus. 4-H youth, 4-H volunteers, and Extension employees will have the opportunity to apply to serve on the committee which will total 24 people. Once selected, the members will be added to a secure posting site so they can log in with a pass code. Questions related to the 4-H program will be posted periodically by 4-H faculty and opinions solicited. This information will be drawn upon and considered when decisions must be made affected the 4-H program. Applications will be sent to county Extension offices this first half of February and also forwarded to the VEC list serve. Those selected for the committee must be willing to commit one year of service, have regular access to electronic mail, and be willing to check their e-mail at least every three days for alerts of postings. In the past, Texas 4-H had a project advisory committee that provided an opportunity to receive grass-roots input to the program. This approach will provide the same information, but will not require travel and time away from work or school.
Texas 4-H launches a study on Positive Youth Development
By Jeff Howard
Texas 4-H began a study focused on Positive Youth Development in January 2006. The study is aimed at assessing the impact of the Texas 4-H Program on youth. Proving the positive impact and worth of the Texas 4-H program is so important so we can confidently communicate our program's impact to elected officials, the general public and other stakeholders.
The design of the study also will provide useful information regarding the factors (e.g., demographic, individual, programmatic) that are associated with reduced engagement in risk behaviors, and it will contribute to a clearer understanding of the concept and the measurement of Positive Youth Development.
The Texas 4-H impact assessment is an important instrument for the agency. The assessment will be able to provide data that can prove the worth and importance of the 4-H Youth Development Program. The assessment also can be used to glean information that can be communicated to the legislative budget board and used for support of the program, general marketing, affirmation of the positive benefits of Texas 4-H, and improvements and adjustments of specific areas so that the 4-H program can better serve the Youth of Texas.
Thirty seven sites have been identified for the study to be conducted. Each site will potentially have 25 youth, both 4-H and non-4-H, to complete the questionnaire. The first session was conducted during Texas 4-H Teen Retreat at the Texas 4-H Center. The data-collection will continue through May 2006, with results being available in Fall 06.
Youth Reining Clinic
The West Texas Reining Horse Association will be hosting a youth (including College Age Division this year!) clinic and show on March 4-5, 2006. Registration is due February 13. See the attached form.
Spring Fling at the Texas 4-H Center
by Darlene Locke
Here's your chance to send mom or dad to camp. The Texas 4-H Center annually hosts Spring Fling a residential camp for individuals 50 and older (though, we never check i.d.'s). This week-long camp allows seniors to fellowship and participate in a variety of educational and fun activities. Learning Centers provide campers the opportunity to learn some new crafting and household skills. Extension educators and other resource persons deliver educational programs on topics relative to this audience. Tournaments are held to showcase domino and card-playing abilities, along with horseshoes, washers and billiards. It's a festive atmosphere for everyone involved. Evening entertainment and field trips allow individuals to do it all, or just participate to their heart's desire.
The 4-H Center is glad to accommodate any special dietary or housing needs, just let us know. Lodging is available either in the Dormitories or in the Leadership Lodge, you choose. The meals are designed so that "no one leaves hungry".
Registration for Spring Fling makes a great Mother's Day or Father's Day or birthday gift for that special senior. We guarantee a good time and the chance to form friendships across the state.
Summer Fun at the Texas 4-H Center
By Darlene Locke
Camping opportunities await you in 2006 at the Texas 4-H Center. We have programs for the young and the young-at-heart. Check our schedule and head out to Brownwood to relax, be revived and to meet new friends or spend time with old acquaintances.
Camping is not just for kids! The 4-H Center invites you to send mom or dad to camp. Spring Fling (April 24-28) and Octoberfest (October 23-27) are tailored for campers age 50+. Enjoy great fellowship, learn new skills and crafts and recall the good ole' days of yesteryear in a safe and fun environment.
Now, for the kids... these camps are open to 4-H and non-4-H members. Youth are chaperoned by professional camp staff and adult volunteers in a 1:8 ratio. Programming includes swimming, canoeing, archery, arts & crafts, cultural appreciation and challenge course activities. Evening activities promote teamwork and friendly competition.
Camp ages date Youth Fee Adult Fee
County Camp I 9-18 July 3-5 $120 $55
County Camp II 9-18 July 5-8 $165 $70
County Camp III 9-18 July 10-12 $120 $55
County Camp IV 9-18 July 12-15 $165 $70
Prime Time I 12-13 July 23-26 $165 $70
Prime Time II 9-11 July 26-29 $165 $70
Specialty camps are offered to older youth. SpecTra ‘06, Spectacular Training in Spectacular Tradition allows youth to choose from one of eight educational sessions where they receive approximately 20 hours of intense instruction. The instruction is designed to enhance and expand the scope of 4-H projects, to explore career opportunities and to experience the project on a whole new level. During the day, the eight groups work independently with hands-on skills building workshops, field trips and tours of local businesses and some groups complete projects while at camp. In the evening, youth participate in team building exercises; the final Gala which allows participants to experience a formal event and reflect on the week's activities. The sessions include Agriculture & Natural Resources, All Things Leadership, Fashion Design, Health Professions, Photo Communications, Outdoor Education, Theatre Arts and Culinary Arts. SpecTra dates are July 17-22, registration information is available on the 4-H Center website.
Other Specialty Camps are in the works, so check out the Texas 4-H Center website, or request to be on the e-mail list by sending an e-mail to , please include your county and district for sorting purposes.
Tax Exempt Status and Donations
By Jeff Howard and Angela Burkham
As tax season is fast approaching, we also have an update and clarification on the 4-H program status as a 501 © 3. We now have the opportunity for local 4-H clubs and groups to be included in a national IRS registry of groups that are exempt from federal income tax.
4-H being exempt from federal income tax is not new. Our designation as such has been in place for over 70 years. The IRS has determined 4-H clubs and affiliated organizations to be exempt from federal income tax under the provisions which correspond to section 501 (c) 3 of the IRS code. Donors to groups designated as such, may be able to deduct contributions to 4-H clubs and affiliated 4-H organizations such as; bequests, legacies, devices, transfers, or gifts as applicable under the IRS code.
Although Texas 4-H, and any club or group chartered under us, is exempt from federal income tax, groups have experienced problems when they approach some potential donors. As noted above, donors to our program may be able to deduct contributions to 4-H clubs and affiliated 4-H organizations. There are several major department stores who have historically supported 4-H fund raising activities by matching dollar for dollar any funds raised on their property; Ex: a local 4-H club hosts a car wash on a major discount department stores parking lot and raise $100 - the store would match their $100. Recently however, the stores have been unwilling to continue with this because they indicated the groups were not showing up on a national data base of federally tax exempt organization. And, as such, they were unwilling to match the funding dollars because their donation may not be deductible as the group they're giving to is not on the list.
To address this, National 4-H Headquarters (in response to our inquiry) has worked out a system with the IRS where local groups can request inclusion under National 4-H's Group Exemption Number. Having this designation granted will then add the local 4-H groups to the national data base. With this addition, when the large discount stores look up the data base, the local group will be listed. Furthermore, a letter will be sent to the group indicating they have been included under this group exemption. This letter can also be presented to potential donors as an affirmation that their donation would potentially be tax deductible.
If your club or group is in need of this designation you should work directly with your county Extension office. Addition resources can be found at Management Site
Longhorn Recreation Lab
By Faith Ballard
Longhorn Recreation conference has a rich history of more than 50 years training both professional and volunteers in the areas of recreation, management, team work, collaboration and much more. This year the conference will be held at the Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood, February 8-11th.
This is a great training for those that are in professionals in Parks and Recreation, schools, curriculum directors, Extension and more. It is a great way to train camp counselors, volunteers at parks and other organizations. For more information and a registration form, link to : . Then go to What's Happening and Coming Events where Longhorn Recreation Lab is posted.
The conference this year has three tracks : Teaching (curriculum), Leading (management / administrative) and Caring (community and service learning). You can choose one track or mix and match tracks. Each participant will receive a CD with all the information from the conference.
Registration information is posted to that site listed above and is mailed to Longhorn Recreation Lab, P.O. Box 1836 Terrell, TX 75160. We have some outstanding speakers such as Jeff Crilly with FOX 4, GPS technology in practice, scrap booking, day camp ideas, after school and much, much more.
LRL is a unique program that offers organizations a chance to learn together on ways that they can best improve themselves and the families they serve. Come be a part of an exceptional experience that will inspire you and provide opportunities to build partnerships across Texas.
New Coordinator of 4-H Friends and Alumni Named
Being raised in the small town of Farmersville, TX, what other career path might one expect from Jana Casada Barrett, than the agriculture industry. Barrett spent her entire life in the agricultural community with both her grandfather and father being Agricultural Science teachers. She was heavily involved in the FFA organization, holding numerous leadership positions, participating in various contests and ultimately winning the State Prepared Public Speaking competition. She also received the highest honor bestowed upon a FFA member by receiving her American Farmer Degree.
After graduating from Farmersville in 1993, Barrett enrolled in TexasA&MUniversity, with numerous scholarships, including the Houston Livestock and Rodeo FFA Scholarship. While there, she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Agricultural Business. After graduation, she married and moved to Amarillo, TX, where she spent 6 years with the Texas Wheat Producers Board & Association as the Communications Director, then the Assistant Director.
While in Amarillo, Jana was involved in the local 4-H club as an adult leader. She assisted in several activities, such as the judging of record books, Method Demonstration Contest, and the 4-H bake show. She was also a member of the Panhandle Agri-Food Masters Program, which promoted agriculture to all ages within the community.
She returned to College Station, with her family, in March 2003 where she joined the staff of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Contracts & Grants. She assisted both Research and Extension with development of grant applications for state and federal funding support.
Then in January 2006, she was given the opportunity to get back to a more grass-root level of agriculture by joining the staff of the 4-H Foundation as Coordinator for the Friends & Alumni Association.
According to its mission statement, the Texas 4-H Friends and Alumni Association is designed to "build and foster relationships among Texans who support the development programs of 4-H and who believe that the future of our nation depends on the success of reaching today's youth with the values and opportunities provided through 4-H."
The Association is not just for former 4-H members, but anyone who believes in the efforts and wants to assist in promoting and supporting Texas4-H is invited to join.
The association's membership dues will be used for scholarships and program support at the local and state level. "With rising cost of education, scholarships are even more critical to the success of our young leaders than it was when I attended college", said Barrett. "My goal is to see our membership grow to levels where the Association can serve as another viable outlet for our young children to gain local program support and to seek assistance in fulfilling their own college and career dreams".
Jana and her husband, Brad, raise Registered Maine-Anjou cattle as well as operate their own custom cattle development and management company out of Normangee, TX. Her husband was involved in 4-H throughout his life. Jana and Brad have one son, Nathan, who is four years old. "When you become a parent, you begin to see the world around you from an entirely different perspective", said Barrett. "My role as the Coordinator for the Friends and Alumni Association, is not only to affect today's members, but to continue to grow an organization that will add to the already existing 4-H programs, that children like my own little one will come to enjoy and appreciate in the future."
For more information about the organization or how to join, contact Jana Barrett at (979) 845-1213 or by e-mail at jcbarrett@ag.tamu.edu . Or visit the Web at http://www.texas4hfriends.org .
Texas 4-H Horse Master Volunteers – First class trained!
Engaging volunteers as active partners of Texas Extension is integral to its mission of providing quality, relevant outreach and continuing educational programs and services to the people of Texas. Extension volunteers help people gain knowledge and skills that will benefit them for life. In return, volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing they're making a difference for their kids, friends and neighbors. Much of the work Extension volunteers do grows out of the interests and experiences they bring to the task, but they also receive training from experts in various disciplines. Thus, volunteers improve their own skills while helping others.
Volunteers often seek more challenging experiences as they develop as individuals and in their volunteer roles. One expanded or in-depth volunteer role in Texas Extension is that of a Master Volunteer. Master volunteer groups are unique in the fact they require a specified number of training hours and a designated amount of return volunteer service. The minimum standards for Texas Extension master volunteer groups are at least 20 hours of service and 50 hours of payback (or a combination of 80 hours).
The Texas 4-H Horse Master Volunteer program empowers adult volunteers and will increase the impact of the 4-H Horse Project through a broadening of available human resources. The purpose of this program is to 1)teach 4-H project subject matter to members and volunteers in a county, 2) provide support to 4-H members and volunteers, and 3) to give leadership to learning opportunities for members, parents and volunteers in the county. These master volunteers help 4-H members realize the benefits of developing a sound well-rounded horse project.
The following were trained in the first class of the Texas 4-H Horse Master Volunteer Program. They will be working this next year to give back at least 50 hours of service. This program is conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and sponsored in part by the American Quarter Horse Association and West Texas A&M University and hosted at the Kulhman Extension Center in Canyon.
Other scheduled master volunteer trainings include:
June 23-34, 2006 Rabbit Master Volunteer Training Weatherford
July 21-23, 2006 Beef Master Volunteer Training Athens
Aug 11-13, 2006 Sheep and Goat Master Volunteer San Angelo
Aug 18-20, 2006 Swine Master Volunteer Training Corpus Christi
There is a rotation plan to conduct the Large Animal Master Volunteer trainings, one per species per region.
2006-07
Swine -July 20-22, 2007 Waco
Beef - August 2007 Kerrville
Sheep - North
Horse - Open
Goat - South
2007-08
Swine - August 2008 Fredericksburg
Beef - North
Sheep - Open
Horse - South
Goat - East
2008-09
Swine - North
Beef -Open
Sheep - South
Horse - East
Goat - West
2009-2010
Swine - Open
Beef - South
Sheep - East
Horse - West
Goat - North
Texas 4-H Horse Master Volunteer Candidates – Class of 2006
Crystal Smith
Kevin Smith
Debbie Douglas
Sallie Dickey
Valerie McCafferty
Julie Schuman
Stephanie Payton
Sheri Artho
Shelley Cunningham
Misty Ford
Trish Karr
Puff Niegos
Darwin Pluhar
Jenny Pluhar
Sonya Schilling
Michael Williams
Andy Hart
Raynie Sageser
Gary Fields
Deneshia Brodbeck
Ron Gastineau
Andy Stewart
Leiza Morales
Terry Daniel
Robby Plato
Beth Zanolini
Sharon Bonner
Leslie K. Clark
Janette Lieurance
Danny Causer
Tracey Causer
Carey Poe
Marc Elizonda
Janie Milikien
Sonija Tedesco
Andrea Dowlearn
April Klepac
Traci Smith
Tina Kallus
Texas A&M System -