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Well,
winter is here and we have been getting wet and cold. I hope that all of
you are doing well and remember all of those folks out west without
electricity and heat. Some will be out for weeks. Say a prayer for them
and their livestock, many have lost animals due to the snow and ice. As
Denver has been in the 5 and 6 degree range I am reminded why we love
the South! Speaking of Denver, Alabama 4-H was represented extremely
well on the National Level. Katlin Mulvaney was voted Miss Congeniality
and First Alternate in the National Hereford Queen competition while
Kindra Wood helped run the Angus events serving on the National Junior
Angus Board. Congratulations and Thanks for all the hard work, we
appreciate what you have given to 4-H in the past!
Alabama
4-H remains committed to responding to the changing needs and interests
of our young people. Just as today’s kids need to build their skills
in leadership and communications, 4-H is continually working to find new
and improved ways to help them do that through hands-on learning
challenges.
Perhaps
no aptitude is more important to society than the ability to be creative
and it is often said that "you can’t teach creativity."
However, a stunning 95% of young people who participate in Alabama 4-H
arts programs state that these programs have improved their creativity.
This year, our existing arts and architecture programs, such as
"Blocks Rock" and "eXtreme Birdhouse," have been
joined by a new traditional arts program called "Alabama Quilters:
The Next Generation."
Joining
our Public Speaking programs is another traditional communications
event. "Have I Got a Story!" allows young people to perform
more theatrical presentations and encourages them to use their skills in
their own communities. Our PowerPoint event continues to attract more
and more participants, focusing on the theme: "My 4-H, My
Community."
Alabama
4-H science and technology events have been repackaged to have greater
youth appeal. The Plant and Soil Sciences endeavor has evolved into
"Project Green Thumb," another opportunity for kids to learn
while serving their community. The Wood Sciences Display and Wood
Sciences events are now "What Wood U Build?"
The
Electric Energy Demonstration program features an innovative challenge.
"Electric Celebration" ask young people to use lights and
sound to invent something festive, like an electric birthday cake or an
electric 4th of July display. This project connects technology and
innovation in a very effective way.
There
are Alabama 4-H health and nutrition events such as "Chef 4-H"
and "Healthy Living for Life." If their interests range
elsewhere, from Adventure to Zoology, there is always a place for them
to explore through 4-H Freestyle Demonstration or Exhibit.
Effective
4-H Club meetings are very important and over the next two months I
would like to help you with a few suggestions on how to get more out of
your meetings.
Club
or group meetings are the cornerstone of the 4-H experience for boys and
girls. Ask beginning members or participants what they like about 4-H,
and they will tell you about their club, their new friends, new
experiences, and fun activities. Well-planned meetings allow youth to:
•
Acquire new knowledge and share ideas
• Develop self-confidence and leadership
• Participate in decision making
• Develop responsibility and commitment
• Make new friends
• Enjoy recreational activities
Setting
the Stage
Young
people like to be active and take part in the club’s program of
activities. The volunteer can make it easier for them to participate by
"setting the stage" for involvement and learning.
Pleasant
Meeting Place
Ideal
meeting places have plenty of light, comfortable temperature, and
adequate space and facilities for planned activities. Room arrangement
is important. Set the room to fit the activities. Youth need to see and
hear everyone during discussions or demonstrations. Providing tables and
chairs for officers may give them support and confidence. A flip chart
or small blackboard may be useful to record ideas.
Comfortable
Atmosphere
Young
people feel best and gain the most when they are at ease. Youth need
opportunities to get to know each other, to talk together, and to build
trust. Get-acquainted games, team-building activities, small group
discussions, and committee work are ways to create positive situations
where members feel free to join in.
Feelings
of Acceptance
Each
person wants to be an active part of the group, but sometimes he or she
needs help. Provide opportunities for members to contribute to the club.
Many groups accomplish this by getting members involved through club
offices, committees, demonstrations and talks, community service,
fund-raisers, and group projects. The key is to enable all youth to
participate with specific jobs and responsibilities.
Planning
Ahead
The
initial work for a 4-H meeting takes place long before the actual
gathering. The planning committee develops a yearly plan in the
beginning of the club’s year. This plan includes the: who, what, when,
and where for club meetings and activities:
•
Who is responsible?
• What is going to happen?
• When is it taking place?
• Where is it being held?
Advisors
need to work with officers or committee members before meetings to help
them prepare and complete assignment.
Until
next time, God Bless!
James Shropshire
shropja@aces.edu
James
Shropshire is the Alabama 4-H Regional Extension Agent for the Central
Alabama Region. Email him at shropja@auburn.edu.
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