I hope that your new year is off to a wonderful start. What did you resolve to improve in 2006? Is it your grades, your attitude or what you give back to your community and those who need your assistance? The 4-H tradition requires that we look beyond ourselves, so I hope that your resolutions include service to others.

The 4-H tradition also includes helping young people build their life skills and explore career options. You already know about our great public

There is a new photography event that lets young people use their computers to show "The 

Chilton County 4-Hers participated in an “eXtreme Birdhouse” event to show their creativity and design abilities. Among the results, one was made from pop bottles, one from a pizza box, one out of a discarded “bug zapper,” one out of Popsicle sticks, one out of a tree log, and one out of a cloth basket.

World I Imagine." There’s a LEGO design event called "Blocks Rock!," a PowerPoint event, and an event that lets young people present food preparations just like Emeril or The Iron Chef.

One event that is sure to interest young people is our "eXtreme Birdhouse." Young people can show off their creativity and design ability, plan and organize a challenging project, and use some of the skills required of any architect, artist or craftsman. I’m sure that many future architects and engineers will look back fondly to their impressive 4-H birdhouses.

These events are open to any Alabama young person. For information, contact your county Alabama Cooperative Extension System office or go to www.alabama4H.com.

I have included a photo of some birdhouses that were made by Chilton County 4-Hers. The creativity of our young people always amazes me.

One is made from pop bottles, one from a pizza box, one out of a discarded "bug zapper," one out of Popsicle sticks, one out of a tree log, and one out of a cloth basket. If you took up the challenge of making a fancy birdhouse, what would you use?

Of course, 4-H is also about building character – as well as LEGO sculptures, birdhouses and culinary arts. As we finish up our series on character education, I hope that it has made you think of how others are affected by your actions. Please continue to work with your 4-H projects and on your character as you go down this road we call LIFE.

THE SIX PILLARS
   OF CHARACTER

The purpose of the CHARACTER COUNTS!™ Coalition is to fortify the lives of America’s young people with ethical values called the "Six Pillars of Character." These values, which transcend divisions of race, creed, politics, gender and wealth, are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship

BE HONEST * DON’T DECEIVE, CHEAT OR STEAL * BE RELIABLE * DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU’LL DO * HAVE THE COURAGE TO DO THE RIGHT THING * BUILD A GOOD REPUTATION * BE LOYAL * STAND BY YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COUNTRY

TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT; FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE * BE TOLERANT OF DIFFERENCES * USE GOOD MANNERS, NOT BAD LANGUAGE * BE CONSIDERATE OF THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS * DON’T THREATEN, HIT OR HURT ANYONE * DEAL PEACEFULLY WITH ANGER, INSULTS AND DISAGREEMENTS

DO WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO * PERSEVERE: KEEP ON TRYING! * ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST * USE SELF-CONTROL * BE SELF-DISCIPLINED * THINK BEFORE YOU ACT * CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES * BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR CHOICES

PLAY BY THE RULES * TAKE TURNS AND SHARE * BE OPEN-MINDED; LISTEN TO OTHERS * DON’T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OTHERS * DON’T BLAME OTHERS CARELESSLY

CARING

BE KIND * BE COMPASSIONATE AND SHOW YOU CARE * EXPRESS GRATITUDE * FORGIVE OTHERS * HELP PEOPLE IN NEED

DO YOUR SHARE TO MAKE YOUR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY BETTER * COOPERATE * STAY INFORMED; VOTE * BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR * OBEY LAWS AND RULES * RESPECT AUTHORITY * PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

CHARACTER COUNTS! and the Six Pillars of Character are service marks of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition™, a project of the Josephson Institute of Ethics.

International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)
National Code of Show Ring Ethics 
Eleven Point Condensed Version*

All exhibitors in any event at a livestock show will at all times conduct themselves with honor, honesty and good sportsmanship. Those who violate the Code of Ethics will forfeit premiums, awards and auction proceeds, and be prohibited from future exhibition.

• When requested by show officials, be able to show proof of ownership, length of ownership and age of all animals entered.

• When requested by show officials, provide animal health certificates from a licensed veterinarian.

• Junior exhibitors will care for and groom their own animals while at the fair or show.

• Animals that will enter the food chain must be free of drug residues or foreign substances. For all animals, drugs may only be used in accordance with applicable federal, state and provincial laws. Any treatments at the show involving medications for the health of the animal must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Show management or regulatory officials may take any samples they wish for testing.

• Changing the animal’s performance, natural contour, conformation, or appearance through surgery, injection or application of substances such as irritants or counter-irritants is prohibited.

• Showing and handling practices or devices to cause swelling are prohibited.

• Direct criticism or interference with the judge, show management, other exhibitors or breed representatives is prohibited at all times. Problems will be resolved through appropriate channels.

• No one may conspire, contribute to or cooperate with others to violate this code, either by their action or inaction.

• Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers and participants are absolutely responsible for an animal’s condition whether or not they did something in violation themselves or knew of treatment that violates the code.

• Exhibitors upon entry consent to disciplinary action for violation of the Code of Show Ring Ethics, including publishing the infraction and violators’ names.

• Exhibitors verify that they have read and understand the Code of Ethics, as well as the consequences and penalties for violations. Exhibitors understand that evidence of violation of any law will be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

* Condensed from the full legal text of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, National Code of Show Ring Ethics by the National Livestock Ethics Council.

Until next time, God Bless!
   James Shropshire

James Shropshire is the Alabama 4-H Regional Extension Agent for the Central Alabama Region.