May 31, 2012

Employable Youth Initiative

Employable Youth Inititative - For Units That Have This Initiative Included in Their POW

A new category has been added to the portal under Groups: 4-H Contacts: Employable Youth Initiative. There are three subcategories: General Resources, Grab N Go Lessons, and SCANS. In the General Resources sub category there is a new flyer on programming opportunities in this area, a link to a Journal of Extension article on workforce preparation, a link to the WTTRW web site, and a new flyer on the Skills to Pay the Bills curriculum.

The Grab N Go subcategory has activities, handouts, and power points that were created by the NAE4HA Work Force Preparation and Career Exploration Task Force. Some additional files will be added in the future. Staff may want to use some of these activities as they conduct programming in the workforce preparation area.

The SCANS category includes a link to the SCANS Report to America 2000 which lists the skills and competencies youth need to have to succeed in the world of work. In addition there is a copy of the SCANS wheel and a document to help staff prepare to implement work force preparation activities. 

In addition on the portal there is a category for WTTRW. This contains the most up-to-date information on that curriculum. The curriculum was updated in 2010 and educators and program support staff were trained in 2010 as well. WTTRW is the primary curriculum of the Employable Youth Inititiative and youth enrollment should be entered in 4-H DMS. The evaluation data should be sent to Sheri Seibold upon completion of the curriculum.

If you have questions or suggestons about this information on the portal, please feel free to contact Sheri Seibold at 217.333.9220 or seibold@illinois.edu.

Posted by Sheri Seibold at 11:00 AM | Permalink |
Categories: Employable Youth

May 24, 2012

4-H Career Development Study UPDATE

Responses to the 4-H Career Development Survey have been coming in from 12th grade 4-H members from across Illinois and the data is starting to be compiled by the Survey Research Lab. Your support of the data collection process is greatly appreciated. Dan Horn has posted several new items to the portal to assist you in sending email reminders to non-respondents. Items needed to complete the next steps include: 1) Reminder Letter for Survey (includes content for the email reminder); 2) Instructions to Generate Reminder Emails for Survey; 3) Spreadsheet containing Completed Codes as of 5-23-2012; and 4) Instructions for Creating Spreadsheet. The Career Development Study Task List identifies target dates for sending email reminders as May 24-June 2, with the optimal response rate being for email surveys sent on a Monday, Thursday, or Friday.

If you need technical assistance, please contact Dan Horn, dchorn@illinois.edu; or call 217-333-0826. All of the information associated with the 4-H Impact Studies are posted on the Portal; 4-H Contacts; Evaluation.

Posted by Patricia C. McGlaughlin at 8:06 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Clubs, Employable Youth, PYD, Science-Excited, SET, Staff Development

May 17, 2012

4-H 101 Webinar for State Fair -- DATE CHANGE

Due to additional changes in some State Fair plans, we have changed the 4-H 101 Webinar on the 2012 State Fair to Wednesday, June 6 at 1:30 p.m. (It had been originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 30th.)

If you are already registered for this Webinar, you will still receive the information regarding codes, etc. If you still need to register for the session, please do so by Monday, June 4 so that we can get you the information.

Posted by Debra Stocker at 7:55 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Staff Development, State Fair

May 9, 2012

Illinois 4-H Receives $4,500 from 1st Farm Credit

The Illinois 4-H Foundation recently received a $4,500 grant as one of the annual charitable distributions from the 1st Farm Credit Donor Advised Fund, established in 2010 through the IAA Foundation. The mission of the IAA Foundation is to fund education, research, and charitable activities that benefit Illinois farm families and agriculture.

With these funds, the Illinois 4-H Foundation is able to help provide the 4-H experience and develop future leaders through new 4-H Metro Clubs and assist the 4-H Youth Leadership Team with efforts throughout the state while they mentor younger 4-H members. 1st Farm Credit's generosity will also allow the continued collaboration with Illinois 4-H as a Project Partner, focusing on providing experiences around science, engineering, and technology within all project areas.

To view full press release and photo: http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/content/illinois-4-h-foundation-receives-gift

Posted by Angie Barnard at 10:26 AM | Permalink |
Categories: 4-H Foundation, Metro, YLT

May 9, 2012

Horse Ownership/Lease Forms and Photos Due May 15th

Horse ownership and or lease forms along with color photos are due to the Illinois State Fair Entry Office from the County Extension Offices by May 15th. Below is the official information from page 34 of the Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock Premium book.

Horses and ponies must be owned or leased by the member and must be part of
the members project. By May 1 of the exhibit year, exhibitors will place on file at the local
Extension Office or school (FFA), copies of ownership and/or lease papers for all animals
that the member may plan to exhibit at the State Junior Horse Show. In addition to the
ownership/lease papers, two (2) colored photos (one of each side) of each animal must also
be placed on file to show proof of the specific exhibit animal. This will be mandatory for all
horses and ponies, grade and registered animals. By May 15, local Extension offices will
forward this paperwork to the Competitive Events Office at the Illinois State fair Competitive
Events office for entry verification.

Posted by Daniel J. Jennings at 8:21 AM | Permalink |
Categories: Contests, Livestock , Local Fairs & APF, Projects, State Fair

May 8, 2012

June-July 2012 issue of Illinois Leader posted

The June-July 2012 issue of the Illinois Leader has been posted to the portal under Groups: 4-H Contacts: Volunteer Support: Illinois Leader. It will also be posted shortly to the Illinois 4-H web site under Volunteers: Volunteer Support: Illinois Leader. Please share this newsletter with 4-H leaders via your county/unit newsletter, posting to your county/unit web site, email, or direct distribution at events and activities. There is a lot of information in this latest issue related to summer events.

Posted by Sheri Seibold at 11:53 AM | Permalink |
Categories: Volunteers

May 8, 2012

ALERT: 4-H Club EIN Applications On Hold

Thank you to all county 4-H staff who submitted the 990-N filing report and EIN's for all your 4-H clubs this spring.This information has been reviewed and compiled into a final statewide report that will be sent to National 4-H Headquarters / NIFA.

Our group tax exempt status, formerly through NIFA, is now being transitioned to a new 4-H Central Organization in Illinois.With over 1,200 4-H clubs in our state, this will be a lengthy process.During this time frame, the State 4-H Office and NIFA will be working with IRS to assure that current 4-H clubs will retain their tax exempt status.

Until further notice, please do not submit any new EIN application forms for 4-H clubs in your county.If you have special circumstances that require immediate attention, contact Karen Moore (ksmoore@illinois.edu) at the State 4-H Office.

Posted by Karen S. Moore at 9:07 AM | Permalink |
Categories: Clubs, Fiscal/Tax

May 7, 2012

Withdrawal of proposed rule dealing with children who work in agriculture

Labor Department statement on withdrawal of proposed rule dealing with children who work in agricultural vocations

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor today issued the following statement regarding the withdrawal of a proposed rule dealing with children who work in agricultural vocations:

"The Obama administration is firmly committed to promoting family farmers and respecting the rural way of life, especially the role that parents and other family members play in passing those traditions down through the generations. The Obama administration is also deeply committed to listening and responding to what Americans across the country have to say about proposed rules and regulations.

"As a result, the Department of Labor is announcing today the withdrawal of the proposed rule dealing with children under the age of 16 who work in agricultural vocations.

"The decision to withdraw this rule – including provisions to define the 'parental exemption' – was made in response to thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms. To be clear, this regulation will not be pursued for the duration of the Obama administration.

"Instead, the Departments of Labor and Agriculture will work with rural stakeholders – such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, the Future Farmers of America, and 4-H – to develop an educational program to reduce accidents to young workers and promote safer agricultural working practices."

Posted by Daniel J. Jennings at 4:24 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Clubs, Employable Youth, Legislative, Livestock , Policies/UMH, PYD, Risk Mgmt.

May 4, 2012

4-H International Youth Film Festival

An exciting opportunity for all 4-H film enthusiasts. A chance to learn more in hands-on workshops with film industry professionals, opportunity to network with other 4-H filmmakers, and showcase your own work!

August 6-8, 2012 Branson, MO
$99 All Access Pass; Radisson Hotel FilmFest Rate of $89/room (allows 4 people per room)

Sunday August 5
Noon - 4:30 p.m. Registration, Radisson Hotel
2:00 p.m. Bonus Early Workshop: Lighting Outdoors, Dewey Short Conservation Area
5:00 p.m. Welcome Reception and Dinner . McFarlains Restaurant, Branson IMAX complex
6:00 p.m. IMAX Theatre presentation
7:00 p.m. Tour IMAX theatre and projection system

Monday August 6
6:30 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast at Wildwood Bistro, Radisson Hotel
8:00 - 5:00 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. Welcome
8:45 a.m. Workshop: Casting the Best Talent
10:30 a.m. Workshop: Cinematography: Getting the Shot
12:15 p.m. Lunch at Wildwood Bistro/Noble Roman's Pizza
1:15 p.m. Screening: Filmfest Entries Group I
3:30 p.m. Workshop: Music Rights Do?fs and Don?fts
Evening On your own for dinner and entertainment (discount show tickets available)

Tuesday August 7
6:30 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast at Wildwood Bistro, Radisson Hotel
9:00 a.m. Screening: Filmfest Entries Group II
10:30 a.m. Workshop: Documentaries and Location Shooting
Noon Lunch . Wildwood Bistro/Noble Romans Pizza
1:00 p.m. Workshop: Directing Narrative Films
3:30 p.m. Workshop: Editing: the Cutting Edge
Evening On your own for dinner
8:00 p.m. Group Outing for Evening Entertainment

Wednesday August 8
7:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Up Close and Personal with Entertainers
10:30 a.m. Awards, Presentations and Celebrations
11:00 a.m. Conclude

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
http://4h.missouri.edu/filmfest

Posted by Lisa Bouillion Diaz at 9:29 AM | Permalink |
Categories: National Events, SET

May 3, 2012

Update to State Fair Jr. Premium Book

State Fair has provided a correction to page 31 of the State Fair Jr. Premium Book - Admission to the Fairgrounds. The information that was posted on that page is incorrect at this time -- but please note that State Fair is working to get it corrected on the website. (I have no information about if the change will be made to any printed copies of the book.)

For our 4-H exhibitors and their families, we will again have discounted gate admission and auto pass pricing, however fees have increased since last year. This year, the fees are set at the following:
* Under 5 years of age - Free (same as last year)
* 5-12 years of age - $1.00 (same as last year)
* Age 13 and over - $4.00
* 4-H Parking/Auto Passes - $4.00 (same as last year)

We will provide an order form on the portal later this month for ordering passes from your office.

NOTE: We are trying to make arrangements for changes to our "usual" parking arrangements with our move of 4-H exhibits to the central and south ends of the fairgrounds. We will post more information on those arrangements as they become finalized. Please do not order auto parking passes until we have confirmed those arrangements! Thank you.

Posted by Debra Stocker at 1:20 PM | Permalink |
Categories: State Fair

May 3, 2012

Save the Date - Salute to Agriculture Day

Save the date - Salute to Agriculture Day - September 15,2012 at the University of Illinois. Follow the url to download a pdf file of the Save the Date Flyer. Please share this with 4-H families and volunteers. The Fighting Illini will play Charleston Southern in football on that day. Special student packages for lunch and a game ticket are $15. Click here to download the save the date flyer.

Posted by Sheri Seibold at 11:47 AM | Permalink |
Categories: 4-H Foundation

May 1, 2012

Statewide 4-H Impact Studies Update - Career Development, Club Experience, and Science

Career Development Study – The Email invitation is now ready to send to 12th grade 4-H members in your unit. The target dates for sending the email invitation are May 3-12, with the optimal response rate being for email surveys sent on a Monday, Thursday, or Friday. Dan Horn has posted several items to the portal to assist you with this process including: 1) Instructions for Creating a Spreadsheet for Career Study through DMS which helps you obtain contact information for 12th grade 4-H Members (creates an Excel spreadsheet with member's name and email); 2) Instructions for Generating Emails for Career Development Survey (initiates sending customized emails to all 12-grade members simultaneously); 3) Codes for Surveys (Unique codes assigned to your Unit); and 4) the 2012 Evaluation of 4-H Programs in Illinois – Survey Invitation Email: 4-H Career Development which is the IRB approved document text to send to the 12th grade 4-H members.

If you need technical assistance, please contact Dan Horn, dchorn@illinois.edu, or call 217-333-0826. If you have questions regarding who should receive the survey, when to send the initial invite, and later follow-up, or other research procedures, please contact Denise Legvold, dlegvold@illinois.edu, or call 217-333-0910. If email or internet access is not available, paper-copies of the invitation can be sent, but NOT paper-copies of the survey itself. Additional information related to the email reminder for non-respondents will be posted to the portal mid-May. Please refer to the Career Development Study Task List for a complete listing of the steps to follow for survey distribution. We look forward to using data collected from this survey to understand how 4-H influences the post-secondary decisions of 4-H members.

4-H Club Experience Study – Many of you have been successful in completing club visits and administering the 4-H Club Experience surveys in your Unit. Please refer to the 4-H Club Experience Study Task List as you move through the process if you have questions OR contact Pat McGlaughlin, patm@illinois.edu; or call 217-333-0913. Important steps to remember: 1) Keep the surveys for each club in a separate envelop with a cover sheet (template posted on the portal); 2) Mail packets of completed surveys to the Survey Research Lab at the address provided on the Task List; and 3) Email a copy of the completed Random Sample Spreadsheet to Pat McGlaughlin when all data collection is complete in your Unit.

4-H Science Study –Remember to identify 4-H science clubs, programs and events in your unit to target for the 4-H Science Survey. Even though the completed surveys are not due until September 1st, it is important to schedule appointments to administer the surveys when the clubs or groups are meeting, and when the science focused events are scheduled. If you have any questions related to the 4-H Science Study, please contact Lisa Diaz, lbdiaz@illinois.edu; or call 217-333-0910.

Thank you for your assistance in this data collection process!

Posted by Patricia C. McGlaughlin at 3:51 PM | Permalink |
Categories: Clubs, Employable Youth, PYD, Science-Excited, SET, Staff Development