From the Statewide Director |
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Message from Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty, Director |
Dear 4-H Community,
I hope this post all finds you well and deeply immersed into your 4-H activities. I’ve enjoyed learning about the creative and innovative ways you all have been facilitating 4-H this year – congratulations on taking risks by trying new things and keeping young people engaged throughout the state. While the past 12-months have been exceedingly difficult for all of us, I am here to share some good news and to ask you for your support regarding the 2021-2022 State budget and how this impacts UC ANR and 4-H.
UC ANR State Budget Advocacy
The UC Regent’s FY 2021-22 state budget request includes $300.8 million for full restoration of the state general fund support reduction in FY20/21. The UC Regents have approved this budget request and therefore we have consent to join them and advocate for UC’s budget, but we cannot advocate for MORE than what the Regents are requesting. You can:
- Call into the budget hearings on March 1 and March 9.
- If you don’t have time to sit on the phone and wait for public comment to begin, you can also choose other advocacy methods such as social media posts, phone calls to the budget subcommittee member offices, or writing letters of support to the governor and budget committees.
- Join the UC Advocacy Network
- You can find your representative's name and email them directly
- You will receive an email with an option to send messages via Twitter and Facebook. We don't have a comprehensive list for Facebook, but UC Advocacy is working on it.
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Info sheet from the UC Advocacy Network - links to Box for social media images, sample messages.
- Encourage other UC ANR employees and stakeholders to do the same. The UC Advocacy website has easy to use resources to find and contact your elected officials, and it contains information and talking points for budget advocacy.
Posts/comments should include:
- Your relationship with UC ANR (legislators might not know that 4-H is part of UC ANR, so make sure to mention UC ANR along with your programmatic connection!)
- Why you care about UC ANR/the impact it has on you, your family, your business, or your community.
- An ask for “full budget restoration” for UC
- Your relationship with UC ANR (legislators might not know that 4-H is part of UC ANR, so make sure to mention UC ANR along with your programmatic connection!)
Example tweet/post:
4-H has been a bright light for my children and community while sheltering in place. We immediately went to work one year ago making masks to protect loved ones and healthcare workers. As a program within UC ANR, we rely on critical state funding. Please fully restore UC ANR’s budget! @yourrepresentative (add a personal photo if you wish).
You cannot:
- Request funding above what the Regents approved.
- Request funding specifically for the 4-H program.
Advocacy should be directed at these members:
- Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education:
- John Laird (Chair), Dave Min, Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
- Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance:
- Kevin McCarty (Chair), James Gallagher, Alex Lee Jose Medina, Patrick O’Donnell, Eloise Gómez Reyes, Suzette Martinez Valladares
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Camp During COVID-19 Workshop Series
2nd Installment
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
This month’s workshop will provide details and discussion surrounding important considerations and next steps for getting started with each of these camp delivery modes. For virtual camps, this includes gathering your team, planning your schedule, registration and learnings from last year’s 4-H virtual camp. In the day camp session, we’ll explore state guidelines and 4-H policy for in-person camp programming, securing a facility, and considerations for staffing.
Participants are welcome to attend one or both sessions but must register separately for each one.
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
This workshop series will continue the second Tuesday of each month through June 2021, so be sure to mark those calendars.
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County Ambassador Virtual Workshop Series
March 11 - April 8, 2021
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Calling all County Ambassador teams, leaders teams, and their adult coaches!
Join the California 4-H State Ambassadors and learn some vital skills for teams.
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Using Hart's ladder of youth participation, learn how to work in strong youth/adult partnerships with your team.
Participants will learn to account the differences between community service and service learning. Using an interactive activity and your leadership competencies you will design a plan action.
Learn the components of building a dynamic workshop for virtual or in person delivery.
Learn how to facilitate a workshop in an effective way either virtually or in person.
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Equine Field Day
Saturday, March 13, 2021
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The purpose of Equine Field Day is to provide 4-H leaders, members, parents, and horse enthusiasts with engaging educational experiences centered around the care of horses.
In this annual educational event, participants will learn from 20-30 minute video presentations led by clinicians and experts in different areas followed by live, interactive Q&A sessions with the facilitators. Information shared supports curriculum and information covered in 4-H Horse projects.
This event is recommended for all for 4-H horse leaders, 4-H members, parents, and horse enthusiasts ages 9 and up.
Registration closes on March 7, 2021
Cost
Registration Process
- Registration is on a first come, first served basis with a limited number of spots available.
- Use the "Register" button to sign up for the event.
- After your payment is confirmed, you will receive a link to the Zoom room with Log in instructions for the day of the event.
Questions or issues
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2021 Virtual San Francisco North Bay Science Discovery Day
Saturday, March 13, 2021
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Discovery Day is a FREE event that will spark curiosity and excitement about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Previous Discovery Days have been in-person events at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. We hope to return in person in the future, but the 2021 event will be virtual due to COVID-19.
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2021 Virtual Youth Summit
Paving the Road to Success
March 26-28, 2021
Ages 11-13
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Exciting news! Registration for the 2021 Virtual 4-H Youth Summit is now open. A great opportunity for intermediate members (ages 11-13) learn how to use your Spark to focus on personal improvement, explore college and careers possibilities, and create positive change.
We are also recruiting for teen facilitators and adult volunteers to serve as chaperones:
Teen Facilitators age 14 and up: Sign up by March 15, 2021
Teen Facilitators are key to making the Youth Summit a success! Facilitators are required to be 4-H members age 14+. With a partner, they lead groups of Youth Summit attendees in small meeting discussions about conference activities, goals, and personal development. The facilitators will work as a team to assist with conference activities and educational sessions. But most importantly, Youth Summit facilitators will develop skills in leadership, group facilitation, and more!
Chaperones: Sign up by March 15, 2021
The Youth Summit Planning Team is in the process of recruiting adult volunteers to assist with the virtual youth conference scheduled for March 26-29, 2021. We want to continue providing an opportunity for leadership skills development and a safe space for all participants throughout the conference.
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2021 Virtual Regional Presentation Event, April 10-24 |
4-H presentation events supports youth 4-H members (aged 9 to 18) in practicing and improving their public speaking skills.
County to Regional
If you receive a Gold or Blue award at the county level, you are encouraged to present in the Regional 4-H Presentation Event.
Regional to State
If you receive a Gold or Blue award at the Area Presentation Event, you may present at the State 4-H Presentation Event at State Field Day.
Sign up by April 20!
There will be 7 presenters for each 2-hour period. Time slots are on a first-come basis, so don't delay to sign up!
We also need Evaluators and Room Hosts - and you can pick the time slots also on a first-come basis.
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New: Presentation Worksheet
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2021 State Fashion Revue:
"REBOOT"
April 10 - 30, 2021
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Qualification for 2021 SFR is at your County Fashion Revue or similar event.
Each county may send one county winner OR alternate in each of the five categories and three age divisions.
Because of recent COVID limitations/restrictions on meetings, members do not need to complete their entries in a 4-H sewing project this year.
Entry for SFR is online beginning April 10 and closes at 5:00 pm April 30 PM. All entries must be complete as no late entries or additional information can be accepted after the deadline.
The entry website will be announced in the April Updates. Participants are encouraged to access the entry survey ahead of time to read the questions. Write out your answers and save the required photographs to make the entry process faster. Your entry information is provided to the evaluators before they meet you.
SFR evaluation will be online only during specific time slots. Participants must have access to a smart phone, iPad, or computer with a camera and microphone to use Zoom. Recruit someone to hold the device when you present your outfit and answer questions. Look at the scorecards ahead of time so you understand the evaluation criteria.
The oral presentation is limited to:
- 30 seconds for Juniors and Intermediates
- 1 minute for Seniors.
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The schedule for SFR evaluation:
Saturday, May 8 9 am - Noon Cosplay Challenge
Saturday, May 8 1pm – 4 pm Box Challenge
Saturday, May 15 9 am – Noon Vintage Challenge
Saturday, May 15 1 pm – 5 pm Consumer Science Purchased $40
Sunday, May 16 9 am – 1 pm Traditional
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Adult evaluators and Teen Room Hosts are needed. Sign up will be online, with the website announced in the April Updates. We need current 4-H volunteers in each Zoom room, so it is helpful if some of the evaluators are 4-H Leaders. Training will be provided for Evaluators and Room Hosts. |
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State Fashion Revue
Service Project
We hope you and your friends are making the quick little Port Pillows for cancer patients. See the instructions on the SFR website. Donate them locally in your own county and let us know how many.
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2021 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition
Sponsored by: Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees
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2021 Essay Topic: Immunity: Threats to Bee Colonies and Methods to Defend Against the Threats
Honey bee colonies have developed many ways to stay healthy. Their immune responses range from behaviors such as grooming to using materials such as propolis, a plant-derived substance bees coat on the interior of a hive for antimicrobial purposes. Even the gut of the honey bee contains beneficial bacteria to help the bee stay healthy!
In your essay, name at least two threats (a parasite such as Varroa, a pathogen such as a virus, a predator such as a bear, etc.) to honey bee colonies and then discuss the methods colonies use to defend against the threats.
If possible, include at least one picture you have taken from Feb. 2020-Feb. 2021 that illustrates how colonies manage to stay healthy against a variety of threats.
Additional competition rules and essay requirements can be found here
Eligibility
- The 2021 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition is open to active 4-H Club members only.
- Any 4-H Club member who placed first, second or third in previous years of the national competition is NOT eligible to win in 2021, however, state competition winners remain eligible to enter the national competition.
- Entered essays must encompass the designated topic only. There will be no exceptions.
Timeline
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March 19, 2021: Submit essay to Gemma Miner in the California 4-H State Office by 5:00 pm on March 19, 2021
- March 20-31, 2021: Submitted essays will be reviewed by the State Office
- April 1, 2021: Selected essay will be submitted for national competition
- June 15, 2021: National winners will be announced
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Tech Talk
Hosted monthly through June 2021
March 9 (2nd Tuesday) 7pm – 8pm
March 27 (4th Saturday) 10am – 11am
Tech Talk is a space for leaders, teens, and adults, from beginners to experts to get personalized help in working through the challenges they are facing delivering 4-H in a virtual environment.
Come when you can, leave when you must
This time is informal, and the content will be created by participants and the questions and challenges that they bring to the room. Think of Scott as your personal technology coach offering PRACTICAL SUPPORT to help you get to success in a virtual 4-H world.
See flyer for more information
Must be active CA 4-H Personnel, Volunteer, or Youth Member to attend
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The 4‑H Youth in Action Program recognizes four confident young leaders with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives in our core pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living and STEM.
Each year, Pillar Winners will experience an exciting year of telling their 4‑H story and celebrating their leadership. Winners receive:
- $5,000 higher education scholarship
- Promotional video showcasing their 4‑H impact story
- All-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. for National 4‑H Council’s Legacy Awards
- Networking opportunities with 4‑H celebrities and other prominent alumni
- Recognition as the official 4‑H youth spokesperson for their pillar
Applications should be submitted no later than
11:59 p.m. PST on Monday, March 29.
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Join the Invisalign® ChangeMakers - You can win $5,000! |
The Invisalign® brand has established a partnership with National 4-H Council to celebrate and highlight teens making an impact in the community. What better way to drown out the negative than with unexpected moments of goodness from young people just like you? In addition to bringing light to all the good acts teens like you have contributed to the community, chosen winners who are public servants and leaders in their community will also be awarded a one-time $5,000 cash award.
How many winners will be chosen?
We’ll choose 100 winners – 30 of which must be active 4-H members. The other 70 winners will be community-oriented teens from across the U.S.
What’s the reward?
Winners will receive a $5,000 cash award, which can be used as soon as it’s been disbursed via an electronic fund transfer (EFT). A virtual celebration will also be hosted in honor of all the winners. Finally, the Invisalign brand will publicly unveil the 100 winners of the Invisalign ChangeMakers initiative.
What can the cash reward be used for?
However you would like to use it, you’re absolutely free to do so. If you would like to save it for college expenses, invest in your local community, or finance a course you’re interested in… it’s completely up to you!
What are the criteria to apply?
To apply, you must:
- Be 13 - 19 years old (individual and groups are welcome)
- Be a legal resident of the U.S. residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
- Have two (2) letters of reference (provide us with the names and email addresses and we’ll reach out to your references)
- Submit a 750-word essay describing how you have been a positive change agent in your community and the impact it has created in the last 12 months
- Include a photo of you in action, along with a quick caption (20 words, max) describing what’s happening in the shot (we may even feature you on our gallery page). Please refer to the Photo Guidelines below:
- Specs: Minimum 500x500 px in PNG, TIFF, or JPG format
- Subject & Environment: Ideally your photo will feature you working in your community. But a headshot works, too. Solo pics are preferred, as any friends, strangers, or minors in your shot may require legal clearance and/or consent.
- Framing & Focus: We want to see you! So please make sure you’re well-lit, in focus, and framed from at least the chest up.
OPTIONAL: You can also submit a video to help bring your story to life about how you have positively impacted your local community and what would winning this award mean to you
- The video should be 2 min. maximum and needs to open with your first and last name as well as where you are from
- Needs to be submitted in a specific format – please refer to “What types of video format can I submit?” to learn more
- Can be shot on mobile in horizontal format
Applications are due by March 31, 2021.
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JOANN and 4-H: Opportunity 4 All, March 1 to April 30 |
Visit any JOANN store between March 1 and April 30, 2020 to participate or donate online at 4-h.org/4HJOANN.
Take Home Craft Event April 18
JOANN will be hosting a free, take home craft event on April 18 in all stores. The kits will include LEGO DOTs and kids will be able to create a bunny and chick and coloring pages. In each craft bag with be messaging about donating to 4-H and creating opportunity for all.
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You can help spread the word on social media using the JOANN Toolkit, with messages and images to download. |
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May 15, 2021: Hippology Contest
May 16, 2021: Horse Judging
June 21-27, 2021: California 4-H Classic Horse Show
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Registration Opens: April 10
Registration Closes: April 30 at 5 p.m.
Last day of competitions: May 22
Award Ceremony: May 23
Evaluations will be sent out (via email) by: June 4
Awards mailed out by: June 30
State Presentation Day Presentations: May 8 – May 22
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Registration Opens: April 10
Registration Closes: April 30 at 5 p.m.
Interview Contest: May 8 - 22
Award Ceremony: May 23
Evaluations will be sent out (via email) by: June 11
Awards mailed out to UCCE 4-H county offices by: June 30
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2021 Virtual State Leadership Conference
July 23-25, 2021
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Join us on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date! |
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