Strive to Thrive - November 2023

Youth Opportunities

LAW 2024: Save The Date

Dates have been set! We are excited to once again hold LAW at the UND School of Law! This year's focus will be on the judicial system. The event will be held over Martin Luther King weekend, January 14-15, 2024. Put this on your calendar now! Watch for registration to be open in early November. All youth 7 - 12th grade are welcome to attend. More details to follow.

Become A Healthy 4-H Club in 2024

Consider having your club be recognized as a healthy club! We also encourage you to involve the teenagers in the club as teen leaders for the younger members in the healthy club activities. We will ask them to complete a short survey and they will receive a special incentive item.

To be recognized as a Healthy North Dakota 4-H Club, clubs should complete at least one nutrition or fitness activity during at least six meetings (or club events) in six or more of these areas: 1) setting, 2) roll call, 3) program, 4) demonstration; 5) recreation, 6) refreshments/snacks, 7) community pride, 8) field trip/tour, 9) family mealtime challenge and 10) healthful snack policy.

Here are some tips for club leaders:

Access the files (leaders guide, member handout). Visit https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/healthy-4-h-club to find the Health 4-H Club information. Be sure to click on “Explore More” for the member and leader guides.
See the “Healthy North Dakota 4-H Club Idea Guide” for ideas from other clubs.
Discuss the program with club members. Brainstorm ideas and make plans.
Consider electing a “Healthy North Dakota 4-H Club committee” to coordinate the club’s activities and keep records. This program provides excellent leadership and activity coordination opportunities for club members, especially older youth.
Encourage members to demonstrate healthy recipes or adopt a “healthy snack” policy for club meetings.
Contact county Extension offices for educational materials available for clubs to use. For example, an “Eat Smart. Play Hard.” trunk is available for checkout.
Track club activities on the recording sheets.
Develop a display or scrapbook of your club’s activities to show at your county fair. Don’t forget to take pictures of activities throughout the year.
Submit your recording sheet by August 15 to your county office. Clubs will be recognized in a statewide press release, and participating 4-H members will receive a certificate and incentive item.

Click here to see the Healthy Clubs of 2023

If you have questions, please contact Julie Garden-Robinson by calling

(701) 231- 7187 or e-mailing [email protected].

Professional Development

Two 4-H PYD Professional Development Opportunities

What: Foundations of Positive Youth Development for Early Career 4-H Professionals Academy

When: Starts Monday, October 16, 2023

Where: Virtual

Description: This PYD Academy provides educators with a fundamental understanding of the science and practice of positive youth development in 4-H, and the 4-H Thriving Model as the PYD theory guiding 4-H program development. Following the learning phase, participants can take part in monthly learning circles designed to put learning into practice with the help of a mentor and small group of academy participants. The academy is recommended for all 4-H professionals within the first three years of their 4-H career, including educators, specialists and 4-H program leaders. Complete academy information, including the syllabus and schedule, can be found here.

There is ONE FULL $500 scholarship available to ONE NDSU Extension professional interested in investing time in this excellent professional development opportunity.

There are also additional scholarships of $150 available.

Please let Meagan Scott Hoffman know if you are interested in these scholarship opportunities.

What: Program Planning and Evaluation for PYD Impact Academy

When: Starts Monday, October 16, 2023

Where: Virtual

Description: This PYD Academy is recommended for 4-H professionals with a minimum of 3 years of 4-H career or other relevant youth development experience and an interest in program evaluation related to positive youth development and the 4-H Thriving Model. Participants in this academy will revisit the research base of the 4-H Thriving Model that informs everyday 4-H positive youth development (PYD) practice. Participants will learn how to move from theory to action through intentional program planning and increase their capacity for the evaluation of PYD as defined by the 4-H Thriving Model. Complete academy information, including the syllabus and schedule, can be found here.

There are scholarships of $150 available. Please let Meagan Scott Hoffman know if you are interested in this scholarship opportunity.

Achieving the Extension Mission Through Volunteers

Extension Agents, Parent Educators, and Extension Specialists,

The North Central Region Volunteer Specialists group has opened registration for the course, Achieving the Extension Mission Through Volunteers.

This national online cohort-based course is for novice and experienced Extension professionals in all program areas using volunteers to deliver programs. It will be held January 22 - March 12, 2024.

Course participants engage with content designed to increase volunteer leadership and management competencies. This course has impacted colleagues across the country.

Over seven weeks, participants take part in pre-recorded sessions, readings and activities, and participate in three live webinars and three video conference calls.

Extension professionals will develop connections with colleagues from other states as they share ideas, provide feedback on volunteer management concepts, and explore different strategies to meet the needs of volunteers. Review the course flyer and handbook to learn more.

Cost: $250 (North Central Region colleagues – IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND OH, SD, WI )– have a reduced registration fee of $100.

Agents: Please contact your District Director if you are interested in participating. State funds are available to cover the $100 fee for agents from each district.

Specialists and Extension Parent Educators: Please register through the link below. The $100 fee should be paid from state operating funds you already have available through your respective REC director or program leader.

This professional development is for Extension professionals in ALL program areas who work with volunteers.

Register now: Space is limited and will close Thursday, Dec. 28. Professionals not from Minnesota need to create a Guest Account to register.

Use the following code, NCRVS, when you checkout after registering to receive the reduced rate.

Please contact me if you are have questions,

-Rachelle Vettern

Fall Conference and Annual Social and Auction

If you have not registered for Fall Conference, please do it now! This conference is a great way to connect with other Extension Professionals, learn something and have fun! Follow this link to register for REC/Extension Fall Conference. Don’t forget to bring a houseplant to decorate the tables and swap with another conference attendee!

The NDAAEA will host a Social on Tuesday, October 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Fargo Billiards and Gastropub (3224 43rd St. W) in Fargo. Come hungry as a buffet meal will be served! Bring funds for your own beverages and to participate in the auction events! This is a fun way to meet people and support NDSU Extension/REC Associations! You don’t want to miss this!

How can you participate?

Bring a check or cash to purchase Silent or Live Auction items
Bring dollar bills to participate in the lively, fun Dollar Auction
Donate an item for the Auction through your office
Share your talents and gifts by donating a personal item.

Need ideas? Food samplers, Bison-themed items, fishing goods, wine or whiskey baskets, ND prints, pottery, gift certificates, office items, and gifts unique to your region of ND are some ideas.

Full details can be found in a listserv email from Acacia Stuckle sent on

September 11th.

Volunteer Opportunities and Trainings

VRKC Lessons

Check out the brand new lessons to train your 4-H volunteers!!! The Volunteer Research and Knowledge Competency (VRKC) lessons are designed to give volunteers skills they need to be successful in the 4-H program.

The new lesson plans and handouts for you to use to train 4-H volunteers are finished for Communication, Organization, 4-H Program Management, Positive Youth Development, and Interpersonal Characteristics.

(I highlighted the Communication lessons at 4-H Spring Training 2023. The additional areas are now complete!).

Check out the completed materials at:

https://4h-volunteerism-resources.extension.org/home/volunteer-research-and-knowledge-competency-vrkc/

Use the VRKC resources to provide high- quality training for county 4-H volunteers

· Incorporate lesson plans or activities at a face-to-face 4-H volunteer training or 4-H Leaders’ Council meetings

· Create a short post about a topic essential to volunteers for social media or newsletters

· Use select activities from a lesson plan for a grab-and-go training

· Conduct a needs assessment to help identify the specific VRKC needs of your volunteers

· Explore these resources at future trainings too!

-Rachelle Vettern

4-H Volunteer Project Trainings:

“Hitting it out of the Park with 4-H Projects”

North Dakota 4-H Youth Development is excited to present the ND 4-H Volunteer Project Trainings in November 2023.

We look forward to seeing your 4-H teen and adult volunteers, your 4-H parents/caregivers, and you at the ND 4-H Volunteer Project Training!

Registration deadlines begin Oct. 18, 2023.
Thanks for sharing the North Dakota 4-H Youth Development Facebook and Instagram posts about this event on your county social media sites too.

Well trained 4-H volunteers and families make our ND 4-H program stronger.

Wednesday, Nov. 1 - South West

5:30-8:30 pm CST

Hazen High School

520 1st Ave NE

Hazen, ND 58545

Host: Metta Pfliger: Mercer Co.

Thursday, November 2 - North West

5:30-8:30 pm CST

First Lutheran Church

916 Main St, Williston, ND 58801

Host: Kelly Leo: Williams Co.

Wednesday, November 8 - South East

5:30-8:30 pm CST

Southeast Area Vocational Center

924 7th St S., Oakes, ND 58474

Hosts: Danielle Dinger and Breana Kiser: Dickey Co.

Thursday, November 16 - North East

5:30-8:30 pm CST

Lake Region State College-Chautauqua Room & break out rooms

1801 College Dr N, Devils Lake, ND 58301

Host: Cindy Olson: Ramsey Co.

Thank you for sharing these opportunities,

- Rachelle Vettern

Please share the message below with your county 4-H teen and adult volunteers and 4-H parents/caregivers and encourage them to attend:

We are stepping up to the plate! Hit it out of the park at ND 4-H Volunteer Project Training! Gather new ideas to create fun learning experiences for all 4-H members! Join us for an evening to build your skills as a 4-H teen or adult volunteer, parent/caregiver or Extension professional. You may attend at any location. Each event goes from 5:30-8:30pm.

Click on the link below and log in to your 4-HOnline account to see the training agenda, read the workshop descriptions, and register. The NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialists and our local Extension professionals can’t wait to see you there!

We look forward to seeing you there,

Extension Professional(Your name here)

*Please consider attaching the promo flyer located here too.

Disability Awareness for 4-H Volunteers

After your county 4-H volunteers attend in-person training in November, please encourage them to participate in this online training opportunity. Please share the information below via 4-HOnline, in your newsletters, on social media etc.

Creating a Sense of Belonging: Disability Awareness for 4-H Volunteers

4-H can play an empowering role in the lives of youth with disabilities and their families. As a 4-H volunteer, you can help provide the environment for these youth to be involved, make friends, and build life skills. Join Danielle Hawn, Lake Region Special Education Program Coordinator and Ramsey Co. 4-H Volunteer, to learn how to meet the needs of youth of all abilities within your 4 H activities!

4-H EZ Online Volunteer Modules

NDSU Extension Professionals,

As we start the new 4-H year, many 4-H club leaders look for online volunteer training specifically for 4-H club volunteers/leaders.

Please share the: “4-H EZ: Recipe for Community Club Success.” Online training materials with your 4-H volunteers and families. Send the e-mail below to your 4-H teen and adult volunteers through your county 4-H listserv or 4-HOnline.

*For those of you looking to connect virtually with your 4-H volunteers, as suggested below, you can work through these modules together with a group of volunteers via Zoom.

Message to share with 4-H Club Leaders:

Hello 4-H Community Club Volunteers!

Looking for tools, like a 4-H club meeting script, a parent “dig in” form to discover how parents can help in your club, or recreation ideas to make planning for your 4-H club meetings easier? The North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Specialists have created an online training resource for you: “4-H EZ: Recipe for Community Club Success.”

This training includes 6 videos, handouts, and resources that go with the videos. You can watch the videos and review the handouts and resources designed for your 4-H club use. We have also included a “4-H EZ Application Guide” that allows you to reflect on the videos and apply the information specifically to your 4-H Community Club.

This online training can be completed by yourself or with a group of teen and adult volunteers. You can complete the videos all in one setting or divide them up, as needed, for your schedule.

The videos and club resources are available at: http://bit.ly/4-HEZ. Click on the heading of each section to go to the video. You’ll first be asked to sign in, then you can click on the video link. At the end of each video, you’ll be asked to reflect on something you have learned and offer suggestions for future training opportunities.

We thank you for your interest in strengthening your 4-H Community Club and hope that 4-H EZ will help you with these efforts!

Sincerely,

Extension Professional (Your name here)

Stories From The Field

Youth Babysitting Clinic

Did you know? The North Dakota Department of Human Services recommends a child must be at least 9 years old before he or she is left alone. The guideline is as follows, ages 0-8 must not be left alone under any circumstances. A 9-year-old child can only be left alone for two hours or less during daytime hours and cannot be responsible for the care of other children. Once the child is 10, he or she can be left alone for more than 2 hours but it must be during daylight hours. And a child cannot be responsible for others (like babysitting) until he or she is 12 years or older.

NDSU Extension – Dickey County hosted a FREE Babysitting Clinic on Saturday, August 26th from 9am – 4pm at the Oakes Ambulance garage to prepare youth for staying home alone and for babysitting. Five youth attended the clinic to help them prepare.

Many useful topics were covered during the day by the Extension Agent, Danielle Dinger. Topics covered included The Business of Babysitting, Child Development, Basic First Aid, Food and Nutrition, Safety and Entertainment. A babysitter’s first priority is safety and was stressed heavily during this clinic. Guest speakers from the Oakes Ambulance, Oakes Fire Department and the Oakes Police Department were on hand to answer any questions pertaining to safety around Oakes.

A parent panel was an awesome addition to this program providing real-life insights into the world of babysitting. Interested parents brought their own child as well for hands on learning and a chance to meet prospective sitters. At the end of the day, the babysitters’ knowledge was tested and certificates of completion handed out.

The day was full of useful life skills like dialing 9-1-1, performing CPR, knife skills and kitchen safety. If you are interested in your child preparing for babysitting and learning the following skills, please contact our office to register. The Extension Office hopes to hold this class twice a year in Dickey County. Demand will determine where the class is held. Limited spots will be available, youth should be 12 years of age. Youth who are 11 years old are encouraged to register as well, spots will first be given to those who are 12. Topics to be covered:

Familiarize youth with the responsibilities of babysitting
Provide youth with the information necessary to become responsible babysitters
Teach the skills needed to become capable of staying home alone
Help to develop the confidence needed to handle situations that they encounter when they babysit or stay home alone
Assist youth to develop a positive attitude about the care of children

Danielle Dinger

Family & Community Wellness Agent

NDSU Extension - Dickey County

[email protected]

701-349-8323

Foundation News

Century Family and Hall of Fame Award Applications

Application Deadline extended to December 31st, 2023.

Hall of Fame Award - Recognizes those individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of 4-H in North Dakota. Remind you of someone you know? Nominate them for this award!

Access the Application Here: https://bit.ly/halloffameapplication

Century Families - Recognizes 4-H families with a long, sustained involvement in the 4-H program. North Dakota 4-H families with a combined 100 or more years of membership and/or volunteer service in 4-H will be recognized. Encourage families to do the math and apply!

Access the Application Here: https://bit.ly/centuryfamilyappliction

Hall of Fame Award Winners and Century Families will be recognized at the 4-H Foundation Recognition Event Spring 2024.

Resources

4-H Educational Trunks

The 4-H Educational Trunks publication has been completely revised! It is now ready for you to share with your 4-H families, volunteers, and club leaders! It is organized into the same project areas as the 4-H Project Guide.

This is a great resource to share with your club leaders as they kick off the new 4-H year and plan their educational programming.

You can find this resource on the 4-H Google Drive 🡪 Projects 🡪 Educational Trunks. Information on the trunk reservation process can also be found in the same location.

CLOVER by 4-H

• Get set for a pulse-pounding escapade that needs your heroics! In collaboration with Utah State University Extension, check out Mission: #GAMECLOVER — an interactive STEM experience on CLOVER by 4-H.

• Launching alongside Netflix's Spy Kids: Armageddon, Mission: #GAMECLOVER fuels STEM passion through the world of game design.

• To date, CLOVER has over 12,000 users. This is strong performance, considering the public marketing campaign was delayed until September to align with the Netflix promotion.

• Coming to the NAE4-HYDP Conference? Drop by the CLOVER Café (in the exhibit area) to explore CLOVER’s hands-on activities, tap into the insights in your LGU data dashboard and visit with Council staff.

AgriSafe's Invest in Your Health (IYH) Curriculums

AgriSafe’s Invest in Your Health (IYH) curriculums were developed to increase positive health outcomes among agricultural youth, by promoting knowledge, prevention, identification, and assessment of health threats commonly experienced by youth and young workers in agriculture.

Our primary goal is to equip agricultural educators and mentors with ready-to-go lessons on important topics. IYH is a series of free curriculums developed by AgriSafe for agricultural educators, mentors in 4-H and FFA, and young producers (ages 14-23). Currently, AgriSafe offers six curriculums.

Say What? Protecting your Hearing
Cover Up! Head-to-Toe Personal Protective Equipment
Stay Cool! Prevention of Heat-Related Illness
Stop Zoonosis in its Tracks! Prevention of Zoonosis
Where Y’at? Using Mapping to Define Hazards in Agriculture
Cultivating a Healthy Mind! Mental Wellness for Youth

Some of the trainings have been adapted into interactive student modules, where educators can assign students to take the course.

https://www.agrisafe.org/courses/invest-in-your-health/

4-H Volunteer Recruitment Resources

As you continue to grow your county 4-H Youth Development Program, volunteers are a key piece. Asking individuals to volunteer in person is the most effective, but it is helpful to have promotional recruitment pieces too. Nationally, 4-H has developed branded recruitment pieces for you to use.

How to Find the Volunteer Marketing Resources

Visit the Marketing Online Resource Center (MORC) at:

4-h.org/professionals/marketing-resources

Log into: My Profile

Select: Promotional Toolkits Tab

Scroll down to: Volunteer Marketing Resources

What You will Find

· Volunteer Recruitment Flyers (editable)

· Volunteer Social Media Graphics

· Social Media Copy

· Volunteer Recruitment Video