November 2024
4-H Newsletter
| Currently active 4-H Adult Volunteers and 4-H Members are subscribed to the California 4-H State newsletter. If you unsubscribe you will stop receiving ALL emails from the California 4-H state office. Please click UPDATE PROFILE below if you want to remove yourself from this list but still remain on other California 4-H mailing lists. View as Webpage | |
Discover with the Director | |
|
Wow! The last month has been nothing short of AMAZING!
We are grateful to our 4-H youth, families, volunteers, UC ANR personnel, and elected officials for all the wonderful activities, projects and proclamations associated with National 4-H Week!
We will build on this momentum to deliver even more to audiences statewide over the next year!
State and County Resolutions recognizing National 4-H Week 2024
The State of California recognized National 4-H Week 2024 with a Joint Assembly/Senate Resolution sponsored by Senator Dodd and Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry. National 4-H Week was also recognized with a House Resolution (HR119) sponsored by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry.
| | |
|
|
Presenting the House Assembly proclamation for National 4-H Week.
(l-r) Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, Statewide 4-H Director Dr. Kimberly Sinclair Holmes, Addison Holbrook (former State Ambassador) and UC ANR Vice President Glenda Humiston.
| |
|
We would like to highlight below the counties who have notified us of successful issuance of proclamations in recognition of 2024 National 4-H Week.
- Butte
- Glenn
- Kings
- Lake
- Marin
- Mariposa
- Mendocino
- Monterey
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- Solano
- Sonoma
- Tehama
- Tuolumne
- Yolo
| |
|
National Recognition of California 4-H Professionals
In other phenomenal news, several 4-H professional presented workshops and posters at the annual conference of the National Extension Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NEA4-HYDP). Congratulations to all presenters! Special congratulations go to Ms. Jenna Colburn, State 4-H Office and Ms. Rita Jakel, Orange County 4-H, for receiving outstanding service awards. Ms. Gemma Miner and I also received recognition on a team award for our work with the national 4-H Positive Youth Development (4-H PYD) Leadership Team.
4-H and Ag Technology
On October 24th, several 4-H professionals participated in the annual International Forum of Agricultural Robotics (FIRA) Conference, held this year in Woodland, CA. Congratulations to FIRA International and the Western Growers Association for a very successful conference filled with ag technology innovation and creativity. The conference planners beautifully integrated agricultural innovation, education and fun for the whole family!
4-H Fundraiser Breakfast at FIRA
We are also grateful for the support of California 4-H expressed during a fundraising breakfast held during the conference. We were honored to have remarks from California General Assembly Leader, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Vice President of UCANR, Dr. Glenda Humiston. I had the pleasure of greeting Mr. Fred Ruiz and Ms. Mitzi Ruiz. I enjoyed his intuitive wisdom; later learning that Mr. Ruiz was a former UC Regent. Our gratitude extends to other supporters who purchased tickets to the breakfast. Proceeds will go to college scholarships for 4-Hers who declare a major in agriculture-related disciplines.
Thank you to our legacy 4-H families!
Thanks to an invitation to join California 4-H Foundation Director, Ms. Carolyn Warne, I had the opportunity in the last two weeks to meet several long-time donors to California 4-H. First, we met the legendary Ms. Gail Kautz of Lodi, who is from what I call a legacy 4-H family or a family with multiple generations of 4-H alumni. Ms. Kautz and her family have donated to innumerable 4-H events and supported thousands of youth over the years. Next, we had the pleasure of meeting an inspiring entrepreneurial leader, Mr. Matt Migliazzo of M-MIG Construction and his two sons who are 4-H youth. Mr. Migliazzo is also from a legacy 4-H family who has provided tremendous support for 4-H youth over the years. Then, it was a delight to meet more living 4-H legends - Dr. Richard and Ms. Susan Mahacek.
A night in Magnificent Merced
The day was rounded out by attending a fundraising dinner in what I will forever refer to as Magnificent Merced, California! Wow! What an amazing community of 4-H youth and 4-H supporters from around the region. The dessert auction and subsequent live auction including thrilling bidding battles with bidding paddles! I lost a few rounds of bidding (such a tragedy!) but thoroughly enjoyed engagement with 4-H Academic Advisor, Mr. Russell Hill, 4-H Community Educator, Ms. Crystal Cortez, other UCANR Extension staff and so many current and legacy 4-H families. I even met the lovely Ms. Rosie Kiss Barker who is recognized locally as the oldest living 4-H Alumna in Merced County! An additional discovered treasure was a book published by Merced County Cooperative Extension and partnering agencies that captures the 100-Year history of the 4-H Program in Magnificent Merced.
With appreciation and thankfulness for you
As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I will once again express our appreciation to everyone associated with the California 4-H program. We are thankful for you! Your time, effort, funds and other support are helping us to elevate programs and services to youth statewide. With your help, we continue to expand our reach and our impact as we operationalize my motto for the year:
Oh, the places we will go! Oh, the people we will grow!
| |
Sign up today for the next Volunteer Cafe webinar on December 19! | |
|
Join Emily Watson, 4-H Community Education Specialist for San Bernardino County for the next Volunteer Cafe webinar.
Day Camp: Cultivating Positive Ethnic Identity
Thursday, Dec. 19, 7–8 pm
Learn why a positive ethnic identity is important for youth. Emily will share how their day camp in San Bernardino County started and how it’s going now. Their fun and hands-on activities supported kids from all backgrounds and helped kids feel good about their ethnic backgrounds. These activities can also be used to expand your programming in afterschool clubs.
About Emily
Emily is a dedicated 4-H alumna, parent, and volunteer who also serves as 4-H staff. With a background in expanded learning, she has worked with the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club to support youth development programs. As a STEAM advisor and an instructor with The Dibble Institute, Emily is passionate about equipping young people with all they need to thrive both academically and personally.
| |
|
Register today
You will be emailed the login information.
| |
Save the Date for the Volunteer Cafe webinar on Feb. 20
Get an overview of different adventure programs offered in Utah 4-H!
Outdoor Adventure Clubs
Thursday, Feb. 20, 7–8 pm
Learn about the types of adventure programs offered in Utah 4-H. Our guest presenters are Stacey MacArthur and Cindy Nelson from the Utah 4-H program. They will share things to consider when offering adventure programming and walk through purposes for adventure programming. This session will include discussion time to brainstorm ideas, local resources for adventure programs, and time to practice some of the health and wellness breaks they include in their programs.
| |
For a list of all scheduled Volunteer Cafe webinars and resources from past webinars, please go to the Resource Center at https://bit.ly/volunteer-cafe | |
Teen Leader Essentials: Manage your goals and consensus building | |
Teen Leader Essentials: Manage Your Goals and Consensus Building
Nov. 20, 6:30–8:30 pm
Register by 3pm on Nov 20 to get the link!
The CA 4-H State Ambassadors are hosting this workshop for all Teen Leaders across the state. The presentation and activities are all planned by the State Ambassadors, to share their experience and knowledge. This webinar is not going to be recorded so don't miss it!
About the workshop
Goal Management and decision making are key components to true success as a team. This workshop guides participants through goal selection and how to make decisions cooperatively.
| |
State Ambassador applications | |
Apply to be a State Ambassador for 2025-26
Our 2024–25 State Ambassadors are working hard this year to help youth leaders statewide to take on larger leadership roles. But...It's already time to recruit for NEXT YEAR's State Ambassadors.
The State Ambassador position is the highest working opportunity for 4-H'ers in the California 4-H Program.
The California 4-H State Ambassador Program is represented by youth who are exceptional in their leadership and service to their communities. They professionally represent the youth of the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program.
Learn more about this prestigious role and how you can apply to be one of next year's State Ambassadors!
| |
The 2023-24 and 2024-25 State Ambassador teams wants you to apply to be a State Ambassador too! | |
|
December 31st marks the end of the 6-month overlap of service. This is the grace period that allows Adult Volunteers enrolled in the previous year to continue to serve the program without an approved and Active enrollment.
Please make sure you complete all Volunteer appointment requirements so your re-enrollment may be approved and made Active in ZSuite by December 23rd, the last working day of the year for 4-H personnel. Returning volunteers that do not have an approved and Active enrollment as of January 1st may not actively serve as a 4-H Adult Volunteer until they have completed all requirements, and their re-enrollment is approved.
As you enroll and/or re-enroll in 4-H, please be sure to reference the available resources found on the Enrollment Page
| | |
Financial Management Series for Volunteers | |
New update to the Financial Management Series for Volunteers
Module 4 is now available!
In Module 4, you’ll dive into the unique aspects of managing gifts, scholarships, and special financial situations in California 4-H. By the end, you’ll feel confident handling these matters responsibly and in line with 4-H values. This module takes about 10 minutes to complete.
About the Series
The Financial Management Series offers quick, targeted learning for 4-H volunteers, especially those in financial roles like Club Leaders, Treasurer Advisors, and VMO Treasurers. Modules cover essential topics, including:
- Basics of financial management
- Setting up and authorizing bank accounts
- Planning, fundraising, and resource management
- Managing gifts, scholarships, animals, and firearms
- Financial reporting and compliance (February 2025)
- Responsibilities of 4-H Unit and VMO Treasurers (April 2025)
- Managing excess funds, disbursements, taxes, and property (June 2025)
Earn a certificate and digital badge by completing all seven modules.
Visit the 4-H Learning Center to explore both English and Spanish versions of the series!
| |
Fundraising Made Friendly
Welcome back to Fundraising Made Friendly! In September, we talked about the importance of sharing 4-H news with your communities. With just a few weeks until Giving Tuesday (December 3rd), now is the perfect time to raise awareness for your local 4-H program.
Each week, dedicate a few moments to share a short update about your 4-H youth, volunteers, and activities. Highlight an accolade, community event, or club project, then wrap up with a simple call to action:
“Giving Tuesday is December 3. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to support our 4-H program in [County Name].” (Be sure to include the donation link!)
Giving Tuesday messaging will be everywhere, including through local community foundations. By highlighting your local 4-H program, you not only raise awareness but also place your program front and center as donors consider their charitable contributions this season. It’s a simple yet powerful way to build a pipeline of support for the future of your program.
| |
Tractor Supply Paper Clover campaign
Nov. 29 - Dec. 15
The Tractor Supply Paper Clover campaign is from November 29th thru December 15th. Funds raised go towards 4-H Camp and Leadership experiences. Support 4-H by purchasing a Paper Clover in Tractor Supply stores.
Help spread the word by sharing posts on social media. Use #PaperClover in your posts and tag us!
Facebook
@California4H, @4-H and @TractorSupplyCo
Instagram
@ca4H, @National4H, @TractorSupply
| |  |
 |
Save the date for #GivingTuesday
on Dec. 3
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals to celebrate generosity worldwide. This campaign is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) to kick off the holiday season! California 4-H and UC ANR have participated in this fundraising effort over the past several years, raising more than half a million dollars for our programs statewide.
This year, “Plan To Participate!”
Gather a team, engage volunteers, and with input from 4-H youth, set a goal for 100% participation. That will look different for each group; but you cannot ask others to do what you’re not willing to do yourself. So, lean in and encourage your group to donate and volunteer. It will be a game changer!
Incentive Prizes
The California 4-H Foundation is putting up additional cash Incentive Prizes to reward good fundraising practices: $5,000 available in total!
- $500 to each of the nine 4-H funds that have the greatest number of unique donors
- $500 to the 4-H fund that raises the most on Giving Tuesday!
| | | | | |
