The past few weeks have brought forth many opportunities for reflection, planning and thoughts of being thankful. I am reflecting on feedback received from volunteers around the state regarding how the 4-H State Office could better understand the needs of and provide more strategic support to volunteers. This feedback has been extremely helpful in reminding me that perspective can be shaped by geographic location, organizational position and lived experiences so it’s critically important that our communication is timely, fact-based, clear and comprehensive. With this context in mind, please know that all 4-H personnel (county, regional and state office) are acutely aware and appreciative of the tireless work of volunteers across the state. We hear your concerns and take your feedback seriously. We are actively reviewing policies and working to improve the experiences of youth, families, and volunteers. This process includes development of both short-term and long-term solutions. To address the need for more resources at the local, regional and state levels, we are actively pursuing funding opportunities through grants and partnerships. Where we are successful in securing additional funding, we will be better positioned to serve youth, families, volunteers, and the entire 4-H community.

Recently, I attended this year’s FIRA Ag Technology Conference in Woodland, CA. I had the pleasure of meeting amazing individuals, such as Mr. Frank Muller, who has been a volunteer project leader and club leader in Yolo County for over 30 years; Ms. Sue Ellen Holmstrand, a former UC 4-H Director; Ms. Miranda Driver, Executive Director of Yolo County Farm Bureau and Mr. Caleb O’Reilly, Strategic Business Advisor, Apprenticeship and Workforce Innovation Unit in the State Of California Department of Industrial Relations. Many of the companies represented at the conference indicated an interest in working with local 4-H programs, so stay tuned for more on this in the coming months.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, please allow me to, again, thank everyone who contributes to the health and wellbeing of youth across the state of California. Your message of care and hope has a positive and transformational effect that cannot be measured. You are valued. We are grateful for all you do.

Shout Outs

New hire Nicole Missamore, the new 4-H Administrative Assistant in San Luis Obispo County. Welcome aboard!

“Magnificent” Merced County 4-H personnel, volunteers, youth members, and community partners who recently held their annual 4-H Dinner and Fundraiser. Their fundraising goal was $30,000. In their customarily magnificent fashion, they raised $43,544! This is what teamwork and collaboration can achieve! Funds raised will stay in the community to support such initiatives as direct youth programming and offsetting costs of fees and other expenses. Kudos to all!

The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation Board for a $500,000 award in response to a proposal submitted by a regional 4-H team who will train personnel in partnering youth-serving agencies and schools on Positive Youth Development principles and STEM curricula. Awarded funds were designated for and will serve Orange, San Bernadino and Riverside Counties.

In Community and with Steadfast, Unmovable Hope…

The Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign is from Friday, November 28 (Black Friday) to Sunday, December 14, 2025. Funds raised through the Paper Clover campaign support scholarships for youth to attend 4-H Camp and leadership conferences like the State Leadership Conference.

If there is a Tractor Supply Store near you, contact the store manager about hosting a 4-H display area so you can share all the great things you are doing in 4-H this year. This is a great way to connect with people in your community who may not be familiar with what 4-H is doing in your area. You may even find some new members and volunteers!

Using what you know about our food systems, get creative and join the Food Action Academy to bring your ideas to life. Meet virtually with the Food Action Academy team in seven sessions to develop your action plan.

This is a great series for Healthy Living Officers, Civic Engagement Officers, and 4-H'ers interested in making a difference in food accessibility in the community.

Food Action Academy: Get Creative

Tuesdays, January 20 - March 3, 2026

Sign up by January 13 at bit.ly/GetCreative26

Opportunity for 4-H Adults

The California 4-H State Office is offering two sessions of Youth Mental Health First Aid certification for 4-H adult volunteers and 4-H professionals! In two virtual classes, you will be certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Please sign up to support youth in your county!

Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification



December 15 & 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Register by December 8

National 4-H Conference 2026

April 10-15, 2026

Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, VA

Applications to attend the 2026 National 4-H Conference are now open! The deadline to submit applications is December 12, 2025. The National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of USDA, hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). By providing opportunities for young people between the ages of 15 and 19 to share their voices with the federal government, this nationally recognized event is developing the next generation of leaders. Members who have represented California 4-H at the National 4-H Conference consider it one of the highlights of their time in 4-H.

National 4-H Conference Application Guide

National 4-H Conference Application

Timeline

• December 12, 2025: Application submitted online 
• December 31, 2025: Notification Letters emailed to applicants 
• January 14, 2026: Team Meeting - Online 6:30-8:30pm 
• February 24, 2026: Team Meeting - Online, 6:30-8:30pm 
• April 10- April 15, 2026: National 4-H Conference, Arlington, VA