Clover Corner News, October 12, 1999

CLOVER CORNER NEWS - October 12, 1999

CLOVER CORNER NEWS (CCN) is a way to advise you about youth and 4-H opportunities and publicity. Sometimes, we will be asking for your help as we work together to gather stories about 4-H programs and youth for national media. This newsletter is emailed to State 4-H Leaders, 1890 4-H Program Leaders, 1994 4-H Program Leaders, Extension Directors, Foundation Directors, County Extension Offices, National Program Leaders, N4-HYDC, and Associates of National 4-H Council. It is also posted on National 4-H Council's website at http://www.fourhcouncil.edu under the Press button, and you can search back issues by visiting our search page.

Feel free to forward this information. Please attribute the source to "Clover Corner News, published by National 4-H Council, http://www.fourhcouncil.edu"

**This month to celebrate National 4-H Week we will be saluting the four H’s in Clover Corner News. One of the "H’s" in 4-H stands for Hands. It represents service to others and doing something to make a difference. This week we will be honoring "hands" with: a story about two youth who wanted to make a difference by planting trees, an article on Make a Difference day, and some updates on what 4-H youth did for National 4-H Week. **

IN THIS ISSUE:

NATIONAL 4-H COUNCIL & 4-H NEWS
# 1 – NATIONAL 4-H WEEK, BLUEMOUNTAINARTS.COM, C-SPAN, AND MORE
# 2 – 4-H TECH CORPS CHANGES NAME, STATE TECH CORPS URGED TO FOLLOW SUIT
# 3 – N4-HYDC UPDATE
# 4 – ALUMNI AND DONOR RELATIONS UPDATE
# 5 – 4-H SUPPLY SERVICE NEWS FLASH
# 6 – INNOVATION CENTER'S "CHARTING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS" PROJECT

**SALUTE TO THE FOUR H’S: HANDS
# 7 – HELPING COMMUNITIES SAVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS THROUGH DONATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL TIME, TALENTS, MANPOWER AND IN-KIND DONATIONS
# 8 – ONE IN A MILLION CAMPAIGN REACHING OUT TO AMERICA’S YOUTH
# 9 – USA TODAY TEEN PANEL CALLS YOUTH WITH SOMETHING TO SAY
# 10 – 4-H CLUBS CELEBRATE NATIONAL 4-H WEEK, WHAT DID YOU DO?
# 11 – DON’T FORGET MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY OCT 23

RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
# 12– SYMPOSIUM 2000 YOUTH KEYNOTE SPEAKER APPLICATION DUE OCT 25
# 13 – NATIONAL GARDENING ASSOCIATION GRANT DUE NOV 1

NATIONAL 4-H COUNCIL AND 4-H NEWS

# 1 – NATIONAL 4-H WEEK, BLUEMOUNTAINARTS.COM, C-SPAN AND MORE

Many things happened at National 4-H Council for National 4-H Week. The week ended on Friday when associates of council brought the canned food we had collected all week to the Capital Area Foodbank. While there we sorted and boxed food to help out. To see pictures of what went on at council during the week go to http://www.fourhcouncil.edu click on press, then on National 4-H Week.

The National 4-H Week e-card at BlueMountainArts.com is up and running. National 4-H Week will be listed as a holiday for the month of October on this popular web site. The card designed to honor 4-H has animation that alternates with the head, heart, health, and hands. It displays the 4-H pledge and plays music. You will be able to add your own personalized message and send it to your friends in honor of National 4-H week. The marketing department at National 4-H Council worked with the web site to design the card. Send it to all your friends to celebrate 4-H all month. You can check it out on the web at: http://www.bluemountainarts.com

On Friday October 8, 1999 KFRM in Claycenter Kansas interviewed Christie Phillips about National 4-H Week and the "change" in focus of 4-H. They discussed National 4-H Week and the theme Are you Into it? Involving youth in community service, workforce preparation, and rebuilding rural communities through programs like Bridging the Gap. Listeners were asked to contact their local county extension office for more info about 4-H.

At 10:00 EST on Thursday October 7 on C-SPAN 1 Representative Nathan Deal 9 th district from Georgia recognized 4-H. During his one minute free speech he talked about National 4-H Week and the wonderful things that 4-H does for youth.

AgDomain’s feature site of the week for Oct. 4-11 was National 4-H Council. To visit AgDomain go to http://www.agdomain.com

# 2 – 4-H TECH CORPS CHANGES NAME, STATE TECH CORPS URGED TO FOLLOW SUIT

After discussions with USDA and attorneys, the 4-H Tech Corps has decided to change their name to National 4-H Youth Technology Leadership Team (Tech Team). They explained their decision with the following statement:

As some may know, the name "Tech Corps" is registered by another group (http://www.techcorps.org). We always thought that the "National 4-H Youth Technology Corps" was different enough, and that our work and purpose was different enough, that it wasn't an issue. The Tech Corps disagrees, however, and we have been contacted by their attorneys who disagree with our use of the term "Tech Corps" and "Technology Corps", arguing that our work is too similar to theirs, our name too similar, and that we are being confused with them. The prevalence of the term Tech Corps on our 4-H pages does tend to support their claims. In their favor, they have the fact that they registered the name, and used it first. This is an example of the importance of brand names, of registering your name, and fighting to keep others from using it.

The National 4-H Webmasters Guild is recommending all state tech corps also change their name, to reflect these concerns.

# 3 – N4-HYDC UPDATE

The National 4-H Youth Directions Council (N4-HYDC) is a youth-led, youth-driven group created to give youth a greater voice in 4-H decision-making and implementation of programs at local, state, regional and national levels. For the last few months, the group has been working to promote and sustain its work. The group has submitted ideas for a logo and letterhead to help with promotion and is designing an informational brochure describing the mission and vision of N4-HYDC and outlining key accomplishments. They also plan to host an on-line survey to track where youth have a voice within 4-H and to pinpoint where the team needs to focus its efforts.

N4-HYDC strives to involve youth as partners in decision-making and advocates for more youth/adult partnerships within 4-H. N4-HYDC recently produced a survey that was sent to all 1999 National 4-H Congress delegates to help collect information for the National 4-H Strategic Directions Team.

The N4-HYDC is comprised of youth age 15-20 from nearly all 50 states and includes representatives from Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. If you have any questions about the work of N4-HYDC, please contact N4-HYDC coordinator Justin Snapp, (301)961-2916; jcs3de@missou.edu

# 4 – ALUMNI AND DONOR RELATIONS UPDATE

Katherine Watier in the Alumni and Donor Relations (ADR) team at National 4-H Council is promoting 4-H and National 4-H Council at Combined Federal Campaign Kickoff events in DC and the surrounding area. The goal of this program is not only to educate federal employees about 4-H and volunteer opportunities, but also to convince them to support financially and (if they are alumni) re-connect with the 4-H Family.

In Rob Cooper's words: "We got a great plug from an undersecretary who was there to speak on behalf of the Department of Energy...she remembered all the great things that 4-H does for young people...especially around fair time and with animals...she then went on to say, I know that they are doing some great things not just in rural areas, but in the cities as well.... what a shock to get such a great unsolicited plug...the other agencies were just jealous!"

National 4-H Council has had a presence at the Dept. of Transportation, the National Institute of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Dept. of Treasury, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Dept. of Energy, the Department of Defense and at IBM's facility in Gaithersburg.

Not only have we been able to connect with folks who want to volunteer or get their kids involved, but we were also able to convince an alumnus to buy bricks for her dad and favorite agent!

# 5 – 4-H SUPPLY SERVICE NEWS FLASH

The New Online 4-H Bookstore is Going Great!
The 4-H Bookstore has been open for business for four weeks, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! The 4-H Bookstore is one stop shopping for your 4-H curriculum and educational resource needs, and it is easy to use! If you haven’t been there yet, what are you waiting for? Check it out now at http://www.4hbookstore.org !

New 4-H Bookstore Affinity Program
Do you have a 4-H website? WE HAVE FREE PRE-DESIGNED BANNERS that you can pick up from our special webpage at http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/4hstuff/bannerads.htm and easily place on your own webpage to allow your 4-Her’s convenient access to our new http://www.4hbookstore.org online store. It is easy to do and will be a great help to those who regularly visit your site. We will also work with you, if you wish, to get a web link to your site placed on the National 4-H Council website. If you have any questions about this new program, please send them to carpenter@fourhcouncil.edu .

Say Welcome to Our New 4-H Classic Clover Doormat!
4-H Supply Service proudly introduces our new Classic Clover Doormat! This attractive mat will be the perfect complement to any home or office doorway! To learn more and see a picture, go to http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/4hstuff/doormat.htm !

Halloween Bags – You Need ‘Em, We Got ‘Em!
We are down to less than 30,000 of these popular Halloween Bags, and the big day is quickly approaching! After we sell out of these, there will not be any more available in time for this year’s celebrations and events. Don’t be shut out – go directly to http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/4hstuff/hallbag.htm and get your order in to us NOW!

2000 4-H Source Book – Do You Still Need One?
We have sent out an amazing number of copies of the Millennium Edition of our 4-H Source Book so far, but we can still get one out to you if you need one! The 2000 4-H Source Book is 100 full color pages chock full of all of the 4-H awards, medals, trophies, pins, buttons, apparel and nifty gift items you could ever want! If you want to request copies of the 2000 Source Book, please send an email to 4hstuff@fourhcouncil.edu and we will get one out to you pronto!

# 6 – INNOVATION CENTER'S "CHARTING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS" PROJECT

National 4-H Council's Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development recently launched a new project to pilot and develop the "Charting Community Connections" (CCC) process. CCC involves youth and adults as partners in examining community resources and putting them into action. Through partnerships with the Cooperative Extension System and funding from The Ford Foundation, the Innovation Center will work with four rural communities to implement the CCC process. The Innovation Center will then produce tools and resources based on the communities' experiences with the process. The tools and resources will be shared with those who practice youth and community development across the nation, including CES staff.

Four rural communities are participating as project sites. They are Macy, Nebraska (Omaha Reservation), Mishongnovi, Arizona (Hopi Reservation), Flathead Reservation, Montana (Confederated Salish / Kootenai Tribes), and Waupaca, Wisconsin.

In each site, youth and adult community members will work in partnership to examine their cultural, physical, and historical resources. They will gather key organizations and individuals to develop a vision for the future and a plan for utilizing local resources to make that vision a reality.

The CCC project is short and intense, lasting until the end of the calendar year, and the site selection process focused on community readiness for doing a comprehensive process like CCC in a short amount of time. Selection criteria included a demonstrated commitment to youth/adult partnerships, openness to a participatory learning process, and existence of community efforts with momentum. The Ford Foundation also requested that the project include a focus on Native American communities.

For more information about the CCC project or how to get in touch with project communities, please contact: Kristen Spangler, (301)961-2818; spangler@fourhcouncil.edu

Or visit http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/cyd/ccc.htm

**SALUTE TO THE FOUR H’S: HANDS

# 7 – HELPING COMMUNITIES SAVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS THROUGH DONATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL TIME, TALENTS, MANPOWER AND IN-KIND DONATIONS

How can local youth programs help service organizations in their communities save millions of dollars while increasing awareness of the unmet needs of service programs? Humanitarian Resource Institute has developed a youth leadership project to accomplish this task through a simple 4-step initiative:

Step 1: Youth leaders research key service programs in their area. These would include American Red Cross chapters, food banks, homeless shelters, crisis centers, substance abuse and disaster relief programs, etc.

Step 2: Youth Leaders select a number of the major programs and schedule a community service lecture in which the executive directors are asked to make a presentation to local youth groups, community organizations, churches and media. The main purpose of this presentation is to help young people and their communities learn more about local programs and the size and scope of their unmet needs.

Step 3: Following the lecture presentation, youth leaders construct a Community Unmet Needs Report for distribution to local media networks, churches, youth and community organizations. The objective of the report is to provide an overview of the most significant unmet needs of local programs in an appeal for volunteers (doctors, lawyers, contractors, accountants, etc.) or donations of financial/non-financial resources (computers, office equipment, building materials, supplies, etc).

The objective is to provide a pathway in which local professionals can donate a small amount of time to help significant needs and donate needed equipment or supplies which would normally be purchased at high cost by local service organizations.

Step 4: The coordinating youth leadership program would send a cover letter to each key service organization in their area asking them to construct an unmet needs overview that would be updated quarterly and accessible via the world wide web. Once completed, these programs would be asked to submit their web links to the Focus On America National Community Needs Database that will provide immediate access to the information on their county web page.

The web address for the Focus On America National Community Needs Database is: http://www.humanitarian.net/usdatabase

The long term goal of the initiative is to provide local residents, youth and community organizations with continual updates that can help these programs develop service projects that can best impact the greatest needs in their communities.

If you are interested in this project contact: Humanitarian Resource Institute P.O. Box 21372, Carson City, Nevada, 89721 Eastern USA: (203)668-0282 Western USA: (775)884-4680 http://www.humanitarian.net or impact@humanitarian.net

# 8 – ONE IN A MILLION CAMPAIGN REACHING OUT TO AMERICA’S YOUTH

When Tara Church and Melissa Poe attended the 1997 President’s Summit for America’s Future they were dismayed by the summit’s focus on "what adults do with and for kids," rather than how kids could become activists themselves. This led them to create a youth tree planting campaign called One in a Million.

The goal of One in a Million is to have one million youth donate one million hours of community service planting one million trees by the year 2000. In the year 2000 the names of the participants will be presented to President Clinton. You can plan a large-scale tree planting or plant a single tree every little effort counts. Currently the tally stands at 649,726 trees, 634,596 kids, and 653,336 hours.

To get more information or to participate contact One in a Million c/o Tree Musketeers 136 Main Street Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245 or call (310)322-0263. Remember to send in the names of youth and organization or school that take part in the project. You can also send copies of stories published in local newspapers about the One in a Million campaign. If your 4-H group participates in the One in a Million campaign, please notify Clover Corner News too at aneiberger@fourhcouncil.edu

# 9 – USA TODAY TEEN PANEL CALLS YOUTH WITH SOMETHING TO SAY

USA Today is looking for outspoken teens who would like to join USA Today’s Teen Panel. The members of the panel speak about issues ranging from teen fashion to teen drug use and the effects of divorce on youth. You don’t need to be a whiz kid, merely outspoken and able to reflect what your friends are thinking. This year’s panelists will work with reporters from USA Today

If you are a freshman, sophomore, or junior (no seniors need apply, as the term is two years) apply by briefly writing your thoughts on at least three of the following issues:

What is responsible for school shootings, such as the massacre in Littleton, Colo.?
What is the biggest social issue at your school? Boy-girl relationships? Racial tensions? School rivalries? Gangs?
Do you think teens’ access to the Internet should be controlled? Is the Net a good, private place for kids or a dangerous one?
Do teens get enough family time with their parents? Why or why not?

Photos are welcome but cannot be returned. Please send your name, telephone number, year in school, and email address if available to Teen Panel, USA Today, Life Section, 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington VA 22229, or contact weblife@usatoday.com

# 10 – 4-H CLUBS CELEBRATE NATIONAL 4-H WEEK, WHAT DID YOU DO?

Tulsa, Oklahoma. HUGS Project Helps Community, Tulsa County 4-H members kicked off National 4-H Week with a HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves, socks) party to set collection goals for this service project which will assist local agencies. The project, which hopes to collect 1500 sets of HUGS for local agencies, will run through USA Weekend's Make a Difference Day, October 23rd. Three network TV stations aired programs about the "Everybody needs HUGS project" and 4-H members are building the excitement with the "Hug-O-Meter" which reports progress toward the goal.

Bland County, Virginia. Publicity through TV and Radio. Nine senior 4-H members taped 4 30-second commercials that are running on 3 FM and 5 AM radio stations locally. A weekly newspaper is doing a feature article on 4-H.Youth and adults partnered to tape a 30-minute television program about 4-H for broadcast on Sunday, October 10th. Seventh grade students are presenting 4-H commercials over elementary school loudspeakers as an outreach.

Devil's Lake, North Dakota. Helping Hospice. Country Kids 4-H club, located in Ramsey County kicked off National 4-H Week with a community service focus. The 13 member club took their "Kids Helping Kids and Families" project to Mercy Hospice. They are collecting new or gently used stuffed animals and beanie babies and creating greeting cards for the hospice program. Community members dropped off donations at a 4-H Pancake breakfast October 3rd and there are several other collection sites in the county. The Country Kids club members hope to give every child involved with hospice a stuffed animal or beanie baby gift.

For more info on what these and other 4-H groups did for National 4-H Week go to http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/market/4hweekcountyevents.htm. Send your events to aneiberger@fourhcouncil.edu to get them listed on National 4-H Council’s web page.

# 11 – DON’T FORGET MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY OCT 23

USA Weekend’s Make a Difference Day is October 23. This is an excellent time for 4-H clubs and special interest groups to help make life better for the less fortunate. Schools, congregations, youth agencies and other groups will be conducting activities. 4-H can be a leader by conducting activities or joining with other groups. The Seeley 4-H club of El Centro, California will collect food, toys, and treats for abandoned animals for the Imperial County Humane Society. The Hart County 4-H clubs of Georgia will be trick-or-treating for non-perishable food for Thanksgiving baskets for the needy. The Busy Bison 4-H club of Farmington, West Virginia will clean and monitor Buffalo Creek. There are unlimited needs that can be addressed beginning in the local community. Encourage 4-H members and volunteers to discover the many fun, simple, yet meaningful ways to make our world a better place. Make a Difference projects can be registered at http://www.makeadifferenceday.com Some grant money is available for those who register.

4-Hers please register your projects so we c an recognize your efforts in CCN. 4-Hers are doing projects in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Last year nearly 2 million people participated in more than 5,000 projects. For more information on how you can Make a

Difference, to look for activities in your area or to register your idea visit http://www.makeadifferenceday.com or call (800)416-3824 or email diffday@usaweekend.com

RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES

# 12 – SYMPOSIUM 2000 YOUTH KEYNOTE SPEAKER APPLICATION DUE OCT 25

The National Network for Youth is celebrating 25 years and we couldn't celebrate this without also celebrating the history of the network and YOU. The National Network for Youth is accepting applications for a Symposium 2000 Youth Keynote Speaker. The approximately 20-minute long keynote address will take place on either February 6 or 7, 2000, and will incorporate this year's theme: A Tribute to the Past, A Vision for the Future: 25 Years Working with Youth. Young people, ages 14-21, who have demonstrated commitment to community youth development and leadership are encouraged to apply. Applicants must also have public speaking experience and must have the support of the agency with which they are affiliated.

If you are selected, the National Network will provide you with a $200 honorarium, transportation to and from Washington DC, one night's food and lodging, the registration fee, and a one-year membership to the Network. The youth keynote speaker will be responsible for additional lodging and food if he/she intends to stay for the entire conference.

An adult agency sponsor must agree to work in partnership with the young person to provide guidance in the preparation of the keynote speech. If the applicant is under 18, an on-site adult agency sponsor must accompany him/her. The adult agency sponsor will be responsible for her/his own travel and lodging arrangements and conference registration.

To apply complete the Youth Keynote Speaker Application and return it to the National Network office no later than October 25, 1999.

APPLICATION

Include your name, age, address, city, state, zip, phone, fax, email, name of member agency, adult sponsor name, and phone.

Please answer the following questions on a separate sheet. (Please limit your responses to no more than 4 pages.)

1. Describe your involvement with a current National Network member agency or other youth program (e.g., volunteered as youth worker, provided peer counseling).
2. Describe your experience in public speaking.
3. Why do you want to give the keynote address at Symposium 2000?
4. Discuss the main points you would make during the keynote address. Your speech must support and carry the message of this year's theme, A Tribute to the Past, A Vision for the Future: 25 Years Working with Youth.
5. Include one letter of reference and any additional information you feel is important.

Return this information by October 25, 1999 to Youth Keynote 2000, National Network for Youth, 1319 F Street, NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20004.
Applicants may also fax their applications to (202)783-7955 or send them via e-mail to BShankman@NN4Youth.org

The National Network for Youth was born out of concerned young people and adults joining together in an effort to make the world a better place for all people, young and old. Youth provide us with leadership as we strive to fulfill the National Network for Youth mission, to ensure that young people can be safe and lead healthy and productive lives. Youth have taken leadership roles in making legislation and public policy. Youth have helped ensure that community-based agencies have the necessary skills, education, and other resources to enhance their work with young people. Working together, we have begun to make a difference in many communities. Symposium 2000 is a time to celebrate the rich history of our accomplishments in working toward a new millennium, and what triumphs are yet to come.

# 13 – NATIONAL GARDENING ASSOCIATION GRANTS DUE NOV 1

Every year 300 Youth Garden Grants are awarded to schools, neighborhood groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and intergenerational programs throughout the US. To be eligible, groups must plan to garden in 2000 with at least 15 youth between the ages of 3 and 18 years. For more info contact NGA at 1(800)537-7476 eddept@garden.org or visit http://www2.garden.org/nga/edu/NGA-EDU6.HTM

For more information about the news and opportunities found in Clover Corner News, please contact: Christie Phillips, Marketing Director, (301)961-2915, phillips@fourhcouncil.edu; Brigitte Johnson, Marketing Manager, (301)961-2977, johnson@fourhcouncil.edu; Ami Neiberger, Public Relations Coordinator, (301)347-3808, aneiberger@fourhcouncil.edu; Rachel Nestor, Office Manager, (301)961-2829, nestor@fourhcouncil.edu; Kelly Hilgers, Marketing Program Assistant (301)347-3806, khilgers@fourhcouncil.edu; Carrie Katin, Marketing Program Assistant (301)347-3807, ckatin@fourhcouncil.edu.

National 4-H Council is an uncommon youth development organization fostering innovation and shared learning for youth workers and young leaders. National 4-H Council partners with the Cooperative Extension System, communities, and other organizations to provide technical support and training, develop curriculum, create model programs and promote positive youth development to fulfill its mission. National 4-H Council also manages the National 4-H Conference Center, a full-service conference facility, and the National Supply Service, the authorized agent for items bearing the 4-H name and emblem. National 4-H Council is committed to a policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, religious creed, ancestry or national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, physical or mental disability. Mention or display of trademark, proprietary product or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement by National 4-H Council and does not imply approval to the exclusion of suitable products or firms.