Hello, I hope this comes to everyone after another successful school year. To everyone that has graduated I would like to extend my congratulations. I’m really looking forward to this 4-H year as we have some really great people from all over the country who have come together to make it a success. Collegiate4h.org is looking better then it ever has before, and I encourage everyone to take some time to look at it. There are new materials for the promotion of Collegiate 4-H, National Conference Updates, message boards, and a whole wealth of information available for you to use. This year on the National Action Board, our main focus will be accomplishing the goals laid out by the Strategic Plan. We are looking to bring some new and exciting things to the national membership by the 2008 National Conference Including a club database so new members can search for your club via collegiate4h.org, new promotional materials, workshops, and ideas to help support 4-H and the individual from the local to national levels. We have had several great opportunities offered to Collegiate 4-H members this past year to serve as liaisons, facilitators, and role models to our younger constituents, and more are on the way. This year I want to encourage everyone to get out there and really “Make a Difference.” Volunteering at a local event, or smiling and befriending that kid who needs a little reassurance can achieve this. We really do have a great organization available to us, because we have the best people. I have always thought of 4-H as a group of friends that you can hold close and count on, while always looking forward to finding the friends you have yet to meet. In conclusion I would like to extend that hand to friendship to everyone out there and feel free to look me up on myspace or facebook.
Not only is joining the Advocacy Team a way to become involved on the national level, but also the chance to make a difference. The team is now accepting applications for those interested in joining the team. The application is available HERE. The Advocacy Team works to create promotional materials for the national organization, provide materials for clubs to use, and publish the National newsletter. Applications should be sent to secretary.
Think you know web design? Do you have a passion for Photoshop or graphic art? Do you dream of databases? If you answered yes to any of these, the National Collegiate 4-H Web Team is for you!
Imagine the ability to promote Collegiate 4-H to more than 3000 people per month! Think of the difference you could make in attracting caring, compassionate individuals towards joining an existing Collegiate 4-H club or starting their own. And as a direct result, imagine the volume of 4-H members that those Collegiate 4-H members will reach!
So wiggle your fingers and prepare to start typing your application for the 2007-08 National Collegiate 4-H Web Team, so you can personally impact the visibility and image of Collegiate 4-H nationwide with the click of a mouse.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the 07-08 term. Get an application and read more at http://www.collegiate4h.org/leadership/webteam/ Applications should be sent to secretary
I’m writing to you today to look for interested persons to be part of a national committee to help coordinate one of the two National Service Projects of Emphasis: Resource Library for the 4-H Community. This project is an online resource library of program guides, workshops in a box, teambuilding activities, and icebreakers submitted by Collegiate 4-H clubs! While many of the resources will be focused on Collegiate 4-H clubs, most will apply to anyone in the 4-H community. Not only will they be viewable by everyone, but they will be sortable and searchable by audience, age range, topics, materials needed, and preparation time.
I’m looking for persons who have interest in helping coordinate this large project at the national level and assisting clubs with their participation in this project. If you’re interested in any of the following: communicating with other Collegiate 4-H clubs, editing or formatting documents, adding photos to PowerPoints, database design, program design, or creating something lasting for the 4-H organization; then this is the committee for you. Please contact me via e-mail as to your interest at info.
I look forward to hearing from you and working with your clubs in the future on this exciting project! ~Jessica Falkenthal, Project Chair
Each region has their own listserv to communicate and share ideas among Collegiate 4-H clubs near you and communicate about upcoming events in your region including the regional conference. You may subscribe to yours by sending a blank e-mail to:
All of the listservs allow you to change your settings, so you may receive daily digests of messages or only special notices, if you are concerned about the amount of e-mails you receive. The Web Team promises to limit the number of e-mails sent over the national listserv to only national announcements and save members’ discussion for the message boards
Want to go skiing during this year’s National Conference? Help us set up the information!
The National Collegiate 4-H Conference planning committee is in the process of creating ski packages for the 2008 National Collegiate 4-H Conference, and we need your help!! Please answer the following questions in our survey in order for our team to make this year’s conference as fun as possible. http://nationalconference.collegiate4h.org/skitripsurvey/
Looking for ways to promote your club in the new schoolyear? Check out Collegiate4h.org’s upcoming Club Development section later this week to find tons of promotional ideas for your club!
NAB and its committees has been working hard to put together a new online club registration process for clubs to utilize at this year’s National Collegiate 4-H Conference. The form will be available for clubs to fill out their registration information (previously completed by utilizing the club establishment guidelines form) at the National Collegiate 4-H Conference as well as online around September 1st of this year. The form will also feature a calculator function to tell clubs exactly how much they owe in club dues. We are also working to make the form updateable, meaning any information that is a permanent feature of your club (advisor, email address, mailing address, etc.) will automatically appear when your club completes the form next year! We hope this feature will save your clubs a lot of time filling out the same information over and over again, plus once you hit send your information is already available to the national secretary and all you will need to bring to Nationals is your club dues!
NAB hopes that your clubs are as excited about this new improvement to our website as we are. If you have any comments about this new feature, please leave us some feedback on the message boards at http://www.collegiate4h.org/bb/viewtopic.php?p=1089#1089
This registration process is brought to you by the Communication and Member Education Committee of NAB and is one of the goals of the National Collegiate 4-H Strategic Plan.
The National Service Projects of Emphasis for 2007-08 are Resource Library for the 4-H Community and Operation Military Kids.Please visit http://www.collegiate4h.org/service/ to learn how your club can become involved in these projects.
Below is a list of the 2007-2008 National Action Board. Please feel free to contact any of the NAB members with questions or concerns through the Collegiate 4-H Contact page. Also, to learn more about the various members look at their bios!
North Central Region President Kristie Storms, South Dakota State University
Northeast Region President Megan Baker, University of Maryland
Southern Region President Sarah Edens, Oklahoma State University
Western Region Representative, NAB Chair Tommy Inglis, University of Nevada- Reno
Northeast Region Second Year Member Vanessa Cerny, Rutgers University
North Central Region Second Year Member Beth Bray, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Southern Region Second Year Member Antoine Jefferson, Louisiana State University
Western Region Second Year Member Amber Mathisen, University of Wyoming
2008 National Conference Coordinator April Mendenhall, Colorado State University
Business Manager Jasmine Honore, Louisiana State University
Secretary Amy Schwertner, Texas Tech University
Advocacy Team Liaison Christy Clary, The Ohio State University
Web Team Liaison Jessica Falkenthal, Indiana University
Ag Consortium Representative-Elect TBA Mid-July.
Liaison from National 4-H Headquarters Byron Garrett, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA
National Advisor Dale Leidheiser, Colorado State University
The Advocacy and Web Team are teaming up this summer to create a new section of the website and materials providing advice and ideas on starting a new Collegiate 4-H club and provide Collegiate 4-H project ideas. If you would like to help provide advice and help to new clubs or assist in editing, please let us know at info
Web Team -Collegiate 4-H Message Board Gets Action
By: Jessica Falkenthal, Indiana University, Web Team Chair
Check out the message boards for service and social ideas for your club, conference updates, and opportunities to give feedback and voice your concerns and ideas. Plus find grant, internship, scholarship, and 4-H opportunities! College Life 101 has been created to share advice about how to “survive on a college campus” with 4-H members as they transition to college along with fellow Collegiate 4-H members. Ask questions of your own, answer others, and help to build this as a resource for all of us to share! And stay tuned for new additions to our website later this summer!
Advocacy Team What has the Advocacy Team done for You?
By: Christy Clary, The Ohio State University, Advocacy Team Liaison
The Advocacy Team since created has been hard at work creating all kinds of materials for Collegiate 4-H clubs to use in their various activities. Some of the materials already created include: brochures, PowerPoint templates and graphics. To see what all is available visit the Resources page of the national website.
Another resource available to clubs is the National Collegiate 4-H Banner. Clubs can check out the banner to use in displays. Be on the lookout for more information and a new procedure to check out the banner!
The Advocacy Team is constantly working to create more materials for the organization. If you have an additional resource you would like created, please visit the Advocacy Team website to fill out a work order.
By: April Mendenhall, Western Region President, Colorado State University
The Western Region has been hosting monthly meetings since January and getting members of the region more acquainted before our regional conference in Reno, Nevada. We have been working hard to gain new clubs in the area and are happy to welcome some new clubs in the fall, one at the University of Arizona, and one at the University of Denver in Colorado.
The region is also gearing up for our regional conference in Reno, Nevada in October. The region would like to welcome anyone from any of the regions who would like to attend. There will be lots of fun activities available. Please check out the Western Region website for more information. http://westernregion.collegiate4h.org The region is also in the process of putting together a regional fundraiser. We are looking into having calendars printed with all of the important Collegiate 4-H information that we all miss out on! The calendar will feature pictures from clubs throughout the Western Region.
By: Megan Baker, Northeast Region President, University of Maryland
This year’s Northeast Region Collegiate 4-H Conference is going to be hosted by University of Maryland in College Park, MD. The meeting dates are September 27-29, 2007 in College Park, MD. The club has come up with an agenda full of fun workshops, community service and tours for conference attendees to participate in. To receive a registration packet please contact Megan Baker, at mbaker11@umd.edu. Also check out our new regional website at http://northeastregion.collegiate4h.org
Please consider helping out Ohio 4-H educators by completing one or both of these surveys. Their research will be able to help Collegiate 4-H clubs in coming months as we will be able to utilize their results. For more information, please contact, Brian Raison, raison.1@osu.edu Ohio 4-H Educator
College Students Online Activities
The Ohio State University Extension is conducting a research project at Ohio State and would love to hear from collegiate 4-H club members. The survey is being conducted to better understand of how teens approach the internet, post profiles, and participate in online activities. YOUR input would really help! Would you:
1. Take the survey and give YOUR advice. 2. Spread the word and link!
Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary. Your responses will be anonymous. It should take 5 to 8 minutes to complete. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!
College 101
I am working with colleagues at Ohio State University to develop a new seminar to help High School seniors make a better transition to their 1st year at college (no matter what college they will be attending). We want to add some “real world” examples of college life to help high school students be prepared when they go off to college.
Examples from your college could really help! Would you: 1. Take the survey and give YOUR advice. 2. Spread the word and link!
Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary. Your responses will be anonymous. It should take 5 to 8 minutes to complete. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!
National Leadership Position Available: Ag Consortium Liaison
The National Collegiate 4-H Organization is looking for a Collegiate 4-H member interested in serving a two-year term as the National Collegiate 4-H Liaison to the Ag Consortium. More information on the position is available in the application form. The application is due on July 1, 2007, so please hurry in passing this along to your club members or applying!
For more national leadership opportunities for Collegiate 4-H members, please consider looking at our National Collegiate 4-H Committees at http://www.collegiate4h.org/leadership
Questions? Visit the Contact page and let us know!
Agenda for the April 9th 10:00 PM EST Meeting of the NAB
Teleconference 1 of the 07-08 NAB
Call to Order Approval of Agenda Reading of Minutes (if we have some) Approval of Minutes Business Manager’s Report Old Business – Discuss Ag. Consortium Liaison – Discuss Advocacy Team – Updated Bylaw’s and Constitution National Conference Update Regional Updates Web Team Updates Service Project of Emphasis Update Strategic Plan: -Diversity -Organizational Affairs -Communication and Member Education -Partnerships -Community Service Plan for future meetings and Agenda items.
During the 2007 National Collegiate 4-H Conference, held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Ohio State University Collegiate 4-H was named the National Club of the Year, Indiana University Collegiate 4-H was named the New Collegiate 4-H Club of the year, South Dakota State won the Hope Daughtery award, and Oklahoma State Collegiate 4-H received the Scrapbook of the Year Award. During the National Business meeting, the national body approved a new set of bylaws to go with the organization’s constitution. The updated constitution and new bylaws will be posted on the National Documents page within the next two weeks along with articles about our award winners.
The new National Action Board for 2007-2008 was announced and contact information throughout the website has been appropriately updated. To view your new NAB, please visit the National Action Board webpage under the National Leadership category.
The National Action Board of Collegiate 4-H has been hard at work with the strategic plan that has been drawn up. The strategic plan is a list of goals and actions that the National Action Board and Strategic Planning Committee felt would better the National Collegiate 4-H Organization as a whole. We’re really excited about putting this plan into action, and the best part is that you, the national body, will be the key that makes it wind up! If you want to know about the strategic plan, ask your regional president or any member of the NAB. Ask how you can be more involved with the plan, as well, because we’re always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to help.
The National Action Board is soon coming to re-elections. At the end of the National Conference in February, the 2nd year NAB members will release their positions and give them to the first year NAB members, and the first year NAB will give their positions to the newly elected regional presidents. There will also be re-elections for the National Business Manager, Secretary, and committees. So NAB will soon see new faces, new ideas, for this new year. I would like to thank the 2nd year NAB members for their dedication and insight that you gave to the board, and you will be missed.
Notes from the Business Manager
By: Sarah Leidheiser Business Manager
At-Large Members
Coming to National Conference as an At-Large member? Please keep the following guidelines, according to the National Collegiate 4-H Constitution, in mind:
Members-at-large must be enrolled at an institution of higher learning without an affiliated Collegiate 4-H club
Recognition from the state’s State 4-H Office must be acquired and presented
Members-at-large who have paid their dues shall have one (1) vote per ten (10) members or fraction thereof. Members-at-large shall meet prior to the business meeting to choose voting delegate(s).
Questions or concerns?
Please contact Sarah Leidheiser at businessmanager
Club Establishment Guidelines
Attention All Club Presidents,
As the National Business Meeting approaches, it is important to remember to register your Collegiate 4-H club for the upcoming year. Registering with the National Organizations ensures voting privileges, a better way for the National Collegiate 4-H Organization to contact your club, and much more. The best part — it’s easy! Follow these simple steps to ensure your club’s registration:
Complete the club establishment guidelines posted on collegiate4h.org/docs. This application is located under the “National Documents” section of the website.
Bring the completed document and club dues to the 2007 National Conference in Baton Rouge, LA. Not attending conference, but would still like to send your dues and Club Establishment Guidelines, please postmark them by Thursday, February 8th. The address is included in the guidelines.
Other reminders:
If you would like to submit your Club Establishment Guidelines electronically, I will be accepting this option. Please send any electronic components to businessmanager Dues are set at $5 per club member, with a cap of $50 a club. These can be paid by checks made payable to “Collegiate 4-H.” Receipts will be provided upon receipt.
Questions or concerns? Please contact Sarah Leidheiser at businessmanager
Notes from the Secretary
By: Amy Schwertner NAB Secretary
Submitting Resolutions and Amendments
Clubs wishing to submit any resolutions or amendments to the National Collegiate 4-H Constitution must submit them in writing to the National Action Board at least 24 hours prior to the national business meeting (Friday, February 17, 2007, 3:30 PM Central Time). Resolutions and/or amendments may also be submitted to the National Action Board Secretary prior to the National 4-H Conference at secretary. If any clubs have amendments or resolutions we ask that you please submit them through this route so that there is sufficient time to make copies for the national business meeting.
Opportunity for Collegiate 4-H Members to Serve as National 4-H Conference Facilitators
By: Byron Garrett USDA, Collegiate 4-H Liaison
National 4-H Headquarters, USDA is looking for Collegiate 4-H members to provide leadership for key components of the 2007 National 4-H Conference. In addition to facilitating round table discussions-which lead to youth recommendations that are shared with the Secretary of Agriculture, Extension professionals, and others-collegiate facilitators are critical to the success of Citizenship Excursions.
Collegiate facilitators arrive at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center (Chevy Chase, MD) by 7 pm, Friday, March 23.
Facilitation training is provided Saturday, March 24. By evening, facilitators lead icebreakers with their round table participants.
Facilitators assist with conference programming including assisting with structured educational excursions in the Nation’s Capitol through the Town Hall Meeting on March 27.
Facilitators are encouraged to stay in town for Capitol Hill Day, ending with a dinner/dance cruise on the Potomac River on March 28. All participants depart by Thursday, March 29.
All travel expenses are reimbursed. Meals and lodging are provided as part of the conference program. Facilitators also receive a modest honorarium for their contributions.
Ask your State 4-H Program Leader or an appropriate full-time 4-H county or state Extension professional to submit a letter of recommendation to Natl4HConf@csrees.usda.gov by January 31 to include their assessment of your qualifications, especially flexibility, accountability, maturity, and interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
Acceptances will be announced February 5. Facilitators will be asked to complete additional registration forms at that time.
For more information about the National 4-H Conference, visit http://4hconf.4-h.org.
By: Melissa Oliver Colorado State University, Round-up Coordinator
Western National Roundup was held in the beautiful Denver, Colorado at the Renaissance Denver Hotel, January 4-7, 2007. Roundup is a national event where 4-H’ers and FFA members come from across the country to compete and participate in numerous contests and workshops. More than 1,000 delegates, contestants, adults, coaches, and guests attended the event from 30 states and Alberta, Canada. Jonathan Sprinkles, the 2006 Speaker of the Year, inspired, motivated and entertained the attendees.
Twenty-four collegiate 4-H members from six universities assisted with the event. These collegiate 4-H’ers presented a workshop, checked in delegations, worked in the office and chaperoned tours and evening dinners. They experienced long nights, long hours and went through more pots of coffee than they could count, but they had the experience of a lifetime. This is an excellent opportunity for collegiate 4-H members to get involved. It is a great way to get your collegiate 4-H club’s name out there and meet other collegiate 4-H members from across the country.
If you have questions about Roundup or if you are interested in helping next year, please contact Melissa Oliver, Melissa.oliver@westernnationalroundup.org or (970) 491-0246.
By: Kristen M. Wilson, Regional 4-H Horse Specialist
Hello Everyone!
The Maryland 4-H Horse Bowl Competition is coming up on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at the Plant Sciences Bldg at the University of Maryland. In order to make the day run smoothly, we are in need of several volunteers to help within the rooms. The event will start at 8:30am and will go until mid afternoon. We need volunteers for the junior, intermediate, and senior divisions.
The jobs and amount of people in which we need to fill include:
Senior Room Moderator (2) Senior Room Judge (4) Intermediate Room Moderator (2) Intermediate Room Judge (4) Junior Room Moderator (2) Junior Room Judge (4) Score Keepers (12) Buzzer Operators (6) Card Runners/Miscellaneous Jobs As Needed (3)
If you are interested in helping, please send me an email back with your first and second job preferences. We will try to accommodate your first choice if at all possible. Thank you in advance for considering helping with this important event! Email: kswilson@umd.edu
Advocacy Team Reports______
The Advocacy Team wants you!
By: April Mendenhall Colorado State University, Advocacy Team Liaison
Advocacy Team looking for energetic new committee members!
The Advocacy team would like to invite you to join their committee for the 2007 year. We invite you to make a difference in the organization, and become active on the national level. The team is now accepting applications for those interested in participating in the committee. Those interested in joining the team should fill out an application available here:
The Advocacy team works together to create promotional materials for the mational organization, provide materials for clubs to use at their Universities, help to provide ideas for service projects and National 4-H Week in October, and publish the National newsletter at the National Conference each year. Applications should be sent to secretary
Join the Advocacy team and make a difference in the National Collegiate 4-H Organization!
Calling all Collegiate 4-H Clubs, Submit your Articles for the National Collegiate 4-H Newsletter Today!
Hey Collegiate 4-H’ers and Advisors–
It’s time for the annual edition of the National Collegiate 4-H Newsletter! We want to showcase what your club has done in the past year and facilitate sharing ideas and recognizing our fellow members for their work. The newsletter will be released in hard copy format at the National Collegiate 4-H Conference February 15-18 in Baton Rouge , LA BUT that doesn’t mean you can’t participate and benefit from the newsletter if you won’t be at conference. The newsletter will also be available online for viewing when it is released at conference. Help share and communicate with your fellow members, we want to hear from ALL of YOU! Need an idea to get you started writing? Check out our suggested list below! Don’t forget to e-mail us your articles by February 5th at c4hnewsletter@gmail.com
Service project your club participated in
Workshops you presented to community or 4-H groups
Great recruiting strategies that worked well for your group
Fun trips or events you participated in
Shout-outs to graduating seniors
Recognition of outstanding work of one of your club members
Special announcements
Jokes, comics, crossword puzzles, games, etc.
Anything you want to share with us!
Web Team Reports
National Collegiate 4-H Web Team- Where Web Time is Fun Time!
By: Jessica Falkenthal Indiana University, Web Team Chair
Think you know web design? Do you have a passion for Photoshop or graphic art? Do you dream of databases? If you answered yes to any of these, the National Collegiate 4-H Web Team is for you!
Imagine the ability to promote Collegiate 4-H to more than 3000 people per month! Tink of the difference you could make in attracting caring, compassionate individuals towards joining an existing Collegiate 4-H club or starting their own. And as a direct result, imagine the volume of 4-H members that those Collegiate 4-H members will reach!
So wiggle your fingers and prepare to start typing your application for the 2007-08 National Collegiate 4-H Web Team, so you can personally impact the visibility and image of Collegiate 4-H nationwide with the click of a mouse.
Check out the message boards for service and social ideas for your club, conference updates, and opportunities to give feedback and voice your concerns and ideas. Plus find grant, internship, scholarship, and 4-H opportunities! College Life 101 has been created to share advice about how to “survive on a college campus” with 4-H members as they transition to college along with fellow Collegiate 4-H members. Ask questions of your own, answer others, and help to build this as a resource for all of us to share!
Ag Consortium Report
Ag Consortium Report
By: Tommy Inglis University of Nevada Reno, Ag Consortium Representative
The Ag Consortium will be meeting February 8-10 in Indianapolis, Indiana. During the National Agricultural Education in service event various workshops and information sessions will be going on. Some sessions will include state curriculum standards, new resources for LifeKnowledge 3.0, local and state leadership development, and many others.
You may be asking yourself what the consortium of Collegiate Agricultural Organizations is? First it’s a collection of 16 organizations which have been responsible for the development of the Collegiate LifeKnowledge curriculum. The CLK curriculum focuses on four main areas which are Personnel Development, Organizational, Career, and Community. This curriculum is going to be featured during out national conference in Baton Rouge this year. If your interested in finding more information about either the Collegiate LifeKnowlege curriculum or the Ag. Consortium, information is available on the web at collegiate4h.org and www.agconsortium.org or you can contact your liaisons, Tommy Inglis and Patrick Voorhies.
Ag Consortium Report
By: Patrick Voorhies Louisiana State University, Out-going Liaison
For the past year and a half I have had the opportunity to help in the formation of the Consortium of Collegiate Agricultural Organizations (known simply as “The Consortium”) between many of the top national collegiate agriculture-related organizations. I am honored that Collegiate 4-H was selected to be at the table with such other organizations as Alpha Zeta, Collegiate FFA, NAMA and others. As the liaison to the Consortium, our appointments are on a two-year rotating basis and as my term comes to a close, I hope that our new liaison will continue to represent our organization’s needs to the Consortium.
Since the Consortium is a rather new organization, we are just beginning to see the tremendous opportunities that can come from this partnership, including use of the Collegiate LifeKnowledge curriculum. Some of you may have already received training or exposure to this computer-based training through your other student organizations, but all of you will have the opportunity to receive training directly or indirectly through the National Collegiate 4-H Conference coming up in February. The Collegiate LifeKnowledge curriculum offers lessons on preparing yourself outside of the classroom to become a successful professional. While some lessons are geared towards individual development, there are also customizable lessons that can be scaled to the level of your local club for officer-leader development, funds management, and life skills such as public presentations and record keeping. What’s more, the program is fully customizable to YOUR club-by filling out an instrument at the launch of the program, it will provide you with lessons geared directly to the needs of your club and its members, all complete with the inclusion of the Collegiate 4-H logo on the materials (an added bonus of being a part of the Consortium). Club members will directly see the benefits of being part of the Collegiate 4-H Organization and see the club’s national dues at work! These materials fill a much-needed gap in providing developmental materials for the college-aged student while also meeting our needs as part of the 4-H organization. If you are unable to attend the National Conference, then all you need to do to receive the training is contact a member of your club or region that has attended the training for assistance. Everyone attending the training in person at the National Conference will be instructed as a trainer for the curriculum in order to better serve our organization with a widespread effort to introduce the Collegiate LifeKnowledge program.
Nationals Update________
Rally in the Red Stick for the 2007 Convention Nationale des 4-H Collégial!
Patrick Voorhies Louisiana State University, Conference Co-Coordinator
It’s almost time for the 2007 Convention Nationale des 4-H Collégial, Rally in the Red Stick! Our registrations so far are great, but we want plus de inscriptions (many more of you!). Hopefully everyone has enjoyed pre-viewing and pre-registering for their workshops this year, but that’s only a taste of one of the new features to be looking for in Baton Rouge this February. Traditionally, there have been many requests for opportunities to share amongst clubs during the conference. This year, you can look forward to choosing between several nightly forums on topics such as community service projects, new clubs and club management, and member development to exchange ideas with Collegiate 4-H’ers from across the country. We will also be offering an alternate educational activity during the national business meeting to train our members in the Collegiate LifeKnowledge curriculum developed for the needs of our membership. Our community service project has been finalized and we look forward to giving you a first-hand look at the parish hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina as we devote our efforts to helping local St. Bernard Parish 4-H’ers restore their communities. So come join us for a taste of the South-Louisiana-style with Mardi Gras and some great Cajun food thrown in too! If you haven’t done so already, register online today at www.batonrouge2007.org — registration ends January 19th!So, Laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) in Baton Rouge, hope to see everyone there on February 15-18, 2007!
Regional News__________
North Central Region
North Central Report
By: Kristin Barnhart The Ohio State University, Past North Central President
The last couple of months of 2006 was a busy time for the North Central region. In October, South Dakota State University hosted the regional conference with 77 delegates from all over the region. Delegates visited Mount Rushmore and panned for gold, and learned many new leadership techniques during workshops presented. It would not be a complete conference recap without mentioning the square dance lessons the entire conference attended. South Dakota was not just fun and games, the region also handled a great deal of business throughout the weekend. The Ohio State University was named as the North Central Club of the Year, along with Indiana University as the North Central New Club of the Year. North Central Scrapbook of the Year went to Kansas State University. Also, the leadership for the next year was named. Congratulations to President Kristie Storms of South Dakota State University, Business Manager Tim Hornsby of The Ohio State University, Secretary Amy Frerichs of South Dakota State University, Electronic Communications Coordinator Beth Bray of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Co-Conference Coordinators Tara Beyke and Dustin Potts of Purdue University. Thank you for stepping up to the challenge!
Northeast Region
none provided
Southern Region
Down to the Wire
By: Antoine Jefferson President, Louisiana State University
The time is almost up for the Southern Regional Officers, as the 2007 National Conference comes in only a month, so will the elections of the 2007-08 Southern Regional Officer team. Sarah Edens (Vice-President), Heather Powell (Secretary), Hannah Dicus (Business Manager/Conference Coordinator), and myself, will all give up our leadership positions for the new wave of new comers to fill. I would like to personally thank the Southern Regional officer team for being an amazing asset to the Southern Region this fiscal year. If anyone is interested in running for a leadership position, inform your club and express that interest at the National Conference in February. We’re looking for people with great leadership skills and a dedication to Collegiate 4-H to fill these positions. See you all in February!
Western Region
Exciting News from the Western Region!
By: April Mendenhall Colorado State University, Western Regional President
Welcome to our New Officers
The western region would like to welcome the 2007 regional officers:
President: April Mendenhall Colorado State University
Secretary: AJ Lambert Colorado State University
Business Manager: Amber Mathisen University of Wyoming
NAB representative: Tommy Inglis University of Nevada Reno
This year’s officer team hopes to encourage greater participation on the regional level and increase communication between clubs by hosting monthly regional meetings.
New Website Launch
The western regional website has moved!! We are now hosted under http://westernregion.collegiate4h.org Check out the newly remodeled site and leave us a note on our message boards!
2008 National Conference
Going Green in 2008!
Colorado State University, University of Wyoming, and the University of Nevada Reno are proud to host the 2008 National Conference in beautiful Denver, Colorado. We invite you to experience Denver the right way with a planned ski trip before and after the national conference and many exciting tours that will take you across great state of Colorado. We’ve scheduled enthusiastic speakers and workshops that will help us all to “come together” in the Rocky Mountains, and are looking forward to receiving workshops from Collegiate 4-H clubs across the country who want to participate in this once in a lifetime event.
Make sure to mark your calendars for February 20-24th, 2008! Look for more information and the launch of our website at the 2007 National Collegiate 4-H Conference in Baton Rouge!
Western Regional Business Meeting Report
By: Tommy Inglis
University of Nevada Reno, Western Regional NAB Rep.
During November 3-5th UC Davis hosted the 2006 Western Region Collegiate 4-H Conference. Members from UC Davis, CSU, Wyoming, and UNR were in attendance. Through out the weekend members engaged in workshops, tours, and ended with the regional business meeting. The event was very successful. Goals and the future of the western region’s involvement in Collegiate 4-H were outlined.
During the business meeting, items on the agenda included the 2008 National Conference, school updates, 2007 Western Region Conference, officer elections, Collegiate LifeKnowledge, Strategic Plan, and the overall Collegiate 4-H program. The new western regional officer team is as follows: Western Regional President April Mendenhall CSU, Business Manager Amber Mathisen (Wyoming), Secretary A.J Lambert (CSU), Regional NAB Representative Tommy Inglis (UNR). The western region opted to have monthly business meetings prior to NAB meetings. This was adopted to encourage information exchange, idea sharing, and to promote regional unity though cohesiveness. For any further information on happenings in the western region or copies of regional business meeting secretary reports please go to: http://westernregion.collegiate4h.org
This Newsletter was compiled by:
National Collegiate 4-H Advocacy Team
A committee of the National Collegiate 4-H Organization
January 9th, 2007 @ 9pm Central Time National Action Board of Collegiate 4-H Teleconference 11
*Approval of Agenda
*Comments from Byron Garret (3 minutes)
*Reading of the Minutes (Secretary)
*Approval of the Minutes
*Business Manager’s Report (Business manager)
*Old Business (5 minutes)
*Consortium Report (5 minutes)
*Western Region Resolutions (2 minutes) – Comments from author – Vote
*National Committee Discussion (2 minutes)
*Strategic Plan Areas of Focus Update (2 minutes per section) 1. Diversity 2. Organizational Affairs 3. Communication and Member Education 4. Partnerships 5. Community Service
*National Conference Update (15 minutes)
*Advocacy Team Update (5 minutes)
*Web Team Update (5 minutes)
*Service Project of Emphasis Update (5 minutes per project)
*Regional Updates (2 minutes each region) – Western Region – Southern Region – North Central Region – North Eastern Region
*Other Concerns and future agenda items ———————————————————————— Alotted Time: 75 minutes Meeting End Time: 10:15 pm Central Time
There have a few changes recently in representation on NAB. Here is the updated list.
North Central Region President Kristin Barnhart, The Ohio State University
Northeast Region President Vanessa Cerny, Rutgers University
Southern Region President, NAB Chair Antoine Jefferson, Louisiana State University
Western Region Representative Amber Mathisen, University of Wyoming
North Central Region Second Year member Val Krumm, Iowa State University
Northeast Region Second Year member Vacant*
Southern Region Second Year member Patrick Voorhies, Louisiana State University
Western Region Second Year member Shane Sheridan, Colorado State University
Conference Planning Committee Representative Jasmin Honore, Louisiana State University
Business Manager Sarah Leidheiser, Ohio State University
Secretary Amy Schwertner, Texas Tech University
National 4-H Headquarters Liaison Byron Garrett, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA
Advisor from the Southern Region Evelyn Rachell
Advisor from National 4-H Council vacant*
Advocacy Team Liaison April Mendenhall, Colorado State University
Web Team Liaison Jessica Falkenthal, Indiana University
Strategic Planning Committee Liaison Val Krumm, Iowa State University
*The Northeast Region Second Year member has yet to be appointed by the Northeast Region. Please contact Vanessa Cerny about this position. *The Advisor from the Southern Region position will be appointed by the Southern Region Officers. Contact: Antoine Jefferson *The Advisor from National 4-H Council has yet to be appointed by NAB. Contact Antoine Jefferson for more information.
You may contact any NAB member or committee by visiting the Contact Collegiate 4-H webpage.
—————————————————————— December 12th, 2006 @ 9pm Central Time National Action Board of Collegiate 4-H Teleconference 10
*Reading of the Minutes (Secretary)
*Approval of the Minutes
*Business Manager’s Report (Business manager)
*Old Business (5 minutes)
*Consortium Report (5 minutes)
*Strategic Plan Areas of Focus Update (2 minutes per section) 1. Diversity 2. Organizational Affairs 3. Communication and Member Education 4. Partnerships 5. Community Service (5 minutes)
*National Conference Update (5 minutes)
*Advocacy Team Update (5 minutes)
*Web Team Update (5 minutes)
*Service Project of Emphasis Update (5 minutes per project)
*Regional Updates (3 minutes each region) – Western Region – Southern Region – North Central Region – North Eastern Region
*Other Concerns and future agenda items
Executive session has been requested for all voting members directly following the meeting, the meeting shall be closed to everyone else. There will be a time limit of 15 minutes for the session, and only by request will extend the time.
The following is the agenda for the September National Action Board meeting. If you would like more information about an agenda item, please use the Contact page to contact your regional representative. If you would like to add an item to their agenda, please contact the NAB Chair, before September 11, 10PM by using the contact page to contact the Southern Regional Representative!
September 12th, 2006 @ 10 P.M. Eastern National Action Board of Collegiate 4-H Teleconfernce 7
*Reading and Approval of the Minutes (Secretary)
*Business Manager’s Report (Business manager)
*Old Business (10 minutes)
*Strategic Planning Committee (5-7 minutes) – Review of the comments made by SPC
*Consortium Report (5 minutes)
*National Conference Update (5 minutes)
*Advocacy Team Update (5 minutes)
*Web Team Update (5 minutes)
*Regional Updates (3 minutes each region) – Western Region – Southern Region – North Central Region – North Eastern Region
Visit http://collegiate4hnab.blogspot.com/ for the NAB meeting minutes from August 8th. *Strategic Planning Committee/Individual Member Updates *National Conference Update *Regional Conference Updates *Advocacy Team Update *Web Team Update *Service Project of Emphasis Update *National Service Day
On July 13-16th, the voting members of the National Action Board (hereafter referred to as “NAB”), met at the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, regarding the National Collegiate 4-H Organization. With goals such as team building, strategic planning, discussing the Collegiate 4-H Taskforce Report1, conducting a business meeting, and beginning work on organizational bylaws, the weekend’s agenda was set to address many issues in this short period of time.
Thursday, July 13th, was the first official day of the retreat. Designated for travel, retreat participants largely arrived in early evening. The first scheduled meetings began later in the evening. Unfortunately, not all participants were able to be present on Thursday due to diverse travel arrangements. Those present (all with the exception of Justin Bolte, Vanessa Cerney, and Samantha Ephgrave) engaged in informal discussion and teambuilding. Additionally, proxy Samantha Ephgrave replaced Antoine Jefferson for the weekend. Kristin Barnhart opened with icebreakers and other activities designed to build understanding among members. Additionally, NAB created goals for the weekend and addressed housekeeping items.
Friday was the first full day of the retreat. The morning began with a brief meeting with Allyson McMahon, Marketing Communications Coordinator at the National 4-H Council, to include an article about Collegiate 4-H Clubs located at land grant universities in the Council’s Annual Report. Following the time with Ms. McMahon, NAB began working through the Task Force Report. After reading each section, the recommendations were individually discussed. Once the group reached a consensus regarding each recommendation, it was recorded for strategic planning purposes. Midway through the morning, NAB broke from the lengthy task of analyzing the Task Force report when Mr. Byron Garrett, National 4-H Program Leader, Mission Mandates, was present to address the group. As the National Collegiate 4-H liaison to the USDA, Mr. Garrett is a valuable resource for NAB. In addition to addressing the group’s immediate concerns, Mr. Garrett inspired the group and provided an update from the USDA concerning the status of National Collegiate 4-H. He also provided insight on the strategic planning process and priorities for the weekend.
After a lunch break, NAB reconvened to continue working with the Task Force report. By discussing the recommendations, NAB constructed a solid foundation for strategic planning. The end of the afternoon yielded a complete report on NAB’s decisions regarding the Task Force recommendations.2 An action plan was outlined for each recommendation in the report to incorporate into strategic planning.
Dinner, also provided at the National 4-H Conference Center allowed for continued discussion before moving into preliminary brainstorming for strategic planning. After dinner discussion included a review of historic documents, gathering opinions on the role of NAB and the National Collegiate 4-H Organization, and addressing operational issues of the board. Documents from Mr. Chuck Graves, National Program Coordinator, provided framework about the history of National Collegiate 4-H and previous strategic plans. Discussing the roles of NAB and National Collegiate 4-H as a national organization provided additional framework for strategic planning. Finally, operational issues of the National Action Board were conferred upon to improve the efficacy of the board prior to Saturday’s meeting. Before adjourning on Friday evening, Saturday’s agenda was set to maximize the limited amount of time remaining for the retreat.
Saturday morning began with brainstorming a mission statement for the National Collegiate 4-H organization. Well into the morning, members discussed, debated, and collaborated to draft a mission statement. Recognizing the utmost importance of this item, the mission statement was a high priority for completion. Upon reaching general consensus, NAB moved from constructing a mission to building a vision statement. Again, much conversation went into this highly important item. A finalized vision statement was developed just prior to the NAB business meeting.
With liaisons joining voting members via conference call, the NAB business meeting was conducted early Saturday afternoon.3 The remainder of Saturday afternoon commenced goal setting. Based on the mission and vision completed earlier, goals were developed in five categories. The individual goals were determined through group discussion, and small groups formed to draft timelines, action plans, and details for each goal and sub-goal. Early evening brought the groups back together to present progress. During this time, NAB asked questions and made changes; eventually completing a draft of the strategic plan.
A brief dinner break commenced before the evening session of editing, revisions, and flushing out documents from the weekend. Working late into the night, NAB completed changes and condensed the many documents created throughout the weekend. When time in the meeting room ended, Kristin Barnhart led a reflection of the accomplishments of the retreat. With some members departing early in the morning, goodbyes and follow-up plans finished the evening and the official end of the retreat.
Sunday, initially a day of travel and finalization, became a working day for a few participants remaining at the National 4-H Conference Center. Long hours were spent before departure to ensure the pieces of the strategic plan were meshed together seamlessly and crafting final copies. The work of these dedicated individuals was imperative to preparing the release of the strategic plan created by NAB.
The retreat was a great success and a very productive weekend. The diligence of the members and their commitment to National Collegiate 4-H resulted in an extremely effective retreat. Not only was strategic planning accomplished, but NAB has learned how to better work together to further the mission of National Collegiate 4-H. Although not every goal was completed, the quality and volume of work far surpassed the disappointments of not addressing organizational bylaws. However, the framework is laid for future progress on those important issues. Meeting in person for an extended period of time allowed NAB time to learn to operate as a team and develop a strong rapport. Strategic planning is an incredible, challenging, and exciting process that is only effective when done in person, as NAB was graciously granted the opportunity to do. With a clear plan for action and implementation strategies, the retreat will not be the end of the advancement for NAB. Rather, it is an exciting time of opportunity, development, and positive change for National Collegiate 4-H.
1. This document can be found on www.collegiate4h.org as “Collegiate 4-H Taskfore Report”
On July 13-17, several members of the National Action Board will be meeting in Washington D.C. for their Summer NAB Retreat. They will be creating the National Collegiate 4-H Strategic Plan and creating a process for implementation.
Members include: Tommy Inglis (West Rep), Val Krumm (NC Rep), Cody Johnson (Southern Rep), Shane Sheridan (Old NAB rep), Sarah Leidheiser (New NAB Rep). NorthEast Region still need to identify their representatives.
Members will use NAB’s recommendations and survey members in a month’s worth of time after the July meeting.
Check out their webpage for more information on the team.
North Central Region President Kristin Barnhart, The Ohio State University
Northeast Region President Vanessa Cerny, Rutgers University
Southern Region President, NAB Chair Antoine Jefferson, Louisiana State University
Western Region President Vanessa Renwick, UC Davis
North Central Region Second Year member Justin Bolte, Kansas State University
Northeast Region Second Year member Vacant*
Southern Region Second Year member Patrick Voorhies, Louisiana State University
Western Region Second Year member Shane Sheridan, Colorado State University
2007 National Conference Coordinator Jacquline Slaughter, Louisiana State University
Business Manager Sarah Leidheiser, Ohio State University
Secretary Amy Schwertner, Texas Tech University
National 4-H Headquarters Liaison Byron Garrett, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA
Advisor from the Southern Region vacant*
Advisor from National 4-H Council vacant*
Advocacy Team Liaison TBD
Web Team Liaison TBD
Strategic Planning Committee Liaison TBD
*The Northeast Region Second Year member has yet to be appointed by the Northeast Region. Please contact Vanessa Cerny about this position. *The Advisor from the Southern Region position will be appointed by the Southern Region Officers. Contact: Antoine Jefferson *The Advisor from National 4-H Council has yet to be appointed by NAB. Contact Antoine Jefferson for more information.
*The committee liaisons will be chosen by their respective committees and will be members of NAB according to the revised Article III of the National Collegiate 4-H Constitution.
This report is to inform the Collegiate 4-H organization of the specific tasks that NAB has accomplished throughout this year. As a group we developed a Blog to post minutes and important information on for the ease of access of the members of Collegiate 4-H. This can be accessed through http://Collegiate4hnab.blogspot.comOur next task was to create a Web Team that would be responsible for creating a Web site and updating it, a possible listserv and creating a data base where all information pertaining to Collegiate 4-H can be accessed. The members of the first annual Web Team are Antoine Jefferson (Louisiana State University), Justin McConaghy (Oklahoma State University), and Cindy Sperry (UC Davis). NAB approved a budget of $185.00 for the creation of this Website and set up costs. Along with the Web Team, we created the Advocacy Team which would be responsible for distributing information to outside individuals to inform them about Collegiate 4-H and what we do. This Advocacy Team was able to create a pamphlet that would be handed out at national conference. NAB was willing to cover this expense with its proposed budget. They also compiled information and constructed the national newsletter that was distributed at the national conference in Columbus, Ohio. Those members selected were Mary Baughman (Ohio State University) and Samantha Ephgrave (Oklahoma State University) as members of the first Collegiate Team. NAB also approved a budget of $299.60 for the creation of pamphlets.
With the support of the conference coordinators, the NAB board decided to create a workshop at the National Conference in Columbus, Ohio. We chose to do our presentation on Voter Orientation in preparation of the national business meeting. This is a way to walk through the parliamentary procedure with the members, the structure of the meetings and present the amendments to the constitution/by-laws while talking through them so all understand their intent. Another event that we took part in was the Collegiate Ag Organization meeting in Gainesville, Florida January 11-13, 2006. Patrick Voorhies was the NAB member that was chosen to represent the Collegiate 4-H organization.
NAB voted to give a leadership grant of $400 to Louisiana State University for a member or group of Oklahoma State University students to put on a weekend long workshop on fundraising, sponsorship, and grant seeking to aid the LSU club in hosting the 2007 National Conference. NAB also approved $198 dollars for the two rooms needed for national conference the day before to room NAB members.
Updating the constitution and creating an electronic form was also accomplished by NAB. At the national conference in Ohio we decided to establish an open meeting policy that we recommend that following NAB members follow. Lastly, the business manager put together a proposed budget for next year’s NAB board to help them get to a great start.
On behalf of NAB, I present this as the year’s wrap-up of activities to be submitted for the reading of all Collegiate 4-H members.
The Collegiate 4-H website is undergoing major construction. Please bear with us as we add to it, change the look, and make it grow! Sitemap |
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