Attending:
| Alabama | Oklahoma |
| Warren McCord | Charles Cox |
| Arkansas | Dorothy Wilson |
| Beverly Hines | Puerto Rico |
| Sarah Anderson | Santiago Arias |
| CSREES | South Carolina |
| Alma Hobbs | Sam Feldner |
| Florida | Toni Pipkins |
| Damon Miller | Tennessee |
| Louisiana | Martha Jo Tolley |
| Steve Mullen | Texas |
| Mississippi | Martha Couch |
| Susan Holder | Beverly Spears |
| National 4-H Council | Virginia |
| Don Floyd | Dave Barrett |
| Susan Halbert | Bob Meadows |
| North Carolina | West Virginia |
| Mike Davis | Ray Ali |
| Kelly Dunlop |
August 28
Call to Order - Susan Holder called the meeting to order. She made reference to the book, Who Moved My Cheese, and distributed the agenda for the meeting. Don Floyd and Susan Halbert of the National 4-H Council and Dave Barrett, new administrative liaison, were introduced.
Susan noted that everyone can use the listserv address for state 4-H program leaders maintained by the Southern Rural Development Center. The address is: South-4h@Lists.MsState.Edu
Several items were added to the agenda.
Dinner will be at 6:30 today. Bo Ryles indicated that he had made arrangements for Carmen's retirement gift and the visit to Carmen's house. The meeting progressed with the following state reports:
Alabama - Warren McCord described a strategic plan to move from school based to community based, volunteer led, agent managed programming. They are partnering with Children's First. They have changed the
4-H Center to a premier Environmental Education Center. It is becoming a resident center for teachers and environmental education. He indicated that all Cooperative Extension/university outreach youth efforts will be 4-H.
The philosophy is 4-H is for any kid, anywhere, anytime. We want a 4-H Club in every church basement, YMCA, etc. Generated discussion about current effort.
Oklahoma - Charles Cox reported that $400,000 in new money had been allocated to increase salaries. This also assures that each county would have two full time staff. Focus is on impact programming, i.e. 5-8 year olds and families, character critters, gold tournaments. Dorothy Wilson reported that 4-H clubs are being organized in areas where there are no clubs or other Extension programming. The President of Langston University is on the National 4-H Council board of directors. They have developed a newsletter.
North Carolina - Mike Davis reported that they are working with the Governor's "SOS" school age child care initiative with improved involvement of minorities. Professional development has involved increasing multicultural competence. Other initiatives have included youth involvement in the study of hurricanes and intergenerational approaches to programming. $467,000 recurring money from State Legislature has been received for a new environmental center.
Virginia - Bob Meadows (who follows John Dooley) reported on open staff positions in curriculum development, executive director of the foundation, staff development & camping, leadership development, and eleven county 4-H programs. Over 1/3 of experienced agents will be gone by 2004. Membership is growing and kids are being turned away at camp. Work is being done on how to camp in the off season and with curriculum component committees. An internal study of the camping program will be done every three years. They hosted a successful national 4-H camping institute. Six 4-H centers have American Camping Association accreditation.
Character Counts: 78 involved in state-wide training. The rationale for promoting the program is:
- Best known - wider used
- Easy to remember (6 pillars)
- Only one with National coalition
- Only one doing national research
- Boards - 4-H willing to partner. Lt. Gov.'s wife is honorary chair
Virginia has a Virtual Farm CD and they are updating their web site. Bob is a consultant for the 2002
NAE4-HA National Meeting, "Charting the Course, 100 Years and Beyond", October 27-31, 2002, in Norfolk, VA.
Louisiana - Steve Mullen - Character Education - Survey of 900 teachers, 60-80% perceived change in each of the pillars. Reported to the senate education committee. Youth Trainers (8000) reached 200,000 youth. A fourth grader can teach character critters and other workplace programs. 4-H working to have programs address academic requirements. A work release program with Hilton focuses on community service and volunteer leaders. After school education and adventure clubs are being developed in partnership with FCS involving teens.
A compressed video course on volunteer development & group facilitation focuses on positive youth development from a public relations perspective. New agent positions are being advertised with degrees in education and social sciences required. The positions require 25% after school child care responsibility. A community service program serves 40,000 on a monthly basis. October 8 - Baton Rouge - 200 registered for alumni event. 10,000 total alumni are registered.
West Virginia - Kelly Dunlop - Working to implement TLC program in urban areas. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is providing opportunities for youth entrepreneurship.
Mississippi - Susan Holder- $1M was provided to 4-H programs from tobacco settlement money. 70,000-100,000 4-Hers with 48% minorities. They have integrated health into all subject matter content programs. They worked on the Free for Life Program on wise choices. A "Web-O-Zine" has been created and they have launched a campaign - Power of Youth. Mississippi Stars - Morgan Freeman-Field and Stream will provide $20,000/year for next ten years. They now have a 4-H agent stationed in an outlet mall. 60% of Master Naturalists are 4-H volunteers. The staff has gone from 3 specialists to 8 specialists and taken on numerous new programs including therapeutic riding. Four curriculum teams are working on CYFAR, livestock ethics, etc.
Further state reports were postponed to consider a shooting sports program issue. Bill Umscheid shared a letter sent to state shooting sports coordinators from the executive director of the national 4-H shooting sports foundation (on National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee letterhead) that encourages 4-H shooting sports clubs to affiliate directly with the National Rifle Association. Bill Umscheid asked why the executive director of the foundation would be communicating this and if direct affiliation with the NRA had the support of the national
4-H shooting sports committee? Steven Mullen indicated that Louisiana does not favor affiliation, and Charles Cox indicated the same for Oklahoma. Toni Pipkins indicated that she would contact Diane Smathers to check out the situation. She subsequently reported that Diane Smathers said that the letter was not on official committee letter head and encouraging clubs to affiliate with the NRA was not the position of the national committee. The committee in meeting soon, and Diane will review this issue with it. A motion was presented and passed unanimously that we disagree with direct affiliation with the NRA.
Mike Davis indicated that directors had concerns about liability with programs like shooting sports. Dave Barrett mentioned an effort by the directors to address this issue but a plan has not been shaped. Dave asked for any of us to share information with him.
International Programs
Bo Ryles reported that Greg Price (our representative to the program) is chair of the committee now. He had to deal with problems when thirty-five young people were ready to come to this country but state's would not accept them. It creates a problem when the volunteer coordinator is not tied directly with state 4-H staff. With all programs there are huge dollars involved. The Japanese committee is proposing hiring a coordinator. Region's commitment is to appoint a representative next year. Issues: A) banking money and B) staffing. IFYE program should also be considered as to these same issues. Thanks to Greg on behalf of State 4-H leaders.
Southern Region Volunteer Leader Forum
Mississippi to host. Harvey Gorman is the contact. They are working to host a larger group this year. Martha JO Tolley handed out a draft program and revised committee procedures. Bo reported that they have a completely renovated camp to house people. Sara Anderson asked that we be sure that all volunteers register through the
4-H office. Some leaders are not leaders at the local level. Some leaders submitted workshops that were not approved by state 4-H office.
Steve Mullen talked about the need for communication among state volunteer contacts. Corporate memory is being lost. Steve, Damon, Susie, and Martha JO will discuss the concern with their state's volunteer contact. Susie commended Martha JO
Southern Region Horse Program
Susie is our liaison. Big challenge is finding facilities. North Carolina hosted last year. There is a question about 2001. Virginia takes over chairmanship for next year.
Curriculum Committee
Contacts are doing quarterly conference calls. A different person coordinates each call. Money from the Southern Region effort has been reimbursed to states. Several members are working on national projects: Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, and Arkansas. Southern Region people are encouraged to attend the meeting in Denver. Charles asked how many people had their curricula on the Internet. Several have. Some are having trouble getting National CCS materials in a timely fashion. Sara proposed that information about curricula and other regional projects be placed on the Southern Regional Development Center web site.
The agenda moved back to state reports:
Arkansas - Dorothy Taggert (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) reported that 63 young scholars are involved in an after school program, 5 days a week, year long. Parents serve as volunteers and parents meet once each week. The participants develop workforce skills.
Sara Anderson reported that they have received a $4.6 M grant from the Reynolds Foundation for a new building at the Arkansas 4-H Center. It will focus on distance education and technology. They need to have a $1M endowment so they are starting a fund campaign.
The Game & Fish Department is interested in building environmental education cabins. The have prepared a new brochure for Family, Youth & 4-H focusing on: Strong Families, Extending Resources, Improving Health and Well Being, and Developing Leadership. Sara distributed a call for proposals for the 21st Century Family conference.
Centennial Report
Don Floyd reported. Jim Rutledge, Oregon, is chairing the committee. Chrisite Phillips is working on a poster contest. A commemorative postage stamp has not been approved by the committee that decides on subjects for postage stamps. The issue is not dead but it may not be possible. Martha JO suggested that a "seal" be developed that could be used to highlight the centennial.
Name and Emblem
Bo asked for ideas/suggestions and questions. A meeting is being held September 28-29.
A narrow set of guidelines is being interpreted very narrowly. The thinking behind the guidelines is decades old and the guidelines need to be revised. Any money raised through franchises (after the 4-H fabric program) has to be returned to the U.S. treasury. John Dooley and Dorothy Wilson also represent us on the committee.
Master Naturalist Task Force
Susan shared a letter dated 8/1/00 from Mark LaSalle, Chair of the Southern Region Task Force.
Susan reviewed the agenda and called for further state reports:
Puerto Rico - Santiago Arias shared statistics about youth smoking and preparation of Free for Life site proposal. He shared a handout and favors that are provided in both Spanish and English.
South Carolina - Tony Pipkins indicted that proposals will still be accepted for the Strengthening Families Conference, February 25-28, Myrtle Beach, SC. See handout. She shared the use of book, Who Moved My Cheese, with several levels of staff. Described program work groups i.e.
Program management team, Program development team and 4-H advisory council (see handout).
Tony also described recent publicity about 4-H with use of fabric and Clemson World.
State Fair has provided $1/4M for a 6000 square foot building. Two state staff members and support staff have an office in the building. They are paying ½ salary of specialist marketing support by State Fair. Efforts have yielded $50,000 worth of free 30 second spots on Fox TV featuring the " Power of 4-H." $100,000 given by legislature to Clemson for character education.
Tony distributed a greeting card and golf tournament brochure that has been developed. They are hiring for three new 4-H positions.
Sam Feldner described opening of camp and partnership of National Audubon Society $100,000 support. They are achieving greater minority participation through the use of wood products.
Florida - Damon Miller reported that the State Department of Agriculture will provide some curriculum assistance. They are marketing volunteerism in Florida - radio, TV spots, billboards. The have gained $1.4M marketing plan that will cost $8,500. Damon shared draft copies of forestry materials. Florida 4-H will receive land to sell valued at $1M. Shared information (see handout) on the bug club on the Internet in both Spanish-English. They tried something new in citizenship this year. Attorneys on the foundation developed the idea of a mock trial. 95% of participants had not participated before.
External program review three years ago pointed out important program needs. The annual report was prepared in calendar form. (See handout).
Kentucky - Bill Umscheid reported that Kentucky 4-H has been successful in garnering a 21st Century Schools grant amounting to $2.3M. The bottom line is that three county 4-H programs will receive over $300,000 (through the use of sub-contracts to the County Extension Councils) for programming and staffing expenses. While one of the schools had to be the fiscal agent, the State 4-H/Youth Development Department facilitated the process of developing the coalition of three county school systems and four middle schools through a grant writer. Focus is on youth/adult partnerships, community engagement and use of 4-H curricula. Bill provided a summary copy of the proposal for each state/territory. Bill also reported on work being done on a state teen technology corps web site that hopefully will be seen as a communication mechanism for other agencies wishing to have communication with and among Kentucky teens. It will be billed "sponsored by 4-H and the Extension Service, University of Kentucky" but will not be called a 4-H Teen Technology Corps. Kentucky is finding that numerous groups/agencies/organizations are calling for youth involvement in teen councils (Workforce Investment Act, Kentucky Child 2000, Project YES, 4-H/Youth Development, Kentucky Initiatives Project, etc.). This web site, it is hoped, will position 4-H as a leader in adult/youth communication and technology. Bill indicated that Kentucky 4-H is partnering with several other agencies on a "Youth Policy Network" grant from the National Governor's Association.
CSREES - Alma Hobbs
Alma introduced issues/updates from the Families, 4-H & Nutrition unit of CSREES/USDA:
Nutrition & Health Research Position. Alma indicated that there were 16 applicants, 9 of which were qualified. Selected to five, then to three to be interviewed. She informed the group about the
Youth Development Project in South Africa. One person went there and did a project. Five people trained each to train five others - so will reach 20,000 people. Funded at $250,000.
National 4-H Conference. Last year was the first year of a three year concept to increase diversity. At the 1990 Strategic Conference a member of one of the sub groups (Oscar Butler) wanted to see that any teen could participate in a national 4-H experience. The same concept would apply for 1994 institutions. Alma indicated that CREES can not really tell an institution that they could not send a team to National 4-H events.
Encouragement was given to strengthen partnerships among all institutions in the states to assure equal access. She recommended that all institutions develop a collaborative approach or structure for equal access. By law, we can't prohibit anyone, or institution, from having access as long as they meet the guidelines for the event. Questions were asked related to America's Promise North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia are working with communities of promise.
Name and Emblem. Alma described challenge of the e-commerce issue. There are no policies for Internet use of 4-H web sites
National 4-H Week Possibilities. Mitchell Spearman approached (with Alma's help) Martha Stewart to feature kids on her program and she agreed. Secretary Glickman will be involved.
Power Up. 250 existing sites responded to the request. All apparently will be involved.
Guests
Dr. Sam Curl, Dean and Director, Oklahoma State; Dr. Walter Walla, Associate Dean for Extension, University of Kentucky; and Dr. Linda Wells, 1890 Texas, were introduced as guests and invited to comment. Each only gave a greeting.
State reports continued:
Georgia - Bo Ryles reported that the Georgia "Clover Leaf" is using the Legends of 4-H concept. People like Hershel Walker, Holly Hunter, President Carter and the Governor are featured.
The University president supports 4-H as a recruitment method because of diverse participation. 4-H projects are being tied to college curriculum. A challenge in the state is that youth in rural Georgia are migrating out. One Georgia legislator called for 4-H to take the lead in involving rural and urban youth. Expect to have defined data on status of youth. Georgia is having an external program review. They have hired 50 new 4-H agents in the last year. Teams are working on paraprofessional training, life skills model and others. A 1.2M sewer project at Rock Eagle has been completed. Talmage auditorium has been completely refurbished. A new traditions educational center has been taken over and will be used for training of new staff.
Tennessee - Martha JO Tolly reported that they will have a new president, a new VP for Agriculture and a new dean for Agriculture. 4-H has been changed from a section to a department. Operating system has gone to MarTech and bubble system forms. Judy Martens has produced a video that may be useful to other states.
Alumni celebrated a 25th anniversary. Two regional conferences were held for Character Counts: a) certification training and b) program sharing. They are entering into a contract with state companies on community service. $130,000 per year for 3 years. A position will be funded. They are also working with community service commission on a book recognizing volunteers. A Tennessee 4-H performing arts board has been formed patterned after Georgia's. A second year-round environmental camp is being set up. Foundation is starting a 3 year endowment building process.
Texas - Beverly Spears at Prairie View A&M reported that a $400,000 grant from the city of Houston for life skill training for youth has been received. A prevention curriculum features eight modules (60 lessons). Have reached 900 youth. Sixteen states participated in a national training. Has been pilot tested in urban areas. Beverly also reported on the Teen Leadership Connection (TLC) and Community Bike Club which is a 2 ½ day training which certifies instructors for the innovative activities. They have a joint program with CYFAR and an entrepreneurship program effort. Beverly is working with the national organization of youth entrepreneurship.
Martha Couch reported about their efforts for the Year of the Million. They are involved with a 2.4 M legislative initiative. She provided copies of their new 4-H strategic plan. They have a major focus on Character Counts. Changes in Extension are:
a.) hiring people without requirement for agriculture and home economic degrees;
b). assistant agent is disappearing and will have 4-H agent positions;
c.) new performance appraisal system is being implemented;
d.)new youth protection issue-1M worth of liability insurance is required for every event.
Martha discussed a new issue called "icon busting" in which she has refused to support the development of a program that would, in effect, copyright the club organization process for the program and limit its use for 4-H clubs.
The meeting continued with a joint session of Community Resource Development and 4-H/Youth Development staff. Susan Halbert of National 4-H Council presented information on "Charting Community Connections." She described the purpose and use of the curriculum being developed which is to promote strength based community development, focus on community assets and develop system change. (See handouts). There was discussion about the interest of the group in promoting the program and how that could be done. Bill Umscheid indicated that two Kentucky counties were involved and found the materials to be helpful. Kentucky hopes to include the program as part of a major Leadership Center proposal. Director, Bo Ryles, of the Southern Rural Development Center, challenged the group to consider the use of the program as a regional youth development effort. The Center could help coordinate efforts if desired. (This meant Bo volunteered Bonnie Teater). Rick Maurer, CRD Kentucky, indicated that with that kind of an offer how could we refuse.
Reference was made and a brochure handed out about the upcoming "Building Community" conference in Tennessee in October. States are encouraged to send a team. This concluded the joint meeting.
PLC Report - Charles Cox reported that the next meeting will be Aug. 26-29 in Savannah or Atlanta. The midyear meeting will be in Atlanta. September 30th is the date to submit any action items to Bonnie. New Chair is Carolyn Noble, Texas. Charles asked that we refer to PLC info in conference packet. A spring 2001 conference in North Carolina on working with advisory leadership needs one 4-H representative to serve on the planning committee. Bill Umscheid volunteered.
Charles also reported that the PLC approved a biannual conference for state 4-H staff people following the San Antonio, Texas triennial meeting. The week of April 23, 2001 is being considered for national State 4-H leaders' meeting. Steve moved that the April 23rd week be supported. Mike seconded. Motion carried.
Triennial Conference - Martha Couch reported that Triennial would be held March 10-13. She indicated that a list of places that the conference had been held in the past was put together in Williamsburg by Anna Lucas. It was proposed that special project/program groups (CYFAR, Childcare, Army, etc.) and multi-state programming be included in the program. Also focus on six areas of the new strategic plan.
Martha will circulate a list for volunteers to serve on juried reviews and working committees.
Leadership Partnership Agreement - Don Floyd, Alma Hobbs and staff have continued to work on the partnership agreement and there seems to be a good feeling about the whole process and product.
Strategic Planning Process - Mike Davis reported that the number of people involved has been greatly increased by use of electronic technology. Everything is available on the web site (www.4hrevolution.org) See handout. Dick Byrne, Maryland, is now chair of the national 4-H strategic direction team. Refer questions and feedback to him.
Appointed positions for the Region - Susan reviewed the following appointments:
Curriculum Committee-Charles Cox
Horse Program-Susan Holder
Shooting Sports-Diane Smathers
SRVLF-Martha JO Tolley
National Congress Liaison-Martha Couch
ECOP/ PLC-Bo Ryles
Advisory Committee Task Force-Bill Umscheid
Community Development-John Dooley
International-Greg Price
Strategic Directions Team-Toni Pipkins
Nominations-Bo Ryles presented the following nominations for office:
Chair-Martha Couch
Vice Chair-Steve Mullen
Secretary-Beverly Spears
PLC-Sam (1 year), Charles (2 years)
Damon moved to accept report and the slate be elected. Seconded and carried.
Discussion followed on the role of the representative to the strategic directions team. Position is a 3 year term. No decision was made.
National 4-H Council - Don Floyd reported that he has visited
28 states and has attended 13 agent association meetings. He would like
to visit other states. He indicated that he has four priorities for work
of the Council: 1.) Strong relationship with CE and 4-H;
2.) Clarify the vision, mission and partnership;
3.) Defining the 4-H Brand; and
4.)(?) (See handouts).
Numerous efforts by national 4-H staff had impact on developing the Younger Americans Act. Banking and legal issues can be addressed by accounts for international, CCS and Congress.
Council staff has been working with National Association of Extension 4-H Agents board on governance policies and procedures. A report on eternal review chaired by Sue Fischer was distributed. (See handout). A senior management team of five people will replace the COO position. Don has been issuing an alert to regions: J.C. Penny may be considering moving funds away from regional leader forums. They want funds to target after-school efforts.
Susan Halbert reported on the Southern regional workforce conference and indicated that ATV safety is increasingly an issue. They are pursuing an historian to work with National 4-H Council. Don encouraged all of us to call on them.
Susan Holder, Chair, indicated that we would have to table some agenda items due to time.
Multi-State Programs - State leaders, or other staff, assigned to work with each program:
Character Education - Beverly, Martha JO, Steve
Volunteerism - Martha JO and Don Hammet
Workforce Preparation - Steve, Bill, Susan
Curriculum - Charles Cox
Staff Development - Martha Couch and Mike Davis
After School Education and Training - Eddie Locklear
Name and Emblem - Bo Ryles indicated that $3M has been generated with working relationships with Six Flags over the last few years. Coupons are stamped with 4-H and a percentage paid to 4-H. See handout for new effort. A meeting of the national committee is coming up.
Bo displayed the stained glass window to be presented to Carmen as a retirement gift from State 4-H Program Leaders. He circulated an envelope for contributions.
Conference Calls - Susan set the following dates for regional calls all at 10:00 Eastern time:
October 12, 2000
January 11, 2001
April 12, 2001
July 12, 2001
Leadership Council - Don, Bo, Mike and consultant, Heather, presented some content for the work with the state and national partners. ECOP discontinued the old national 4-H Program Committee. 4-H no longer had a voice. The 4-H Leadership Council has been a mechanism to get the partners together. See handout "Revised Leadership Functions" and National 4-H Leadership meeting, April 14, 2001. The group was asked to review the handouts. Steve raised concern about the role statements for F/4/HN and a need to have a specific focus to coordinate/facilitate volunteer development efforts.
Networking with other federal agencies and the role of the PLC was mentioned as an issue. Development of quality standards needs to be a function of more than one group. Every partner must show a responsibility for diversity.
A question was raised as to how the 1890's are appointed to represent them on the National Leadership Council. Dorothy Wilson volunteered to share our discussion with the 1890's administrators.
Mike Davis proposed that we give consideration to an executive director supporting leadership council functions.
Heather summarized work needed to continue development of the Leadership Council Partnership Agreement:
1.) Description of partners
2.) Including 1890's on leadership council
3.) Role of F4-HN
4.) Commitment needed by state 4-H leaders
5.) Salaried staff division of responsibilities
6.) Clarifying responsibilities within, i.e., diversity
Chair Susan concluded the meeting by thanking Santiago for all his extra work and the fine hosting job by all the staff from Puerto Rico.