October 2019

Message from the Director 

Dear 4-H Families,

As we usher in the 108^th year of 4-H in Montana, I want to thank our county agents, committed parents, grandparents, relatives, and over 3,000 volunteers for the tremendous positive impact you all have on our young people and our future.  When I asked 4-H club leaders to survey their members on citizenship skills early this past summer, I received over 640 responses.  While not all the data is completely analyzed, the preliminary results are impressive.

Of the 3^rd through 6^th graders responding, an astounding 75% led a community service project because of their 4-H involvement.  As a result, another 75% felt a greater part of their community.  Over a third of the respondents indicated an increase in the perception that they could made a difference in their community.  Due to their 4-H participation, a third indicated an increased feeling that when they heard about a problem in their community, they looked for ways to help. 

Over two thirds of 7^th through 12^th graders indicated an increase in learned skills through 4-H community service that would help them in the future.  Because of 4-H, 60% of teen respondents felt more inspired to volunteer in their community and increased their encouragement of others to volunteer.  Over half felt a greater responsibility to help in their community and 60% showed an increased feeling of being able to make a difference.  As active participants in their community, 63% reported they met with more community leaders while in 4-H than before participating in 4-H.  Two thirds helped plan a community service event and paid more attention to news events that affected their community.   Half talked more to their friends about issues affecting their community, state, or world and indicated an increased interest in learning about people who are different from them.

Keep in mind that the numbers above only indicate those respondents who reported an increase in perception, skill, feeling, or action.  Many agreed with a statement before participating in 4-H and still agreed while participating in 4-H.  They indicated no change and simply retained the same amount of perception, skill, feeling, or action – not a bad thing.  In the world of social science and education, the results show incredible impact.

We know through observation of the young people in our 4-H clubs, projects, and special events, that the impact of 4-H is great.  Thanks to so many volunteers and agents, we have more data to back up our observations with further analysis is coming soon.  In the meantime, be inspired by what you do for youth.

Sincerely,

Dr. Todd Kesner, Director, Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development

4-H Club Resources 

Club planning

Starting your 4-H Club with a clear plan laid out will help alleviate several issues that could arise:

• Ensure the most participation and attendance at meetings and events
• Ensure all requirements are met
• New members families will feel a greater sense of belonging
• Setting goals will help your club accomplish more throughout the year

If your club members are aware of the events being held throughout the year, they are more likely to plan their schedules around those events.

Writing out what each member is required to do to complete a 4-H year will reduce the likelihood of them loosing interest and procrastinating until a week before fair.

Additionally, having a clear plan will help new members and families feel in the loop and will have more buy in to the club and a more positive experience.

Finally, setting goals for your club will inspire members to work together to accomplish things that may seem like dream. Goals help ground the dream and set forth action!

Use the yearly plan document that is turned in with a club charter application to help organize your ideas!

 Make your goals S.M.A.R.T this year!

Make the best, better by putting more thought into your record book goals this year. S.M.A.R.T goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

 Example:

Original goal: I want to win a blue ribbon in showmanship

Make it S.M.A.R.T:  My goal for the 2019-2020 year is to earn a blue ribbon in beef showmanship at the 2020 county fair. I will attain this goal by practicing showmanship once a week from March to July and attend a showmanship workshop to learn improve my techniques that can help me stand out in the showring.

 








Year-End Finanical Summary Reports 

Remember to turn in your year-end financial summary reports to the County Extension office! Complete the report by writing in the club’s starting balance Oct. 1 2018 and ending balance on Sept. 30, 2019. 

Failure to turn in a financial report in a timely fashion may result in your club charter being revoked! It is important for clubs to report their club’s finances in order to comply with 501 (c) (3) requirements. If you need assistance filling out the form, contact your local extension agent.

2020 Shooting Sports Training

New Shooting sports volunteers are required to complete a training before administering 4-H Shooting Sports in their county.

FAQ’s

International Programs

Outbound Program information

Romanian town 

Korea 4-H Advisor with Montana 4-H Youth Delegate 

International Program for Young Adults (IPYA)

$500 Deposit due with application Novmeber 15 

3 or 6 month exchange for 18-30, former 4-Hers

IPYA Opportunities: U.K., Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Greece, Estonia, Luxembourg, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Botswana. Other countries not listed may be a possibility as well.

Go to www.montana4h.org for applications and more information. Or contact Stephanie at [email protected].

Montana 4-H Foundation

Greytak Calendar Club Fundraiser 

Each calendar is sold with three raffle tickets that can be sent back to the Montana 4-H Foundation to be entered into a drawing to win a pair of boots! We are happy to once again offer the famous Montana 4-H Calendar with Don Greytak’s amazing pencil art for each month of 2020. The price to clubs and counties will be $10. We recommend that you sell the calendars at $15 which will give your clubs or counties a $5 profit. 

Contact the Montana 4-H Foundation for more information (406) 994-5911