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Michigan 4-H Today
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Welcome to Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development!
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 The new year has begun. This is a great time to reflect on 2011 and begin to prepare for an exciting 2012. I want to begin by thanking you for the support you show Michigan 4-H as a member, volunteer leader, parent staff member or stakeholder. Your commitment to - and advocacy for - the work of 4-H has been so critical during the past year, both locally and statewide.
For example, MANY of you participated in 4-H Day at the Breslin Center on January 15. This year, we broke a record for 4-H support of our Lady Spartans with 5,508 4-H representatives in attendance, as they fought the Ohio State University Lady Buckeyes. While our ladies' basketball team couldn't quite pull out the victory, it certainly wasn't for want of 4-H support. There were a few times when I noticed the noise-o-meter hit 80!
Then last month, we asked for your help to make Michigan Operation Military Kids (OMK), one of our 4-H programs, the charity receiving the largest donation from the 2011 Gives Project, Martin Waymire Advocacy Communication's (MWAC) annual holiday-donation program. The 2011 Gives Project's theme was "Heroes: People Who Save Lives and Protect Us." MWAC selected OMK as a potential beneficiary because it demonstrates true heroism and wanted to recognize it for the support it provides our troops, and their children and youth. While the vote seesawed back and forth for a time, thanks to all of your votes, forwarded emails, blogs and reposts, OMK rallied from behind and took first place with 26,295 votes, over 20 times last year's total votes cast (1,300) for all charities! Our 4-H Military State Liaison B'onko Sadler informed us that, as a result, OMK has received a $2,000 donation. This will allow OMK to offer even more events and resources for all military children and youth. So, once again, thank you so much for your help in making this possible!
We also announced last month that there are now subscription links for Michigan 4-H Today found in the lower left-hand corner of the Michigan 4-H home page and in the upper right-hand corner of the Michigan 4-H Today page. Thanks to continuing information sharing, we are seeing a slow but steady increase in the number of subscriptions. This allows us to share with more of you the wonderful things Michigan 4-H is doing!
Since this issue is once again chock full with stories about successful members, volunteer leaders, programs and stakeholders, let's begin, but not before I wish you all a successful, rewarding and healthy New Year!
Julie Chapin
State Leader, Michigan 4-H Youth Development
Director, MSU Extension Children and Youth Institute
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Impact
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Every month, we have run at least one story about the impact that Michigan 4-H groups, participants, volunteer leaders, stakeholders or programs have. Sometimes these stories also capture the idea of the "Revolution of Responsibility," 4-H's new way of thinking about the work we do that not only benefits the kids who participate, but the communities in which these young people live.
For instance, Byron Center probably isn't the first place you'd think of when talking about not having enough to eat, but the local food pantry is helping feed at least 250 families who would otherwise feel the very real pinch of hunger. Kent County 4-H'er Nate Seese saw the need for high-quality protein at the food pantry and decided to find a way to help.  With his dad's help, Nate contacted local businesses to create a buying club that would purchase at auction the sheep and pigs he raised in 4-H. But instead of taking home their own bacon or lamb chops, the business owners let Nate keep his animals so the meat could be donated. Another local business provided free meat processing and the food pantry was the happy recipient of 500 pounds of free meat this year (about 1,000 pounds altogether over the last four years)! Nate uses donations and money raised at auction to purchase animals and supplies for the following year, so the program is even self-sustaining. The video of Nate's project has been posted on the national 4-H web site.So check it out to learn more about how one kid is fighting hunger in his community.
 Another example of the 4-H Revolution of Responsibility in action comes from Shiawassee County 4-H where volunteers took a learning experience and created a way to take what they learned to make a difference in the community. It all began when Elaine Prine, a 4-H volunteer, came up with the idea of teaching pie making, and it became the 4-H Pies for the Holidays community-service project. This year, 30 adult and youth volunteers made and distributed pies to Shiawassee County schools that provide the ingredients for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to families with limited resource. Read more about this year's project in MSU Extension Director Tom Coon's blog, MSUE Spotlight. Pictured above left are volunteers from this year's event busily preparing pie topping (Photo courtesy of 4-H volunteer Kim Unterbrink).
 Or how about the 3 members of the Friends and Stitches 4-H Club of Chippewa County who learned life skills like goal setting, communication, problem solving, service learning, friendship, community service and giving, when they donated their homemade quilts (that took over a year to complete) to Care Net Pregnancy Center, which, in turn, will give the quilts to mothers in their community. Pictured on the right are 4-H members Rachel Yanni, Kaitlin Goetz and Missy Buhro, with Andrea Caron, Chippewa County 4-H program instructor, and Sherry Duesing, the club's volunteer leader, and the donated quilts.
In last month's issue, we mentioned the Van Buren County 4-H's Young Explorers 4-H Club which led Michigan 4-H in the Friends of Our Troops holiday fan-mail campaign participation.
Several years ago, the members of the Young Explorers 4-H Club were inspired by another 4-H group's service of sending cards members of the military through a clearinghouse organization that sends greeting cards directly to the troops. Since 2004, the Young Explorers 4-H Club has sent 860 Christmas cards to troops. Each year, the Club holds their November meeting on Veteran's Day and makes cards to send to troops around the world. In addition to the cards, members draw pictures of airplanes, tanks and military symbols; write poems and poignant notes; and send words of thanks and prayers for safety inside the cards.
Over the years, the club has received responses from troops about the Christmas cards, including thank you's from the Army and Marine Corps. However, this year one of the troops responded by 
sending the club a Challenge Coin (see above and left for pictures of the coin) and the group is very excited with the honor. Young Explorers Club President Amanda Broeder explains "This is an incredible honor and it will not just sit in a drawer somewhere. We are going to present it at our club meetings next to the American and 4-H flags each time we meet."
The Challenge Coin is a military coin given to an individual or organization to recognize their dedicated service, team work and esprit de corps. The tradition, begun in World War I, continues today as military-service personnel "coin" for exemplary service. Congratulations Van Buren County Young Explorers 4-H Club!
Fall 2011 Tractor Supply Company (TSC) Sale of Paper Clover Results
Being a leader for raising local 4-H funds isn't new to the Michigan TSC store in Caro, but 2011 results set a new record for the store. While the store previously received 2 awards for being a top 4-H fundraiser in the state, this is the first time it's been a regional winner As a result, the Caro store donation of $978.90 will go to the Tuscola County 4-H program. Kim Rynl, Caro TSC store manager, explained: "We offer (the paper clover) to every customer. We explain the benefits of a one-dollar donation to 4-H and hang the paper clovers around the store." Heather Middleton, a Tuscola County 4-H staff member said the funds will help with 4-H camp and putting on livestock clinics. Especially in light of funding cuts, the donation is "so appreciated. Michigan 4-H Foundation announced that the fall sale of 2011 paper clovers raised a total of $35,835 statewide to support Michigan 4-H, a 55 percent increase from the spring 2011 paper-clover fundraiser. For more information on this story, read this news release on the MSU Extension web site.
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4-H Highlights - Past, Present and Future
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Congratulations! MSU Admissions recently awarded a total of 60 precollege scholarships ($2,000 applied to the recipient's first year at MSU as a degree-seeking student) to individuals who participated in precollege programs sponsored by Michigan State University departments and units. Of that total, 51 went to 4-H precollege-program participants from 29 counties! Press here for an alphabetized listing of the scholarship recipients, their county and the 4-H precollege-program (Capitol Experience, Exploration Days or Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp in which they participated. Check out all of MSU's precollege programs (Spartan Youth Programs).
Allegan County 4-H member Callie Beukema, of the Globe Trotters 4-H Club, was the first student  to represent Michigan at the Global Youth Institute, during the Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium held October 13 to 15, 2011 in Des Moines, Iowa. The symposium drew 1,400 people from 75 countries to discuss world hunger and food security issues. Beukema, among the top students in the country selected to represent Michigan 4-H and her school, Calvary Schools of Holland, presented a research paper entitled "The Millennium Goals: Agriculture to Trade" focusing on Belizean food issues. The experience so sparked her interest in Belize as well as other cultures that she may participate in the 2012 4-H Belize exchange and she looks forward to pursuing an international internship. Allegan County Extension educator Jan Brinn mentored Beukema in preparing for the event and writing the paper. For more information about this story, read the article in MSU Extension Director Tom Coon's blog, MSUE Spotlight. Diana Langshaw, long-time Barry County 4-H volunteer, was selected the 2012 Michigan 4-H Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer.She will be honored at the 4-H Awards Celebration held at MSU in  June during 4-H Exploration Days. Langshaw has chosen to bestow the $400 monetary gift that accompanies this award on the Barry County 4-H Advisory Council, where the funds will be designated for 4-H members participating in state events. In addition, Langshaw was chosen as the 2012 North Central Regional Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer. The National 4-H Council will also donate a monetary gift to a 4-H program in her honor. She will receive this award at the North Central Region Volunteer Forum held October 11 to 14 in Wichita, Kansas. Speaking on behalf of the selection committee, Extension specialist Dixie Sandborn said "Diana has been an exemplary volunteer for more than 50 years and now she joins an elite group of 4-H volunteers who are truly the heart and soul of 4-H. On behalf of the Michigan State 4-H staff, we feel honored Diana has given so much to youth in Barry County and throughout Michigan. She is an inspiration to all of us." 
Ottawa County 4-H volunteer Jamie Pierce was chosen the 2012 Michigan Volunteer of the Year. Pierce is an active volunteer for the Mentoring Program in Ottawa County. He holds weekly meetings with his mentee, where they work on job skills and hobbies. Pierce is also involved in Journey 4-H: Outdoor Challenge and Tech Wizards. A $400 cash award, to be given to Pierce's 4-H program of choice, accompanies this award. He, also, will be honored at the 4-H Awards Celebration held during the Michigan 4-H Exploration Days. Contests  The Arthur Berkey Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Science Fair recognizes middle and high school students who are studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in agriculture and natural resources. Participation begins at the local chapter/club level and progresses to the state level. Areas of participation closely mirror those of the International Science and Engineering Fair but reflect an agriculture and natural resources theme. The fair is also seeking proposals that include innovative scientific ideas in an effort to advance student knowledge of scientific research at the middle and high school levels. The deadline for proposal abstracts is January 23.
T o celebrate National Ag Day, the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is calling on 9th- to 12th-grade students to submit an original, 450-word essay or a 2-minute video essay about the importance of agriculture. This year's theme is "American Agriculture: Feeding the Future, Filling the Gaps" and the deadline is February 1, 2012. The theme presents an opportunity for students to address how the agriculture industry continues to feed a growing population despite challenges. Both the written-essay winner and the video-essay winner will receive a $1,000 prize and a round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 8 at Whitten Patio at the United States Department of Agriculture. They will join with industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and other friends in a festive celebration. While the written-essay winner will have the opportunity to read his or her essay, the winning video will play during the dinner. Press this link for more information about the contest.
 The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Beesannounces the 2012 4-H Essay Contest. The essay topic is "The Results of Honey Bee Pollination in my Community." This contest - which is open only to 4-H members (except national level first- second- and third-place winners who are ineligible)- offers cash prizes of $750, $500 and $250 to the top three winners. Each state winner will also receive an appropriate book. Essays must be submitted by February 22 to Dale Elshoff, 4-H Youth Development Michigan State University, 160 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039. Complete contest announcement and rules are available here.
 The Michigan National Guard Child and Youth Programs along with Operation: Military Kids would like to announce their first Military Poster Contest. The goal of the contest, which will run from now to March 9, 2012, is to celebrate all our military children and youth. Winning posters will be displayed throughout Michigan in April, the Month of the Military Child. This will be a great way to show what talented military children and youth we have in Michigan and that they are all heroes. Contact Angela Spina for more information or you may telephone her at 517-481-9894. If you know of a business or organization that would like to display the completed artwork throughout the year, contact Traci Osterman.
Remember, Michigan 4-H clubs and groups will have an opportunity to compete in a soybean photo-essay contest to help show how Michigan's soybean farmers provide food, feed, fiber and fuel. Sponsored by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, the contest features first, second and third-place prizes. Start planning now! The deadline is May 31, 2012. For complete contest rules, prizes, eligibility and more details, visit the contest's web site. Coming Soon: America Saves Week America Saves Week, scheduled for February 19 to 26, 2012, is an annual, social-media campaign that encourages individuals of all ages to save and build wealth. What can you, your family, or your 4-H group do during America Saves Week to save a few bucks to add to your piggy bank or club treasury? The web site given above contains all sorts of program and activity ideas and materials. Perhaps your 4-H club would like to do a piggy bank or poster contest. 4-H groups could talk about the difference between checking and savings accounts, how to open a savings account and share tips for saving. Or maybe you and your family could eat out less during America Saves Week. Think about what you might do during the week of February 19 to 26 to initiate a new behavior for the long term that could add to your savings.
2012 Michigan 4-H Capitol Experience
Mark your calendars for March 18 to 21!
This is an opportunity for teens (aged 14 and up) to check out what it's like to be a state legislator, a lobbyist or a legislative aide. They:
- Learn how to impact public policy in the local community and in state government by participating in a Michigan Legislative Simulation.
- Propose, research, debate, vote on and sign into law Senate or House bills.
- Tackle a public policy issue they care about (such as agriculture, the economy, education, environmental protection, health, jobs or social justice.
The total cost for 2012 Capitol Experience is $300 for 4-H youth and adult chaperones. This includes lodging, meals, travel at the event and resource materials. For non4-H members, the cost is $310. Scholarships for up to half the cost ($150) are available, but scholarship applications must be postmarked no later than January 20, 2012.
4-H International Travel and Hosting Opportunities
 Check out the Michigan 4-H web site to find out more (including a brochure with contact information, costs, and the application forms) about 4-H international travel opportunities for youth, adults and families. Travel is coordinated by Michigan State University Extension, 4-H Youth Development Global and Cultural Programs. These programs help young people explore, appreciate and value what people next door, across town and around the world have in common and what makes them unique. In 2012, there are opportunities for travel to:
- Australia
- Belize
- Norway
- Poland
- Japan
Do not let this exciting global educational opportunity pass you by!
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Upcoming Events
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January
January 21-22
4-H Teen Leadership & Community Change Conference
Kettunen Center, Tustin January 28 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show MSU Pavilion, East Lansing
February February 3-4, 2012
MQHA/4-H Horse Program Horse Judging Workshop MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI February 4 35th Annual 4-H Horse Programs Benefit Clinic MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI February 24-25 4-H Veterinary Science Teen and Adult Volunteer Leader Workshop Kettunen Center, Tustin February 25-26 4-H Beef, Sheep and Swine Teen and Adult Volunteer Leader Workshop Kettunen Center, Tustin March March 10-11 4-H Science Teen and Adult Volunteer Leader Workshop Kettunen Center, Tustin March 16-18 4-H Environmental and Outdoor Education, Plant Science and Entomology Teen and Adult Volunteer Leader Workshop Kettunen Center, Tustin March 18-21 4-H Capitol Experience Lansing March 25 4-H Hairy Horse Clinic (contact Karen Waite) MSU Pavilion, East Lansing March 31-April 2 4-H Entrepreneurship Teen and Adult Volunteer Leader Workshop Kettunen Center, Tustin April April 13-15 Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference Kettunen Center, Tustin April 14 4-H Horse Spotlight on Speed Clinic Show (contact Taylor Fabus) MSU Pavilion, East Lansing April 20 State 4-H/FFA Meats Judging Contest (contact Ken Geuns) MSU Anthony Hall, East Lansing April 20-21 4-H Horse Jamboree MSU Pavilion, East Lansing April 27-29 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training Workshop Kettunen Center, Tustin April 28 State 4-H Goat Expo Michigan State University, East Lansing
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Help Wanted
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Nominations Being Sought
The 2012 Class of the 4-H Emerald Clover Society
The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership -extraordinary use of an individual's head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better  places in which to live. Michigan 4-H Youth Development provides this recognition, with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
Nominees must be living and have been Michigan 4-H youth members for 3 or more years. Selection is based on evidence of professional and business achievement, leadership in community service and philanthropy, contributions to - or impact on - American society, and significant leadership and achievement as a 4-H member. Nominations for the 4-H Emerald Clover Society class of 2012 are due January 31. For more information on the 4-H Emerald Clover Society, a nomination packet and the society's 127 members, visit its web site or call the Michigan 4-H Foundation at 517-353-6692.
The 2012 Governor's Service Awards
 The Michigan Community Service Commission is seeking nominations for the 2012 Governor's Service Awards. These awards are given annually to individuals, organizations and businesses committed to service and volunteerism in their communities. The awards provide a wonderful opportunity to recognize individuals and tell others about the important work our volunteers and programs do. To learn more and download the nomination form, visit the Web site listed above. Nominations must be postmarked or electronically submitted by March 1. |
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More Michigan 4-H News
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December 10 - Read this article from The Daily Mining Gazette that reports on 2 volunteer leaders from Houghton-Keweenaw Counties 4-H who were honored for their amazing, combined 95 years of service to 4-H.
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Resources
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Buick Achievers Scholarship Program Accepting Applications Now
 Do you know (or are you) a high-school senior, recent graduate or undergraduate-college student who is committed to service and volunteerism and who could use a scholarship to support secondary education dreams? The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, funded by the General Motors Foundation, can help make those dreams come true. Considerations for the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program are financial need, academic achievement and community service. The program provides 100 students with up to $25,000 a year, renewable for four years, and an additional 1,000 students with a one-time award of $2,000. More information and application forms are available online. For the 2012-2013 academic year, applications will be accepted through February 29 and scholarships will be awarded in spring 2012. Students eligible to apply will be:
- Enrolled full-time at a 4-year college or university in 2012-2013.
- Majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Business Administration, Finance, Marketing or Design.
- Interested in pursuing a career in the automotive or related industries.
Michigan 4-H Guiding Principles for Positive Youth Development
 Michigan 4-H has 7 Guiding Principles for Positive Youth Development. These principles help us plan better and safer programs for Michigan's youth and they assist volunteer leaders and parents understand how Michigan 4-H programs are developed. The principle highlighted this month is:
Guiding Principle 3. Youth are actively engaged in their own development.
Through a process of identity discovery and awareness, youth increase their personal competence and sense of well-being.
Elements of effective practice:
- A wide range of opportunities and experiences that encourage youth and adults to explore, discuss and reflect on ethical values, personal interests, strengths and accomplishments.
- Youth explore, discuss and reflect on ethical values, personal interests, strengths and accomplishments in purposeful and meaningful ways.
- Opportunities and experiences are provided to foster youth's positive sense of purpose and view of the future.
- Youth are recognized for both their participation and achievement.
4-H Youth Development programs promote the concept of learning by doing, before being told or shown how, which is based on the Experiential Learning Model. This model is a 5-step process that helps turn activities into learning experiences. The experiential process of learning engages youth in the activity, encourages them to think more, explore, question, make decisions and apply what they have learned. Guiding Principle 3 goes further by stating that we reflect on one's strengths and accomplishments and we recognize participation. In this new year, we challenge you to be mindful that your 4-H'ers are actively engaged in self- development in their 4-H project area, as well as their life outside of 4-H.
4-H Animal Science Snapshot Sheets Now Available Online
A series of 4-H animal science snapshot sheets are available online, ready for use by staff members, volunteers, 4-H'ers or future 4-H'ers interested in getting involved in specific 4-H animal science projects. The fact sheets let youth know what to expect when they are involved in a 4-H animal project. They cover "the big picture" from starting out in the project to learning more as they progress further in the project to expanding their horizons as they become more knowledgeable about their animals. The snapshots give ideas for using the animal projects to focus on science, communication, citizenship and leadership, and life skills. They list ways youth can get further involved in the projects. Finally, the snapshots list related curricula and resources.
Katie VanderKolk, Michigan State University Extension animal science educator, hopes that the sheets will be a resource for county staff people to use to give potential 4-H members a glimpse into the opportunities that 4-H animal science projects have to offer to youth. Additionally, she believes 4-H volunteers can use them as a resource for curriculum and other information to share with members of their clubs or groups. VanderKolk notes that "the snapshots are based on the Iowa State University 4-H Hot Sheets. Michigan's snapshots are enhanced by relating animal-science projects with specific science- and life-skill development ideas as well as additional curriculum and resources that are available for youth and volunteers to utilize."
View the 4-H snapshots by clicking on the links below:
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Submission Guidelines
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This is a newsletter for and about Michigan 4-H Youth Development. It is a means by which we can communicate with one another and promote our great program impacts, showcase resources, spotlight staff, volunteers, members, alumni and curriculum. Therefore, we want articles that are not only pertinent to Michigan 4-H, but which have the most complete information possible and that will capture the reader's interest.
To that end, we are asking you to submit articles that are concise and contain answers to the questions who, what, where, when, how and why. We will be happy to include Internet links that will take the reader to the pertinent information. Therefore, please make sure links are live and take the reader right to the spot with the information not to a general Web page where the reader will have to hunt to find the information. To help highlight articles, we would like to include pictures. So, send us a few pictures with your article. Be sure they are the highest-possible resolution and do not embed them in the text.
Ideas for article content might include those that feature:
1. Programs (One that is upcoming or has been successfully completed)
2. Grants (Possibilities, already funded and running or successfully completed)
3. Scholarships (Possibilities or winner announcements)
4. Resources (New or updated curricula)
5. Honor, Awards
So we can meet publishing deadlines, please email your articles in Word or WordPerfect (no PDFs) to Priscilla Martin by the 15th of each month.
Note: To print a copy of this newsletter complete with formatting, prior to printing from Internet Explorer, go to:
1. Tools
2. Select Internet Options
3. Press Advanced
4. Scroll down to Printing and check "Print background colors and images"
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Contact Information
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Michigan 4-H Today is a monthly newsletter for all those interested in 4-H Youth Development programs including its members, parents, volunteers, staff, alumni and retirees. It is published by the Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development office and it is distributed online.
Please contact Michigan 4-H Today:
Priscilla Martin, Editor
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
Phone: 517-432-7635
Email: pjmartin@msu.edu
Fax: 517-353-4846
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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. The name "4-H" and the emblem consisting of a four-leaf clover with stem and the "H" on each leaflet are protected under Title 18 U.S.C. 707.
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