4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Brian Swisher
4-H Youth
Development
Financing 4-H Takes
Center Stage This Month
- On-going: I consulted and provided requested information for individual leaders, agents, parents, and members on a variety of Extension and 4-H subjects including club days, district programs, events, activities, and deadlines.
- I prepared meal and met with the Mg Co 4-H Foundation and Jake Worcester, President and CEO of the Kansas 4-H Foundation.
- I counseled an agent inquiring about 501 C3 foundation formation.
- I developed agenda for 4-H Council.
- I met with 4-H Council
- I fielded questions about 4-H membership fee from leaders.
- We continue planning and providing information for local and state 4-H activities and events.
- Planning continues with judge recruiting, fairs, camps, fair books printing, spring and summer activities, etc.
- I submitted articles for WED 4-H Newsletter.
- April brings 4-H Horse Identification papers, market livestock nominations, camp registrations for May through September events.
- I met via Zoom online with the Financing 4-H in the Future Task Force for the final time. The task force recommended an enrollment fee ($15/member) with a three year review. Originally, it started at $25 per member. The final decision is up to the State 4-H Leader and the Director of Extension. I voiced my concerns about charging an enrollment fee for a tax supported educational system. The reality is that tax supported funding has been flat or decreasing for several years. The 4-H program expectations are still there. However, there is no increase in funding.
- The State 4-H Leader and Director of Extension sent a letter April 7 that informed staff Kansas 4-H would start charging a $15 enrollment fee for the 2017-18 4-H year starting October 1, 2017. Enrollment and payment will be done online this next year.
- I attended WED Mental Health First Aid course at Parsons. It’s estimated that about one in five
Americans will experience a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year.
- We continue to do activities, organizing and backgrounding upcoming events and activities.
- I answered e-mail and phone requests for information on a variety of subjects.
- Other duties were performed as required and/or requested.
Calendar
May 1 - Deadline for new member enrollment
May 1 - 4-H Horse Identification papers need signed
May 9 - PDC Workshop
May 10 - Board Meeting
May 15 - Campers and Counselors Registration Deadline
May 22 - Deadline for Favorite Foods Contest
May 23 - SH Camp Meeting
May 24 - SEK Catbackers, Parsons
May 30 - June 2 - 4-H Discovery Days
June 5 - FF Contest, Parsons
June 6-8 - Cedar Bluff 4-H Camp, Coffeyville