Resources for Staff

Staff News & Notes - Week of 4.14.08

Dear Colleagues:

Last week the leadership for the 4-H Youth Development program across the country convened in Boston, Massachusetts for our annual meeting.  This annual meeting provides a forum to discuss current and emerging issues related to our program area and network with colleagues across the country. Some of the key items from the meeting include:

• Governance of a national youth development program with discussion led by Bill Ryan, Research Fellow, Harvard University Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations.
• Update from Dr. Cathann Kress, Director, National 4-H Headquarters.  Cathann shared information on the tax exempt status, new opportunities with professional development, and curriculum.
• Update from Don Floyd, President & CEO, National 4-H Council.  Don shared that National 4-H Council has doubled fundraising over the past two years; increased focus on marketing and promotion with the hiring of a new Vice President; and 4-H ACCESS.
• Roundtable discussions regarding curriculum, 4-H ACCESS, research and evaluation, risk management, fundraising, staffing, and professional development.

While not part of the official agenda, there is increased discussion regarding enrollment management systems and our future needs.  There are a variety of things happening around this particular topic and you’ll hear more about it in the coming months as Jim Elder engages in discussions with his colleagues from other states regarding the future of our data management systems for 4-H member enrollment.  We are not ready to begin those discussions in the Ohio, yet, but will be asking for you to engage in discussion in the coming months.

Overall, a very good meeting that provided an opportunity to hear updates, engage in quality discussion, and learn from colleagues from other states!

Have a great week!

Ryan & Vicki
Interim Co-Assistant Directors
4-H Youth Development

Tax Exempt Status & E-Filing - Important Updates

In the last couple of weeks we have received several questions regarding the e-filing requirement for 4-H clubs and committees that are included in the GEN 2704 grouping that was submitted to the IRS.  Here are some important questions and answers that should help you!

When will the IRS finish updating the GEN 2704 list?
The IRS expects to finish updating National 4-H Group Exemption Number (GEN) 2704 records the first week of May. State 4-H Leaders will be notified when this happens and at that time, all groups submitted will then be tax exempt.

What is the first filing deadline for 4-H small tax exempt organizations earning $25,000 or less?
4-H Clubs & Affiliated 4-H Organizations that earned $25,000 or less during tax year January - December 2007 need to file their 990-N e-Postcard by May 15:

(1) If they were on our states EIN list in tiem for National 4-H Headquarters to submit them to the IRS but,

(2) Not before the IRS finishes bupdating the GEN 2704 list (or they won't be recognized as "tax exempt" online)

So, 4-H clubs and affiliated organizations should not try to e-file until after we send notice (from Ryan & Vicki) that the IRS has completed the updating!

May a county educator (or their designee) file an e-Postcard for all the clubs in their county?
Yes, so long as they log in and log out for each 4-H Club or Affiliated 4-H Organization as they go (they cannot log in once and file multiple e-Postcards for all their groups)!

Should you have additional questions, please direct those to Lisa Jinks or Ryan Schmiesing and we'll continue to answer these in future 4-H News & Notes!

Service Project Opportunity – Time Sensitive!

 

As you may already know, starting February 17, 2009, televisions will switch from analog reception to digital – meaning televisions that currently receive signals through antenna, or “rabbit ears,” will no longer work. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are working together to inform citizens of the switch from analog to digital and their options, including how to get a coupon for a converter box. The converter box will allow televisions with rabbit ears to receive the new digital signal without needing to purchase cable or a new television.

CSREES is working with NTIA and the FCC to educate Americans through extension; as part of this process, National 4-H Headquarters has created a Digital Television Transition service project for 4-Hers. The project included a workshop for 4-Hers at the National 4-H Conference and free FCC kits to be used at your local county and state fairs. The kits will include fact sheets and giveaway items, providing 4-Hers with an opportunity to interact with the public and help educate them on the transition. Attached is a brief summary of the partnership between 4-H, NTIA and the FCC.

If you would like to receive free FCC kits to distribute at your county or state fair this year, please notify Amanda Forquer by April 17, 2008 at forquer.13@cfaes.osu.edu with the following information:

• Date of your fair or program
• Number of kits needed
• Contact name and delivery address
• County
• Type of kit (see attached)

Occassional Quantity Cook Website

We get many questions this time of the year regarding the website for the Occassional Quantity Cook. Please find the website here:

http://hec.osu.edu/oqc/

Special Needs Camp - Registration Open

The 2008 Special Needs Camp will once again be offered at Canter's Cave 4-H Camp.  A maximum of 30 campers and care givers will be accepted to participate in camp.

Camp Promotional Letter

Camp Forms

Article about 4-H

You might be interested in reading a recent article in the Progressive Farmer magazine: www.progressivefarmer.com

Welding Workshop Sold Out!

The Youth Welding Workshop, April 19, is FULL. This is the first year we had to turn people away. Our thanks to the county 4-H educators who publicized the workshop.

4-H Dog Expo Location Change

Ohio 4-H Dog Expo, scheduled for Saturday, April 19 on the OSU Columbus Campus, will now be held at The Buckeye Ranch Equestrian Facility, 5665 Hoover Rd., Grove City.  The change in location is due to the Spring Football Game being held at Ohio Stadium that day. The Buckeye Ranch is about 15 minutes south of the OSU Campus.  We have held two previous Dog Expos there, and the facilities lend themselves well to our planned activities.  Information about the location change and directions are posted at: http://southcenters.osu.edu/4h/dog.  Pre-registration is due to Tracy Waite, waite.29@cfaes.osu.edu, by April 7; however, youth can register the day of Dog Expo as well.

National 4-H Directory - Don't Miss This!

Launched on April 1, 2008, the National 4-H Directory is a great way to get a comprehensive look at curriculum being offered by National 4-H AND by other states. Check out www.4-Hdirectory.org, where you can search by keyword, grade, level, and more for print and for electronic curriclum products. Every state 4-H office is responsible for maintaining its own materials, which are listed here only if they have been written or revised in the last seven years. (That's why not all Ohio 4-H materials are listed.) Prices for Ohio publications are for direct and out-of-state customers only. Questions? Please contact Amanda Forquer at 614.292.6942 or forquer.13@cfaes.osu.edu with questions.

Congratulations Pike County!

We are pleased to announce that Pike County is the recipient of $4,000 from the Gary L. Davis Fund in support of 4-H Afterschool programs.  The creation of this fund is to honor the success of Mr. Davis’ term as Chairman of National 4-H Council’s Board of Trustees and the many achievements he has accomplished on behalf of the 4-H movement. The monetary award is directed by the recipient of the award, in this case it was Mr. Davis himself, Pike County was identified to receive support.  

Win Money For Your 4-H Program!  Attend the OSU Wooster Campus Scarlet, Gray & Green Fair

On April 22, 2008 the OSU Wooster Campus will host a Scarlet, Gray & Green Fair to promote and highlight environmental responsibility.  As a part of the fair, county 4-H programs will have the opportunity to win money to promote environmental programs/projects!  To learn more about how your county can win money, please see the flyer!

Promotional Flyer

Arts and The Sciences: 4-H Project Mini College

Hold the date!  May 3, 2008 is sure to be an exciting day at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center!!! Ohio 4-H will host the 4-H Project Mini College that will feature hands-on educational programs, tours, and expert speakers in a variety of subject matter, including photography, creative arts, communication & technology, and theater arts. We will have the registration brochure available next week; registration fees will be $10.00 per person and will include materials, tour transportation, and lunch.  For more information, please contact Patty House.

Promotional Flyer (color)

Promotional Flyer (black and white)

"Who Kidnapped Brutus Buckeye?"....An Ohio 4-H C.S.I. Adventure

Was it the Florida Gator on the fifty yard line or that Wolverine from Up North who committed the heinous crime at the Schott?!  Sixty inquiring 4-H sleuths from across Ohio will spend three days and two nights June 13-15, 2008 at the Ohio 4-H Center at the Ohio State University learning basic biotechnology and forensic crime skills, while solving this 4-H scarlet and gray whodunit.

 The Nationwide and Farm Bureau Ohio 4-H Center will serve as the hub of discovery and career exploration.  This is an opportunity for 4-H members from across Ohio to utilize their Ohio 4-H Center. This program targets sixty rising seventh, eighth and ninth grade 4-H members.

 In addition, since Ohio is ranked sixth in the nation for total employment in high tech industries, with $8.1 billion in research and development funding, this weekend experience will provide participants with exposure to future career and education opportunities within Ohio.

Send your youth to this one of a kind scarlet and gray whodunit! Be sure to register early (June 2 deadline) as space is limited to 60 4-H sleuths from across Ohio!

Go here for more information!

 For more information, please feel free to contact Sally McClaskey (740-670-5315) or Ron Sanderson (740-223-4040), co-whodunit directors.

Call for Proposals – Health Rocks

- Contact Erin Wingifeld, 4-H Foundation, if you are interested!!

2008 Health Rocks!® Local Community Implementation Grants - Awards of up to $5,000 Each

Request for Proposals through MSU - Extension 4-H (click here)

Deadline:  May 1, 2008

Contacts:  Dr. Susan Holder at susanh@ext.msstate.edu or Dr. Rae Wilkinson at raew@ext.msstate.edu

Mississippi State University Extension 4-H (MSU-ES 4-H) is working with National 4-H Council to support implementation of the Health Rocks!® Healthy Life Program.  Organizations selected as community sites will receive a grant of up to $5,000 through MSU-ES (depending on youth reached), newly revised beginning level curriculum, training, and incentive items at no charge.

Selected community sites will send a team of three (two teens between the ages of 14 and 18, and one adult leader) to training at the C. A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Little Rock, Arkansas June 27-29, 2008.  Travel, meals and lodging will be arranged and paid by MSU-ES 4-H.  Implementation runs June 30, 2008-April 30, 2009.

Anyone interested in this program is encouraged to submit a proposal to MSU-ES 4-H.  Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. Central time, May 1, 2008.  Proposals may be e-mailed, faxed or mailed to the contact person listed in the RFP - not National 4-H Council.  Decisions will be announced on or before May 12, 2008.  Questions regarding the Request for Proposal are encouraged and should be submitted to Contacts listed above.

Health Rocks!® is a prevention and decision-making program, which also provides key health knowledge.  Curriculum is taught by teen/adult leadership teams that help youth learn skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, stress management, handling peer pressure, and effective communication.  Special emphasis is placed on tobacco use prevention.  The program also includes components that bring youth and adults together as partners in developing community strategies that prepare young people to make healthy lifestyle choices.  Developing life skills helps youth develop internal strength to resist risky behaviors.  Since its inception, the Health Rocks! healthy life program has been implemented in partnership with Mississippi State University Extension (MSU), which serves as the virtual training facility - providing training to youth/adult implementation teams, incentive support, personal and web-based technical assistance, and facilitating program evaluation and reporting.  To final out more about Health Rocks! go to http://msucares.com/4h_Youth/health_rocks/.

4-H News & Notes Archives

We had to take down the 4-H News & Notes archives while there is some work done on that component of our website.  To access a previous version of the 4-H News & Notes, you may view the directory here: http://www.ohio4h.org/staff/weeklyupdates/

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

Be sure to check out the Ohio 4-H Calendar:

April
19 Ohio 4-H Dog Expo – OSU, Columbus
21-22 Forging New Links Volunteer Conference – Columbus
25-28 National Youth Service Day (www.ysa.org/nysd/) TBA Registration and questions for Dairy Quiz Bowl due
26 Buckeye Animal Science Experience “BASE” Day
27-May 3 National Volunteer Week – Nationwide

May

1 Host Family Applications due in the State 4-H Office - final deadline
2-4 Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Adult Leader Training – 4-H Camp Whitewood
3 National Join Hands Day: Youth and Adults Volunteering Together
3 State 4-H Horse Speaking Contest – Animal Science Bldg.
6-9 CYFAR Conference, San Antonio, TX
16 Registration Deadline for Youth Livestock Judging Clinic (tentative)
20-21 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting (tentative)