Thursday, February 20, 2014

Speak Up: 4-H Communications


 
It is that time of year again! 4-H Alberta Communications competitions, at all levels, are being held from now until the big event that marks the grand finale of the 4-H Communications season: the 4-H Alberta Provincial Communications competition! This year Provincial Communications will be on April 12, 2014 at the Northlands Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. This event showcases Alberta’s top 4-H speakers and presenters and is a showcase of the valuable communications skills that 4-H members gain as a result of their involvement in the program. 4-H Alberta’s top speakers represent the program and make us all very proud as they showcase the outstanding outcomes that are the result of 4-H Communications.
One of the highlights of the 4-H program is that each 4-H member is required to complete one Communications project each club year. Speaking before an audience comes natural to some, but for many it is daunting and can even be frightening. It is important that 4-H members feel comfortable and secure speaking in a safe and supportive environment, with the idea being that a member’s confidence and abilities will grow with each passing year of their 4-H career. While “butterflies” and nervousness are normal, feelings of apprehension and anxiety will not make for a positive experience, especially for a very young member.
This compilation of 4-H Communications tips is themed around combating nerves, increasing confidence, and helping 4-Hers to feel comfortable when speaking in front of an audience. This list is designed to make helpful suggestions, and by no means are you required to follow all or any of the points included below.
  • Host a communications workshop well in advance of your club’s Communications date in order to increase comfort level and to familiarize all members with public speaking/presentations expectations: how to choose a topic, planning and researching your speech, the structure of a speech/presentation, judging criteria, practicing impromptus, effective speech delivery, etc. If you wish, invite Senior members to help plan the workshop and encourage them to contribute their ideas on what would be effective for, and helpful to, younger members. Break up into small groups and have senior members help younger members practice impromptus, choose a speech topic, or answer questions and concerns that members may have.
  • Encourage members (especially Juniors or first year 4-Hers) to attend any district or regional Communications workshops that are offered. The more information they have about what to expect and how to prepare, the more comfortable they will feel!
  • If your 4-H club includes Cleaver Kids, encourage the Cleaver Kids and their families to attend the club’s Communications event. As it can be a long day, let Cleaver Kids parents know that it is okay to attend part of the day. This will help to familiarize youngsters with the Communications component of 4-H even before they become Junior 4-H members. Ask the Cleaver Kids leader to discuss, before and after, what the Communications competition is all about and answer questions.
  • Inform and educate parents about the Communications program – what to expect, what is required, how to help their 4-Her(s) to prepare, judging criteria, how to help younger members choose a speech topic and write a speech, etc. Ask them to, if possible, attend the club’s communication event as an audience member in order to support, represent, and encourage their 4-Her(s). Encourage parents to ask questions and provide feedback if they have comments. Arming parents with information will help to relieve fears and uncertainty in new 4-H members, as they may approach their parents with concerns that you as a 4-H leader would never be aware of.
  • Remind Judges that positive and constructive feedback is the most effective. When commenting on younger members, remember to use encouraging and positive language that they will understand. Ask judges to keep in mind, at all levels, what is reasonable to expect from each age group, and discuss and review the judging criteria with them in those terms. Remember, it takes a lot of courage to even get up in front of a group of people – at any age!
The speaking experience, skills, and confidence that 4-H members gain as a result of participating in this component of our program truly sets our youth apart from their peers and will be of value to them as they continue on to post-secondary schooling and pursuits beyond.
 
In addition to the hard work the members contribute to the Program, so too, do the 4-H volunteers contribute their time and effort into making sure the Communication Competitions go off without a hitch.  Volunteers prepare judging cards, secure judges and timers and provide snacks and meals to keep the competitors full!  We want to thank all the 4-H volunteers that help at each level of the program - club, district, region and provincial to make this a successful program! 

We also would like to remind all members to express their gratitude to the 4-H Alberta Communications sponsors that provide funding, resources and volunteer hours which further enables these opportunities.

Provincial 4-H Alberta Communication Sponsors
 
 
 

Regional 4-H Alberta Communication Sponsors







 (Calgary Only)  

District 4-H Alberta Communication Sponsors



 (Select Districts)
 
Club 4-H Alberta Communication Sponsors
 
 
 
If you require contact information, please refer to the sponsorship packages that were distributed at Leaders' Conference, or you may contact us as well: 4-H Foundation of Alberta, Email: partners@4hab.com.

4-H is Olds College's Partner of the Year

4-H Alberta is pleased and proud to announce that 4-H has received the prestigious honour of being selected as Olds College’s Partner of the Year! Long been recognized as one of the premier post secondary institutions in Western Canada, specializing in the field of agriculture, Olds College has a distinguished history that is enmeshed with 4-H.

The Partner of the Year is the most prestigious award offered by Olds College, and 4-H is delighted to receive such a distinction. Olds College is holding its annual “Growing a Legacy Gala” on Friday March 21, 2014. At this event, 4-H will be recognized and receive recognition as Olds College’s Partner of the Year.
  
“One of the highlights of Gala is always the celebration of our new Partner of the Year and we certainly couldn’t pick one that resembles Olds College more closely.” said Dr. (H.J.) Tom Thompson, President of Olds College. “The partnership between Olds College and 4-H developed organically, and is based upon shared priorities such as the development of leadership in rural communities, and the desire to help young people reach their potential.”

The recipient of this award must reflect the mission of Olds College and support the values, mandate and mission in a manner that has a positive, measurable and lasting impact on the College. The parallels between 4-H and Olds College began over 100 years ago. 1913 saw two notable achievements; the opening of the Olds School of Agriculture and Home Economics, and the establishment of Canada’s first 4-H club in Manitoba. Shortly after the first club was introduced, Alberta’s first club, the Olds Junior Pig Club, was founded by Olds College founder and first President, W.J. Elliot in 1917.

“4-H is proud to be recognized as the 2014 Olds College Partner of the Year. We value the working relationship we have with Olds College in providing educational and personal development opportunities” says 4-H Council of Alberta President, Mark Sayers. “The history between Olds College and 4-H go all the way back to 1917 when the first 4-H club in Alberta was created right on the campus of Olds College.”

“We are very fortunate that Olds College understands the importance of developing responsible and motivated young leaders in Canada,” said Shannon Benner, CEO of 4-H Canada. “4-H is committed to providing Canada’s youth with expansive skills, strong leadership abilities and a dynamic range of positive experiences.”

In addition to holding similar values, the relationship between 4-H and Olds College can be seen by the nearly 20% of Olds College students who have been 4-H members. Young people who participate in the 4-H program have already been exposed to the values that Olds College promotes. 4-H has trained these young people to believe in hard work, learning by doing, strong communication, entrepreneurship and team work and they find a home at Olds College because we hold these same values as they do. These values can be seen through the 4-H motto, “Learn to do by doing”, as well as the Olds College mandate to offer real-life, hands-on education.

Olds College is a 4-H Alberta Champion sponsor. The institution supports 4-H Alberta Leaders’ Conference and 4-H Alberta Senior Members’ Conference. Olds College is a Partner Host of 4-H Alberta Club Week, 4-H Alberta Selections and a supporter of 4-H Alberta Magazine through advertising support.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Caring For Our Watersheds - Update

Do you know an Alberta student in grades 7 to 12? Encourage them to enter Agrium's Caring for our Watersheds environmental contest.

Students are asked to answer the questions, "What can you do to improve your local watershed?". Either individually or as a team they must research their local watershed, identify an environmental concern and come up with a realistic solution. participants submit a proposal for community judges to review and the top ten entries compete in a verbal competition to win prizes for themselves and their school or club. Classroom presentations and mentorship is provided.

There are two contests in ablerta with over $50,000 in prize money and implementation funding. First place prize in each contest is $1,000 for the team AND a $1,000 for their school/club!

Southern Alberta (South of and including Calgary)
  • Contest Deadline: March 18, 2014
  • Program Coordinator: City of Calgary Ralph Klein Park - Laura Ewtushik, Ph: 403.476.4356

Central Alberta (North of Calgary)
  • Contest Deadline: April 3, 2014
  • Program Coordinator: Battle River Watershed Alliance - Nathalie Stanley, Ph: 780.672.0276
Learn More: What is a Watershed Video, Why Care About Watersheds Video, Contest Video, Southern Alberta Watershed Video, Central Alberta Watershed Video

Monday, February 10, 2014

Sign your club up for an experience of a lifetime!


4-H Members can be part of the Greatest Show on Earth - the Calgary Stampede - by becoming part of the Youth and Agriculture in Action Showcase.  Here is where 4-H members can engage international guests about agriculture through the eyes of today's youth. 
 
During Stampede, members are to help transform an area of the Stampede into an engaging and energetic 4-H Showcase.  Participants can showcase their talents, accomplishments and even provide live demonstrations. 
 
For more information on how your club can get involved, please contact: mmorris@calgarystampede.com or phone: 403.261.9316.

4-H Clubs invited to participate in Peavey Mart's Customer Appreciation Day as a Club Fundraiser

Peavey Mart is inviting enthusiastic 4-H members, leaders, families and or clubs to attend and help out at their local Peavey Mart Customer Appreciation Event - April 12, 2014 - which will also serve as a club fundraiser.

Clubs must sign up in advance to 4-H Foundation of Alberta, and this opportunity may be filled on a first come, first serve basis.  Deadline to RSVP: February 21, 2014.

This year's event "Appreciation" is an opportunity for Peavey Mart to provide a variety of great offers and outstanding deals to their clients. As part of the event, Peavey Mart will also be hosting an appreciation barbecue for their customers.

The customer appreciation barbecue will be a by donation only charge, with all proceeds directly benefitting 4-H!  If your club is looking for a fun activity to do as a group, which also serves as a 4-H fundraiser, please consider this event as an excellent chance to do both!

4-H Clubs can volunteer to:
  • Run the barbecue
    • Set up: 10:30 a.m. (earlier if desired)
    • Barbecue: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Clean up: 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Distribute flyers to customers (4-H promotional materials can be included)
  • Answer questions the public may have about the 4-H Alberta program
  • Promote the benefits of 4-H
  • Educate customers about the 4-H Alberta/Peavey Mart partnership

Event Details:
  • Peavey Mart supplies BBQ, BBQ tools, food, condiments, napkins, etc.
  • Peavey Mart supplies signs with "4-H BBQ, Burger/Pop by donation" or similar
  • 4-H must provide cash float/take all money/provide all change
  • 4-H is welcome to bring 4-H materials, etc.

Suggested Volunteer Positions:
  • Cook 1
  • Cook 2/ Cook Helper
  • Soft Drink Station
  • Cashier
  • Table Cleaner/Garbage Bag Station
  • All-Purpose Helper
  • 4-H Table/Materials Person
 
Peavey Mart Locations:
  • Camrose (Full)
  • Grande Prairie (Full)
  • High River
  • Lacombe
  • Leduc (Full)
  • Lethbridge
  • Lloydminster
  • Medicine Hat
  • Peace River
  • Red Deer (Full)
  • Rocky Mountain House
  • Spruce Grove
  • St. Paul
  • Stettler
  • Vegreville (Full)
  • Westlock
  • Wetaskiwin

Please direct all RSVP's, questions and number of volunteers to:
  • Jessica Patten, 4-H Foundation of Alberta, Ph: 780.682.2153, Toll-Free: 1.877.682.2153, Email: patten@4hab.com.

About Peavey Mart 4-H Alberta Partnership

Peavey Mart is a retail store based on the principals of good customer service, affordable prices and a unique blend of product offerings. Peavey Mart offers a discount to all 4-H members when purchasing products required for your 4-H project! You must present your membership card to receive the discount.

Peavey Mart is a proud 4-H Alberta "Champion Supporter" - 4-H Alberta's third highest sponsor level and contributes staff time, company resources and funding to support 4-H Alberta.

Peavey Mart proudly supports the following provincial 4-H Alberta programming: Leadership Through Counselling Seminar (LTCS), Aspiring Intermediate Members (AIM), Summer Camping, Provincial Sheep Show and Provincial Horse Program.

 

Mark your calendar for 4-H Day at Northlands Farm & Ranch Show

It's all about the farm at this year's Northlands Farm & Ranch Show!
 
Calling all rising stars of the agriculture industry! Book you calendars for Saturday, March 29, 2014 for 4-H Day at the Northlands Farm & Ranch Show.
 
Looking for an opportunity to interact with industry leaders while applying the skills you have learned in your 4-H Club to real world settings? Northlands is just as invested in the future of agriculture as our members are and they have put together a schedule of events that will allow members to learn about the industry while networking with their peers and industry leaders.
 
4-H Day at Northlands Farm & Ranch Show stars early and ends late, so you can be sure to pack in as many seminars, demonstrations and hands on experiences into one day as possible!
 
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Alberta Ballroom Foyer and includes activities such as:
 
  • University of Alberta's Multi Species Judging Competition
  • Consumer Decision Making
  • Beef Workshops and Seminars
  • Equine Feature Breed Demonstrations and Clinicians
  • Farming Smart Speakers and more!
 
Saturday, March 29, 2014 4-H members will receive FREE entry into Northlands Farm & Ranch Showing their 4-H membership card, and if they wish, wearing 4-H clothing!
 
The fund does not have to stop there - Northlands has your Saturday night plans covered!
 
Don't miss a minute of the action and cheer on some of the toughest collegiate rodeo competitors at the Canadian College Finals Rodeo presented by Martin Deerline. For three wild nights, participants hailing from post-secondary schools across Western Canada will compete to be the top of their class in six major rodeo events - tie down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing and bull riding in addition to team roping, goat tying, breakaway roping and pole bending.
 
How to get tickets:
 
4-H members can purchase discounted tickets to any performance of the Canadian College Finals Rodeo presented by Martin Deerline at a discounted rate through www.ticketmaster.ca/4hclub and by entering Promo Code: 4HCLUB
 
Advance tickets for Northlands Farm & Ranch Show and the Canadian College Finals Rodeo have been on sale since February 3, 2014 and start as low as $11.50.  Tickets can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location, ticketmaster.ca, or by calling 1.855.780.3000.
 
What is the Northlands Farm & Ranch Show?

Visit Northland's website: http://www.northlands.com/northlands-farm-and-ranch-show.
 
The Northlands Farm & Ranch Show runs March 27 - 29, 2014 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre and brings the agriculture industry together to share ideas, conduct business and create education opportunities for future leaders. As a 135 year old agriculture society, Northlands is committed to supporting the future of agriculture industry by proving educational opportunities to organizations such as 4-H Alberta.