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Maine 4-H is on the move!

Dear 4-H Community Member,

During this past year, our Maine 4-H Youth Development program has been taking a look at itself and making some exciting changes.  Inspired by a review last year from our federal partner (we asked for it!), we set out to strengthen our programs, improve our training for volunteers and staff and create a more effective, shared leadership structure.  It was our desire to create and implement a long-range plan that builds on our history and strengths and addresses the needs of Maine’s youth in today’s world.

In April we held a strategic planning event that brought together youth, volunteers, community collaborators and staff. For two days, we analyzed data that had been collected from 143 of you (mostly volunteers and youth) around the state, and we worked together to develop a common vision, to build a wider sense of the 4-H community and to offer recommendations for going forward in 4-H Youth Development over the next 5 years.

I am pleased to offer you the following snapshot of where we are to date, including the newly created Maine 4-H mission, vision and core principles, and information on how you can get involved and/or stay involved in the exciting activities taking place around the state.

Sincerely,

Shirley Hager, on behalf of the Maine 4-H Youth Development program

Maine 4-H Youth Development Mission

Educate and empower Maine youth through hands-on and community-based experiences

Maine 4-H Youth Development Vision

Maine youth acquire the knowledge, life skills, leadership abilities and attitudes to help them succeed now and in the future through effective collaborations, hands-on experiential education and self-directed learning

Core Principles

Maine 4-H Youth Development programs are research-based and founded on the principles of positive youth development.

Our educational programs focus on:

• Science, engineering, and technology tied to agriculture, the environment and our communities;

• Healthy lifestyles tied to informed decision-making and action for health and safety

• Citizenship tied to youth involvement with government and other institutions

• Sustainable lifestyles and communities tied to ecological literacy and responsible choices

Our youth can expect the opportunity to:

• Be valued and contributing members of their clubs and communities (belonging)

• Identify and meet goals for their won hands-on learning (mastery)

• Take meaningful learning and leadership roles (independence)

• Engage in community service (generosity)

Volunteers, youth leaders, families and staff can expect:

• the education, training, and support needed to make this vision a reality

Here’s what’s happening—get involved!

The following 4 program teams have been formed to support and guide our 4-H programs.  The first three teams reflect national priorities in 4-H.  The fourth, Earth Connections and Sustainable Living, reflects Maine’s emphasis on environmental education as exemplified by our Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center.

Program Team: Science, Engineering and Technology

Contact Person: Lisa Phelps, lphelps@umext.maine.edu, 1-800-287-1471

Meeting dates, locations, 2006:
August 28, 2006- 4-pm Video Conference (Locations TBA)
Other meetings will be scheduled in the future. 

Goals:

1. Improve quality and accessibility of 4-H agriculture-based programs through the use of technology, collaboration with universities and community resources.

2. Improve communication and access by integrating emerging technologies into all aspects of the 4HYD programs;

3. Expand career opportunities for youth by building skills in the areas of science, engineering and technology.

Program Team: Healthy Lifestyles

Contact Person: Karen Hatch Gagne, karenhg@umext.maine.edu, 1-800-287-1481

Meeting dates, location, 2006:
June 29, 2006; Orono/Bangor

Goals:

1. Engage youth (K-12) and their families in Healthy Lifestyle community programs such as Fit Kids, Team Nutrition, Skateboarding, etc.;

2. Provide regional training and opportunities for youth to learn how to share physical activity and nutrition ideas with other youth in school, club and community settings.

Program Team: Youth In Governance

Contact Person: Susan Jennings, susanj@umext.maine.edu, 1-800-287-1482

Meeting dates, location, 2006:
To be announced

Goals:

1. Expand statewide opportunities and resources for leadership to include: youth/adult partnerships; youth-initiated and youth-led service learning; civic engagement; peer mentoring and training;

2. Provide training and opportunities for career exploration and preparation that incorporates a global perspective;

3. Develop and strengthen University connections, county and state collaborations, and resource identification;

4. Provide training for adults and community organizations on integrating youth voices, and supporting direct youth involvement.

Program Team: Earth Connections and Sustainable Living

Contact Person: Jon Prichard, jonp@umext.maine.edu. 1-800-287-1535

Meeting dates, location, 2006:
August 14, October 30, Augusta Farm Bureau

Goals:

1. Improve the relationship between all youth and nature by involving them in outdoor experiences;

2. Increase youth understanding and actions for a sustainable future through modeling healthy behaviors in living (diet, exercise, relationships, etc.);

3. Use nature-based and other experiences to teach educators and volunteers how to integrate life skills, leadership and appropriate technology for sustainable* living;

4. Encourage schools, teachers and other youth organizations in outdoor and community education to create models of sustainable* living.

* Sustainable:  A sustainable society is one that satisfies its needs without depleting the resources of future generations.

Please consider joining one or more of these program teams throughout the year.  Membership consists of youth, volunteers, community collaborators and staff from across UMCE’s program areas.

In addition to the contact persons named above, you can also contact your county 4-H staff for more information.   Also, please see the 4-H website for other numbers to call if you have questions about any aspect of the Maine 4-H Youth Development program: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/vol/whoto.htm

For more information on educational programs in your area, contact your county Extension office.