- (Focus Area) 4-H
- Author: Marianne Bird
My favorite part of our Sacramento 4-H volunteer orientation comes when we introduce the 4-H Thriving Model (Arnold, 2018). “Think back to when you were a child or a teenager,” we ask. “Other than your parents, was there an adult—a coach, a teacher, a neighbor—who was special? What made them so?” As participants take a moment to remember, to share with a partner then perhaps with the larger group about this individual, the conversation deepens.
“I had a teacher who nominated me for an honor. She saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.”
“Every night at bedtime my camp counselor would spend a few minutes asking questions and just listening about our day. I bonded with them and our cabin group bonded with each other.”
“My high school economics teacher pushed me in a subject area completely new to me, and it was a turning point in how I engaged in learning.”
As I listen to these stories, I can't emphasize enough how important relationships with caring adults are in youth development work. In the 4-H Thriving Model, relationships are characterized as part of the “soil”—the foundational element—critical to a young person's (and I'd argue, anyone's) growth. Nutrient-rich soil grows strong plants. Or, as the metaphor goes, positive, caring adults develop healthy, capable youth.
What are the qualities of a caring adult? To cultivate strong relationships, consider the following.
- Express Care: What things can you do to help a young person feel special and important to you? Do you know not only their name, but a bit about who they are, what they enjoy, perhaps what they find difficult? Do you celebrate their successes?
- Challenge Growth: How do you engage youth in learning? How do you encourage goal setting and practice? Do you build in time for youth to reflect not just in their project, but on their leadership, teamwork, and responsibilities?
- Provide Support: What do the youth you work with need from you? Encouragement? Check-ins? Coaching? Have you asked them how you can best support their efforts?
- Share Power: How well do you build your program with young people, not just for young people? Do they share their thoughts with you? Do they assume leadership roles? How might you listen better to incorporate their ideas into your project?
- Expand Possibilities: What can you do to help youth see and connect with a bigger future? Might you bring in speakers or plan for field trips to explore education or career possibilities? For older youth, are there doors you might open or connections you might facilitate?
There is no greater compliment than when an adult looks back and says, “You made a difference in my life.” Each one of us is in a position to be that special person. What a gift.
Marianne Bird, 4-H Youth Development Advisor
mbird@ucanr.edu
Arnold, M. E. (2018). From context to outcomes: A thriving model for 4-H youth development programs. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 6 (1), 141-160.
- Author: Saoimanu Sope
Small containers with varying levels of sugar sit next to a row of beverages, including water, fruit juices, soda, a sports drink and chocolate milk. Trying to match each container with the beverage that contains its corresponding amount of sugar, Amore, a fourth grader, reads the nutrition label on the orange juice bottle. “What does the bottle say?” asked a student in the audience, attempting to help Amore.
Life skills such as how to read a nutrition label are representative of learning that youth can expect when joining 4-H, a nationwide program focused on empowering kids ages 5 to 18. 4-H offers experiential learning opportunities ranging from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and healthy living to civic engagement and leadership.
To expand its reach and make their program more accessible, 4-H launched a digital learning platform called CLOVER by 4-H that offers content tailored for three types of users: learner, parent and educator. As the platform grows in popularity, 4-H is eager to identify best practices in engaging new users to join the platform and retain their interest.
More than 250 free 4-H lessons
In California, 4-H programs are overseen by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Given its successful contributions to statewide initiatives in the past, 4-H in Orange County, administered through the local UC Cooperative Extension office, was one of three counties selected to participate in a CLOVER pilot project in conjunction with the National 4-H Council. With more than 250 4-H lessons available online at no cost, the pilot project aims to introduce its users to 4-H.
To generate interest, 4-H in Orange County is leveraging connections to local Boys and Girls Clubs. In March, they hosted more than 20 kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove (BGCGG) – including Amore – for a day of learning and exploration at the UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, where the 4-H program for Orange County is based.
Rita Jakel, community education specialist and program coordinator for 4-H of Orange County, said that partnering with BGCGG will, hopefully, inspire its members to join their local 4-H club.
“The youth created a CLOVER account before engaging in eight CLOVER lessons taught by the staff at the Boys and Girls Club during their weeklong Spring Break Day Camp,” said Jakel, noting that the participants were introduced to 4-H before arriving to South Coast REC for in-person activities.
Interactive nutrition and gardening lessons
During their visit, the participants engaged in a typical day of 4-H lessons featuring presentations from the local Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and UC Master Gardener volunteers. Jakel then wrapped up with interactive sessions on animal adaptations—understanding the challenges animals face in gathering food—as well as lessons on growing and cooking with herbs.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of working with young people is the opportunity to creatively educate them on various subjects, ensuring that learning is both enjoyable and engaging,” said Javier Miramontes, community nutrition and health supervisor for EFNEP in Orange and Los Angeles counties, who started the day off with the lesson on nutrition labels.
Miramontes visually explained how much sugar is found in various beverages and then challenged the students to do so on their own. “It's important to me that all students participate, as engagement is key at their age, not only for inclusivity but also to maintain their focus,” he said. Miramontes concluded with a review of his lesson and was pleased that most of the class demonstrated a solid understanding of the key topics.
While the intention of CLOVER is to introduce users to 4-H in hopes that they would want to become members of their local clubs, Jakel believes that participating through CLOVER could be just as effective, if not more. “We're testing out the idea of bringing kids to our facility for typical 4-H programming. If they like it, our hope is that they'll sign up on CLOVER and gain access to our educational approach there,” said Jakel.
4-H in person and online
The goal is to give youth options so that the 4-H experience, whether in person or online, does not feel out of reach.
When discussing their collaboration, Jakel said that the BGCGG staff would continue to support interested kids and their families with CLOVER registration. The staff also agreed to conduct programming based on the digital platform at their facility to continue exposing BGCGG members to all that 4-H has to offer, which they have already reported as easy to implement and engaging among the youth.
During their time in the garden, members learned about vermiculture and how worms are essential for compost. Mary Nguyen, STEM specialist for BGCGG, said that she enjoyed watching the youth light up when they are playing in the dirt and learning about how fruits can be combined to produce new generations. To wrap up their visit to the garden, the group received a small worm box to use for their own school garden.
“I hope that more fun field trips – and hands-on activities involving research that youth can participate in – will come from our partnership with South Coast REC and 4-H,” Nguyen said.
Field trips to see, touch, smell and taste
From a UC Master Gardener's perspective, the youth were extremely interested in learning about everything and asked many questions. “I loved their curiosity,” said UC Master Gardener volunteer Laura Holly, who helped with the garden demonstration and tour of UC South Coast Research and Extension Center. “They wanted to know why certain pipes were painted purple (to indicate reclaimed water), about the windmills and how avocado trees are grafted.”
“More children would benefit from seeing how the trees that produce the fruit they eat grow,” Holly added.
Hannah, a fourth grader, said that she loved the lesson on herbs that Jakel led before the participants boarded the bus to return home. All members got to see, touch, smell and taste four different herbs before planting their own to take home. “I had a lot of fun. I think if I had to grow one thing, it would be chives. They actually taste really good,” Hannah said.
Amore, who knew what lavender smelled like before, had never seen a lavender plant. “My mom loves lavender, but I didn't know this is what it looks like. I planted some lavender to take home for her,” she said.
The partnership with BGCGG is one of many that Jakel hopes to foster in Orange County, in addition to uniting UCCE programs to enrich the learning experience for youth who visit South Coast REC and those enrolled in the 4-H program. Her goal, in line with that of CLOVER, is to make 4-H programming more accessible for the youth, parents and educators alike.
To learn more about 4-H in Orange County, visit https://oc4h.org/.
- Author: Toni Dowdell
- Editor: Suzanne Morikawa
Editor's Note:
At this time of year, Senior 4-H'ers are graduating out of high school and into their next step in life. As parents, we celebrate our children's accomplishments and are proud to share them widely! As our 4-H'ers graduate to their next adventure, we want to acknowledge all the parents, family members, and 4-H volunteers who have served as leaders and mentors to help our youth grow their skills for the future.
This post was written by Toni Dowdell. She is the mother of Eve Dowdell, our 4-H Communications Intern in the State Office. It was originally published in the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau News in October 2023 (p.22).
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4-H Member to 4-H Alumna to 4-H Intern
Aging out of 4-H is that sort of rite of passage at a time when young adult 4-H'ers are easing their way into full-on adulthood. These youth members continue in 4-H until they reach the age of nineteen and can no longer participate in 4-H as a youth member. While some move onto other paths, most go on to give back to 4-H in one way or another. Discovering a way to do both has become a delight for Eve Dowdell, a 2022 4-H alumna. She completed her 4-H youth career and is embarking on the road to 4-H adult volunteering and state internship.
Eve Dowdell was pinned “4-H Alumna” at the State Leadership Conference. During the ceremony, Eve was announced as a recipient of both the Golden Clover Award and the Diamond Clover, the highest achievement for which a 4-H member is recognized. As well, 4-H members, leaders, and representatives from all over California bid her farewell on her 2021-2022 term as State Ambassador. Eve is the first State Ambassador from Stanislaus County in five years; that's since Gabriella Germann, a Stanislaus County native, served on the 2016-2017 State Ambassador team.
Eve's notable 4-H skills and accomplishments enabled her to shine as State Ambassador. She and her team developed a campaign centered on encouraging youth to begin living their legacy now. While her team was responsible for implementing CA 4-H Youth Development Programs, creating educational workshops for County 4-H Ambassadors, and facilitating educational programs for other States' Ambassadors, Eve had the availability and specialized skillset to represent her team at Ag Day at the Capitol and on various State 4-H committees. She was invited to present informational sessions for the State 4-H staff towards advancing the CA 4-H social media platform. Using her talent for publicizing wacky Tiktok's to classy Instagram stories, Eve designed and shared content to boost the presence of the CA 4-H brand, the State Ambassador's platform, and CA 4-H Ag.
Eve's passion for 4-H, communication, and pink showed through in all of her social media promotions. With little effort, anyone could see how 4-H is an avenue to cultivate her sparks and share them with her community. She seized every opportunity to mention her favorite things and how they relate to her 4-H experience. Her videos supporting upcoming 4-H events or honoring heroes, National American Sign Language (ASL) Day, and National Pink Day were her way of connecting with her fellow members in her own unique way.
Among her role as State Ambassador, Eve has had many successes in 4-H that led to significant contributions during her 4-H years. Her service as County President of Hi 4-H (yes, the ones who make the delicious milkshakes at the county fair!), President of Shooting Stars 4-H (her home club of eleven years), and Staff/Counselor on the County Camp Committee are just a few of them. She served her third term on the State 4-H Advisory Committee and helped run the first State Camping Conference since the pandemic. Eve thrives on communicating with 4-H'ers across the state and supporting them in their endeavors. Whether through club work, county programs, or national opportunities, her caring and influencing attitude promotes a sense of belonging and gives 4-H members the prompting they need to believe they can achieve their goals, master skills, and positively impact their communities. She says seeing young 4-H'ers taking advantage of all that 4-H has to offer reminds her of her own early 4-H years, when her eyes dazzled at the sight of older 4-H'ers in the spotlight.
Over the years, Eve has been an outstanding role model who has connected to and affected the lives of many. With great compassion, competency, and character, Eve has shown that she embodies the essence of a true leader. Her influence has mostly been recognized in her commitment to 4-H project leadership. Particularly, projects such as ASL, Dance, Communications, and Embroidery, where she embraced her sparks, are her favorite projects to lead. Through all her project roles, her magnetic personality inspires others, adults and youth members alike, to succeed in facing life's challenges with integrity, determination, and a smile. Eve continues to serve 4-H members as an officer advisor for Shooting Stars 4-H club, county co-advisor for the Stanislaus Hi 4-H Committee, and assistant to County Ambassador teams. Most recently, she started as a student intern in Marketing and Communications for the UC ANR State 4-H Youth Development Program. In Eve's effort to give back through her internship, she creates and maintains marketing communications that showcase the best of CA 4-H members, and continues to promote State 4-H programs.
As Eve is no stranger to achievement, she is making headlines at Modesto Junior College (MJC), where she pursues Communication Studies. Her contributions on campus have put her in the spotlight as ASL Club officer, President of Alpha Kappa chapter of Sigma Chi Eta, and member of the 2022-2023 Intercollegiate Speech & Debate Team. Her time on the Speech & Debate team has earned MJC the Hornet Cup, 1st Place Sweepstakes Award, and the Phi Ro Pi 2023 National Award. Eve began her competition year as Top Novice at the Golden Gate Opener, then took two 1st Placings at the Mustang and the Paul Winters Invitationals for her persuasive speech performance. In her speech, she advocated for the deaf community by calling for ADA accommodations in drive-throughs. She went on to claim 3rd Place at the Northern CA Forensics Association Championship and 1st Places in both Communication Analysis and Persuasive Speech at the Hornet Tournament. These accomplishments are a credit to all her years of learning by doing in 4-H. Eve says she pulls from her experience toolbox, having learned and taught the value of resiliency, civil discourse, motivating others for impactful change, and building connections. Eve is a tremendous source of encouragement and guidance, with a tenacity for working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and mindsets. Eve adds
“Whether I am tutoring or facilitating a campus life event, I want to be an approachable light and friend to the students of MJC. I've been privileged with opportunities to employ self-management. Now I want to contribute my skills, insight, and perspective, and give back what I have been so generously given. As I develop my own passions and knowledge, I am only fulfilled knowing that I have also influenced another's growth and sparked their passions. Like 4-H, MJC has a powerful foundation, helping students grow in their field of study. I'm thankful to be a contributor to that growth.”
Eve's greatest passion remains in her faith. She regularly makes time to support youth mentorship and volunteers as a bible study leader and on the prayer team for her church, JC Fans.
Let's celebrate and thank Eve for sharing her time, gifts, and positive attitude for the benefit of our 4-H youth and our community.
/h1>- Author: JoLynn Miller
Volunteering may be the answer to bringing people together, in a time where there seems to be more division than ever. The Census Bureau and AmeriCorps report that while formal volunteering rates have declined, informal volunteering rates have remained steady. Last year, I discussed the many personal benefits to volunteering (longer lifespan, potential job skills, increased self-confidence, etc.). This year as National Volunteer Month comes to a close, I suggest looking at it from a different angle.
By volunteering, formally or informally, you are strengthening our community. We build social capital together. Dr. Nathaniel, a 4-H Advisor in Los Angeles county and researcher of social and community capital, writes, “Youth who are engaged in community service tend to have higher degrees of social capital. That is, youth who are engaged in at least 5 community service projects where they are involved with the conceptualization, design, planning, and execution of a community service project are more connected to community networks, resources, and institutions.” Furthermore, Dr. Worker, a 4-H Advisor in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties, found that besides skill development, increased well-being, and gratification from working with youth and other adults, 4-H volunteers strengthened social development, including developing friendships, strengthening family connections, and ties with the broader community.
As a life-long volunteer myself, I have experienced these things firsthand. Over the years, in four different communities, I've spent time volunteering as a way to make connections and learn about my neighbors. Some highlights have been teaching Red Cross First Aid and CPR classes, starting a livestock evacuation team, and being a foster dog mom. In each instance, I've met people with similar interests and passions for making a difference, and even formed lasting friendships. I also learned many of the people working side by side with me had different political views, different religions, and/or different worldviews. And it didn't matter where we differed because we were able to focus on the task at hand. Helping where help was needed.
Whether it be teaching a child about robotics in 4-H or helping animals find their fur-ever home, when you volunteer for a community organization that you're passionate about, you are inevitably making connections to others with the same goal in mind. When you're out picking up trash with a stranger, you're able to join forces, start a task, enjoy each others company while working, and feel accomplished together when the work is complete. Volunteering has the potential to break down the walls between us. It can bridge the gaps.
As the nation sees volunteer rates decline, I implore youth and families to find volunteer opportunities within their community though 4-H or otherwise. The services many non profits provide wouldn't be possible without volunteers; services the community has come to rely on-like food assistance, youth activities, veterans' services, fire and disaster safety, and more. Remember that not only will you be helping fill a specific need in the community, you'll also be building a strong one.
JoLynn Miller is a 4-H Youth Development Advisor with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. She is responsible for four counties in the Central Sierra and focuses her research on volunteerism, volunteer development, youth retention, and working with youth in the juvenile justice system. You can contact her at 209-533-5686 or jlmiller@ucanr.edu.
- Author: Ricardo A. Vela
UC ANR volunteers are estimated to make about 2 million public contacts annually (data prior to COVID-19) through activities where they promote research-based information from UC ANR experts.
Since 2018, one of UC ANR's goals has been for academics to develop and manage projects that allow volunteers to lead, with the intention of strengthening volunteer engagement.
Miner emphasized that the search for volunteers is continuous. However, due to the diversity of UC ANR's state programs and the strategic locations of UC Cooperative Extension, attracting the right people is not a difficult task.
But who are the right people to volunteer at UC ANR?
The ideal candidate is any adult willing to contribute to improve the lives of Californians. "Collaborating with UC ANR is a lot of fun and rewarding, as you have the opportunity to return to the community what it has given us and often help families who desperately need some support," said Miner.
Volunteering challenges
As the population in California moves from rural to urban areas, low-income families face disadvantaged situations. As a result, 6.8 million people live below the poverty level. This represents 1 in 6 California residents.
Latinos are one ethnic group hit harder by this problem. In California, 40% of the population is of Latino origin, yet the economic and social disparity is a sad reality for many of these families. Latinos comprise 51.4% of the population living
below the poverty level, which is why UC ANR maintains as one of its objectives to help these families through the available programs. To successfully achieve this objective, it is vital to have volunteers who are not only bilingual but also bicultural.
Juan Jiménez and his wife Michele are two of thousands of volunteers who collaborate with UC ANR. Both participate in the 4-H youth development program in Riverside County. They know the importance of being bilingual and bicultural. They also know firsthand the reward of volunteering. "Volunteering makes me feel human and that I'm contributing to the community and my family," Juan said.
For Michele, volunteering for the community she lives in is natural. “Since I was a child, I have been a volunteer; my parents instilled in me the service to our community, our church,” she said. “To me, it is a very normal and satisfying thing.”
Every year in April, not-for-profit organizations everywhere in the country celebrate and recognize the work of those tireless people who dedicate their free time to the benefit of others. UC ANR joins them, and from the bottom of our hearts, we say:
Thank you, Volunteers!