Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Happy Holidays!

Here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, Happy New Year's, Merry Festivus and all the rest!  However you choose to celebrate, please do so safely, and we'll look forward to seeing you in 2021.

Friday, December 11, 2020

Texas 4-H Hour of Code

Come join Texas 4-H's Hour of Code event!  Our goal is to introduce 4-H members (and leaders too) to computer science through fun and engaging programming activities.  No prior programming experience is required.  This is intended for complete beginners of all ages.

Participants will need access to a computer (with speakers) and internet for the Zoom meeting and for the online lesson.  The lesson will be self-selected and self-guided, depending upon the interest and grade level of the participant.  For younger members, it is advised that a parent be present to assist, guide, and learn together.

For those with limited internet access, there are activities that can be downloaded and conducted offline.

To sign up for the Texas 4-H Hour of Code, go to http://t.ly/OvEy.  Registrants will be provided a link to the Zoom meeting during this registration process.  At 6 PM on December 17, we will begin with an overview of computer science and programming.  That will last no more than 1 hour.  Youth will then be directed to a site to select a self-guided themed lesson of their choosing, and at the end of their lesson they will be able to share their program with others.  Mentoring and troubleshooting support will be provided by STEM Ambassadors for an hour after the conclusion of the overview.


Friday, December 4, 2020

20-21 Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarship Training

I would like to share with you the following video created by District 10 Extension Specialist Megan Logan dealing with the 20-21 Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarship Training.  

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

You are invited BACKSTAGE - Share the Fun Project Leader Training

The District 4 4-H Share the Fun Committee would like to invite agents, 4-H parents, teen leaders, and volunteers to join us backstage on Friday, November 20th at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the Share the Fun categories. This workshop will be viewed in Zoom. Participants can choose to watch the live presentation or receive the recording once it becomes available.

To receive the Zoom link, register at https://grayson.agrilife.org/stfproject.


Tuesday, November 10, 2020

HBCU Virtual College Tour

Dallas County 4-H in partnership with the Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Inc. is hosting a Virtual HBCU College Tour/Fair on Saturday November 14, 2020. Students will have the opportunity to hear from representatives from several HBCUS, learn about scholarships, win prizes and more! Please share with your students across the state and encourage them to register and join us this Saturday! Thank you !!

Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdz2sjKYuf6pACMZfqd2G4Dp68wI14s7VAvlaeNX_nioXNvvw/viewform 

Friday, November 6, 2020

An Evening with a Lieutenant Colonel on Veteran's Day

On Veterans Day we will have the honor of  Professor of Military Science and Lieutenet Colonel David Marshall as our guest. This will happen via Zoom and if you would like, please attend via the following link:.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89520494185?pwd=OHN3WDc5YVdOV3hnZ2dCZndsNTBoZz09


Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th - October 15th) I would like to share the following 4-H marketing materials that have been translated into Spanish.  Please share as appropriate:










Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Happy National 4-H Week!

 

HAPPY NATIONAL 4-H WEEK!

It's time to celebrate across the Nation the program that has been changing youth lives for more than a century... A program in which Texas boasts the largest membership of any state... A program we all know and love... it's time to CELEBRATE 4-H!

Participate in the online challenge above while also enjoying celebrations in your community! Don't forget to rock that green for 4-H Spirit Day on October 7th! There are so many ways to celebrate this year! Click the button below for ideas and more!


Friday, October 2, 2020

Travis County 4-H Virtual Food Show

 Please see the flyer below for information about the upcoming Travis County 4-H Virtual Food Show.  Registration is now live please click here.



Thursday, September 24, 2020

2020 4-H At-Home Garden Series Flyer/Registration

We are excited to announce that the 2020 4-H At-Home Garden Series is open for registration! Youth will go along our completely self-paced program, where they will do their gardening activities with our YouTube Channel (MyExtension210). And of course…you get a FREE supply kit! Activities include: DIY Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Greenhouses, Photography contest… and much more!

Registration Dates: 9/24/20 – 10/1/20

Program Dates: 10/12/20 – 11/6/20

Time: Self-Paced

Location: YouTube.

Registration link:

https://pvamu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_af2QAXdnsNw4q9v

Cost: Free! And you get a FREE supply kit.

There will only be 40 spots open, and it will be first-come, first-serve! Please don’t hesitate to register. 

Below is the flyer.

Friday, September 18, 2020

4-H Photography Youth Volunteer Training

 We are holding a virtual photography training aimed at intermediate and senior 4-H members to train them how to teach photography to other 4-H members and to help with the county photography contest.  Please email me to participate.

Thursday, September 10, 2020

National 4-H Week STEM Day Challenge

 We are excited to announce that registration for the 2020 National 4-H STEM Day is opened! This year’s theme is “Mars Base Camp.” In this challenge, youth will learn about Mars missions and get to the know the red planet. They will learn about various concepts from computer science to space agriculture.

 

Date: October 10, 2020

Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 CST/ 9:00 AM-1:00 PM MST

Location: Zoom

Registration link: National 4-H Week STEM Day Challenge

 

Cost: Free

 

Only 50 families will have the chance to participate, and it is a first-come, first-served deal. So don’t hesitate to register.

Attached is the flyer.




Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Junior Master Photographer Ambassador Workshops

Registration for the Junior Master Photographer training scheduled for September 26 is now active on 4HOnline.  As in the past, youth must have an active enrollment in order to register. 

A new location for the workshop has been secured and will take place in Kerrville at the Hill Country Youth Event Center.  Space is limited to the first 40 registered participants. 


Junior Master Photographer/Photography Ambassador Workshops

The Texas 4-H Junior Master Photographer (JMP) program provides advanced instruction to photography enthusiasts.  As a Junior Master Photographer, youth will be expected to return to their counties and districts to serve as teen leaders for the project. Additionally, Junior Master Photographers may be called upon by the County Extension Agent or 4-H Specialist to serve as photographers for various 4-H events and activities.  Only dedicated photography project youth wishing to expand their knowledge as well as service to others should apply for this opportunity.  In other words, youth do need to have a good working knowledge of their camera prior to attending this advanced training.

 

To be a certified Junior Master Photographer, candidates must:

·      Be in 7th – 12th grade

·      Attend BOTH Workshop I and Workshop II

·      Complete a competency test with a minimum score of 80%

·      Submit four photos taken by applicant demonstrating understanding of instruction

·      Participate in at least one practice event

·      Complete a photography community service activity

·      Take part in at least two organized project experiences


Although there is no yearly performance requirement, Junior Master Photographers are expected to return to counties and districts to help expand their photography programs. They receive the Junior Master Photographer pin and certificate. Certified JMPs in 9th grade are eligible to apply to the State 4-H Photography Ambassador Program.

The JMP training consists of two one-day workshops.  Below are the details for both:

 

JMP Workshop I
Date:  Saturday, September 26
Location: Kerrville

Grades:  7-12
DSLR Camera Required

JMP Workshop II
Date:  Sunday, December 13

Location:  Dallas Research and Extension Center TBD

Grades:  7-12
Must have attended Workshop I

DSLR Camera Required

Dates and locations are subject to change depending on Covid-19 guidelines.



Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Update on office / Ribbons for County Photography Contest

Just wanted to give a quick update that in accordance with the Travis County stay at home order, we will continue work from home through December 15th.

Due to this, I will work on mailing out all the ribbons for the 2020 Travis County Photography contest over the next week or so.  Thank you for your patience in this process as we all learn to navigate this "new normal."

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

4-H STEM Challenge (Registration now full)

EDIT:  Due to popular demand, this event is now full.  Thank you for your interest.

We are excited to announce that registration for the 2020 National 4-H STEM Day is opened! This year’s theme is “Mars Base Camp.” In this challenge, youth will learn about Mars missions and get to the know the red planet. They will learn about various concepts from computer science to space agriculture.

Date: August 22, 2020

Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 CST/ 9:00 AM-1:00 PM MST

Location: Zoom

Registration link: PVAMU 4-H STEM DAY

Cost: Free

 

Experiment kits will be shipped directly to the youth’s home from National 4-H. Each kit serves four kids, so feel free to get the entire family involved! Only 50 families will have the chance to participate, and it is a first-come, first-served deal. So don’t hesitate to register.

Below is the flyer. 

Contact your local PVAMU 4-H Agent for more information.


Monday, July 20, 2020

Youth-led Creative Expression Contest to Prevent COVID-19 across Texas!


Request for Applications (RFA)
We are inviting young people from across Texas to submit creative materials (videos, digital art, murals) to promote behaviors that can prevent the spread of COVID-19. Materials will be used by schools, health departments, and other community groups to promote COVID-19 protective behaviors. This contest is being hosted by the COVID-19 Communications Team within the Health Promotion/Behavioral Sciences Department at UTHealth School of Public Health in partnership with community organizations across Texas.


GUIDELINES
  • Submissions must be created by student(s) and supported by an identified parent, adult mentor, or sponsor. Parent/Guardian permission and signature are required with submission.
  • K through 12 students, student clubs, after-school programs, youth nonprofit organizations, school wellness teams, and other youth-based groups are encouraged to apply.
  • Creative expression content can be in English or Spanish and may include translation into other languages.
  • Submissions can be either as an individual or as a group of youth. If completed as a group, we need permission forms from all youth involved with the submission.
  • Creative expression content needs to be authentic and original, or it will be excluded from the competition. We will review for authentication and use of other’s materials or ideas.
  • Creative expression content should link directly to any of the four main COVID-19 prevention behaviors (mask wearing, handwashing, social distancing, not touching your face). However, simple, direct, and brief content/message (e.g., short videos) is encouraged
  • Multiple submission are allowed!

APPLICATION PROCESS & KEY DATES
  1. Campaign Launch: Request for Applications (RFAs) will be sent on Friday, July 17th, 2020.
  2. Application Format: Applicants must submit the application from at https://sph.uth.edu/landing/covid-youth/.
  3. Due Date:  Creative Expression Submissions are due Sunday, August 30, 2020.
  4. Awards: 1st - $300 Wal-mart e-gift card; 2nd - $100 Wal-Mart e-gift card; Honorable recognition - Submissions will be posted on UTSPH Facebook page.
  5. Notification of Awards: Participants will be notified of awards by September 30, 2020.
  6. If you have any questions, contact Jacob Szeszulski at Jacob.Szeszulski@uth.tmc.edu (preferred) or call 1-713-500-9679.




Friday, July 10, 2020

2020 Virtual Agriculture Conservation Camp

I would like to share the following message from Jeremy Peaches regarding the Virtual Agriculture Science Conservation Camp:


Hello, 

Hope everyone is doing well.We're excited to announce this year we are partnering with Prairie View A&M Universities Cooperative Extension Program's 4-H & Youth Development Program to host our Agriculture Science Conservation Camp virtually!!!! Initial funding for this camp has been provided by The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, additional funding has been provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department- Game Wardens and State Representative Jarvis Johnson.

Our camp will take place July 27-29, 2020 and reach 85 elementary and middle school grades 3-8. The first two days educational sessions will be conducted online. On the third day students will take virtual field trips, students will learn about Prairie View A&M Universities College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) and about Black Western Culture from the Stevenson Ranch and agri-business from the R&S Deer Ranch.

Please see the attached registration link below. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me 

Thanks,


Jeremy Peaches 
Prairie View A&M University 
Cooperative Extension Program 
Harris County 4H & Youth Development 



Thursday, July 2, 2020

4‑H AT HOME: GARDENING, EXERCISE & WILDLIFE

4-H programs across the country are serving as education's first responders, continuing their mission to provide learning resources for all kids in every county. This week’s activities feature lessons in DNA, fruit batteries and water!


Have a great 4-H 4th of July weekend!


Friday, June 26, 2020

TAMU Summer Horsemanship Schools Go Online!



Howdy! 
Please help us spread the word to all Texas youth about this opportunity to get personalized horsemanship instruction through an online video submission from June 29th-July 6th.
 Youth simply submit a 2-5 minute video (https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Xi0beEA3Wba4gl) of themselves riding with information about what they want to learn/improve and a Texas A&M Summer Horsemanship School instructor will reply with useful training tips and feedback. Great practice for the upcoming State 4-H Horse Show! 

Friday, June 19, 2020

4-H Supports Diversity and Equity

Access, Equity and Belonging Committee
June 4, 2020

The purpose of the Access, Equity and Belonging Committee (AEBC) is to support the 4-H System in keeping our promise to America’s Kids. Nationally, 4-H has made a commitment to reflect the population demographics, vulnerable populations, diverse needs and social conditions of the country. This vision has the elements of inclusion, caring adults, and volunteers and staff that also reflect the diversity of the population. The AEBC aims to increase the capacity of 4-H and the Cooperative Extension System to keep this promise and to create a more inclusive organizational culture.

We are deeply saddened by the racial profiling of NYS 4-H alum Christian Cooper, and the killings of Tony McDade, Sean Reed, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and so many before them whose lives were unjustly taken. Their stories have sparked protests all across our country. Racial inequity and injustice are deeply rooted in the fabric of this country, however, the past few weeks have been especially painful. Children, families and communities across this nation are experiencing fear, anger, sadness and disappointment. These feelings ring especially true for many Black and Brown communities who have been marginalized and met with limited access to power, societal resources, and protection.

Injustice shows itself in many ways. In many areas throughout the U.S., your race, gender, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, and income level may affect your access to quality education, health care, clean air to breathe and water to drink, and other rights and protections deserving of every human being. We also live in a country where your zip code may affect your life expectancy and resource allocation. These inequities have only been magnified during a pandemic where children across our nation are without access to technology to continue their education, or meals to sustain their bodies, or healthcare to combat this deadly virus. As Dr. King so eloquently said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We must care!

4-H will continue to be a pillar in communities but this must be done with equity. It is our responsibility to be aware of historic inequities that directly impact marginalized youth and families across our country. Beyond awareness, it is our responsibility to acknowledge our implicit bias, and act, so that youth who have historically been left on the margins, are seen, heard, welcomed and safe within our program and in our society. We have great hope in our young people--our true leaders who will make this world a more just society for generations to come! The time is now and the responsibility is all of ours.

Check out these resources to learn more about our role and responsibility towards a more just
society: https://access-equity-belonging.extension.org/resources/social-justice-and-equity-resources/ .

With hope,
The PLWG Access, Equity and Belonging Committee



Resources for Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Social Justice
Racial Equity Resources for Youth (from the University of Maryland Extension):

● NPR:
https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716700866/talking-race-with-young-children
● Washington Post:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/05/22/we-need-more-white-parents-talk-their-kids-about-race-especially-now/
● Time : https://time.com/5362786/talking-racism-with-white-kids-not-enough/
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice Resources:
● Definitions: https://access-equity-belonging.extension.org/terms-definitions/
● Teaching Tolerance : https://www.tolerance.org/topics
● PLWG Access, Equity and Belonging for All :
https://access-equity-belonging.extension.org/
● eXtension Diversity, Equity and Inclusion : https://dei.extension.org/
● Racial Equity Tools : racialequitytools.org
● Everyday Democracy Police Relations :
https://www.everyday-democracy.org/resources/police-community-relations
● Farm Based Education Network : https://www.farmbasededucation.org/justice
● Anti-Racist Alliance : http://www.antiracistalliance.com/whiteness.html
Professional Development:
● 4-H Social Justice Guide for Youth Development Professionals :
https://dei.extension.org/2018/11/4-h-social-justice-youth-development-a-guide-for-youth-development-professionals/
● Increasing Cultural Awareness & Equity in Extension Programs :
https://campus.extension.org

Implicit Bias Tools :
● Harvard’s Project Implicit Test : implicit.harvard.edu/implicit
● Kirwan Institute Understanding Implicit Bias :
kirwaninstitute.osu.edu/research/understanding-implicit-bias
Curated by N. Fields. 2020
4-H Diversity Curriculum & Activities:
● 4-H Curriculum : https://shop4-h.org/collections/diversity-inclusion-curriculum
● 4-H Cultural Life Program :
https://extension.umd.edu/prince-georges-county/4-h-youth-development/4-h-cultural-life-program

Suggested Readings :
● Bennett, M. J. (1986). A developmental approach to training for intercultural sensitivity.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 10(2), 179–196.
● DiAngelo, Robin J. (2018) White fragility: Why it's so hard for white people to talk
about racism . Boston: Beacon Press.
● Fields, N. & Nathaniel, K. (2015a). Our role in and responsibility toward social justice.
Journal of Extension, 53(5), 5COM2. Freire, P. (1970/2012). Pedagogy of the
oppressed. New York: Bloomsbury Academic.
● Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research and practice (2nd
edition). New York: Teachers College Press.
● Ginwright, S. & Cammarota, J. (2002). New terrain in youth development: The promise
of a social justice approach. Social justice, 29(4), 82-95.
● Jean-Marie, G., Normore, A. & Brooks, J. (2013). Leadership for social justice: Preparing
21st century school leaders for a new social order. Journal of Research on Leadership
Education, 4(1), 1-31.
● Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). But that’s just good teaching! The case for culturally relevant
pedagogy. Theory into Practice (34)3, 160-165.
● Sadd, L. (2020). Me and white supremacy: Combat racism, change the world and
become a good ancestor.
● Sensoy, O. and DiAngelo, R. (2012). Is everyone really equal? New York: Teachers
College Press. Illinois: Sourcebooks
Curated by N. Fields. 2020

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Youth Lab 2020 Deadline Extended


Greetings,

We are excited to announce that registration for the CEP 4-H Virtual Youth Lab is live and the deadline has been extended. The link to registration is on the attached flyer, as well as below.

The Youth Lab summer program reaches underserved teens in 8th, 9th , 10th  and 11th  grades from seven (7) urban counties and several rural counties within the State of Texas. The 4-H and Youth Development Unit of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University hosts the virtual camp to introduce young people to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers in agriculture. There are two overarching goals of this program:

1.) to increase the likelihood of youth from historically under-served/ underrepresented populations to pursue enrollment in post-secondary education
2.) to provide an awareness of and encourage interest to pursue careers in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) careers. These goals are parallel to the mission of S.A.L.E., Inc. by focusing on educating and developing the youth of Texas for careers in agriculture. 


The agenda for this program is set up with fun, exciting, and educational activities filled with guest speakers, virtual field trips, VR experience, college tours, and more.
If you have youth that would be interested in applying follow the link www.pvamu.edu/cahs/4-h-youth-lab-scholarship-application/   to apply by June 30, 2020. There is one recommendation letter required.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Nathan Tucker



Friday, June 12, 2020

Travis County facilities remained closed / Virtual Town Hall

Hi, I wanted to give you an update and let you know that although the Travis County Shelter in Place Order expired on June 15, Travis County facilities are to remained closed for the near future.  I will continue to work from home.  Should you need to contact me, you can reach me via email

Also, I would like to let you know of an upcoming event that may be of interest to youths.

"The Virtual Town Hall is open to youth ages 14-19 that reside in Louisiana. This will be a safe place for you to learn from others and we have healthy discussions on hot topics. This event will be taken place via Zoom on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. In order to receive the link for the call please complete this registration in its entirety”.

https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_41wzo4NmRGHgxWB

Please note that when you register it will ask you for your parish but you can leave that blank.  This event is open to Texas residents as well, although it is LSU that is hosting it.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

PVAMU 4-H Operation College Access Training

We are excited to announce that registration for PVAMU 4-H Operation College Access is live. The link to registration is on the attached flyer, as well as below.

As a refresher on the program, youth will have the opportunity to learn how to maximize their college years by:
  1. Identifying factors that impact learning and apply techniques and strategies to achieve personal, financial, academic, and career choices.
  2. Develop an educational and career plan. Become knowledgeable of campus resources, learn strategies on building meaningful relationships, communicating effectively, and managing time.
  3. Demonstrate comprehension in the areas of Title IV funding, scholarship, estimated/direct cost of attendance, and budgeting basics.

PVAMU 4-H Operation College Access Registration Link


Monday, June 1, 2020

CEP 4-H Photography Adult Volunteer Virtual Training

We are excited to announce that registration for the CEP 4-H Photography Adult Volunteer Virtual Training is live. The link to registration is on the attached flyer, as well as below.

The purpose and objectives of the training include:

Purpose

  1. Extension county staff and volunteers will learn to conduct a virtual 4-H photography program in their county using available resources.
Objectives 
Participants will learn about:
  1. Camera types and camera settings
  2. Selecting a subject 
  3. Composition
  4. Lighting
  5. Photo management and organization
  6. Holding a county photography contest



Thursday, May 14, 2020

Transition U: Monday, May 18 at 1 PM


Purpose of the training:  to equip students and families with the tools to maximize the first-year college experience and beyond.  Focusing on cognitive development, academic planning, and financial aid literacy.  

AGENDA

Welcome and purpose : Jarren Small
Introduction  of guest instructor: Jarren Small
Training Agenda: Blake Simon
Transition U Overview
Implementing Transition U
Q&A



You have three different days to choose from for the Operation College Access Digital Training


You can forward this invitation to others.



Meeting number (access code): 922 378 519

Meeting password: PVCEP4H



Monday, May 11, 2020
12:00 pm  |  (UTC-05:00) Central Time (US & Canada)  |  1 hr 30 mins






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