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The following is a regular column located in each edition of the Alberta 4-H Magazine. Are any of the questions you have answered here? Do you have a question that you want answered in the Alberta 4-H Magazine? Do you have a question that you want answered? Send your question to info@4h.ab.ca and watch the Alberta 4-H Magazine to see if your question is answered.

Sep, 2007

Expert - Cleaver, Alberta 4-H Mascot

Question - What’s the toughest part about being Alberta 4-H’s mascot?

Well, I guess that if I had to pick something it would probably be that with all of the great events I find that I am pretty exhausted at the end of the day, especially if I haven’t had enough coffee. I was at 4-H on Parade and Focus on 4-H, the Stampede and Capital Ex, and an Achievement Day or a community fair every weekend for the entire summer.  You might notice that I have been on the move quite a bit this year (check out “Spread the Word Cleaver” to see the photo of my most recent destination). Traveling has been great because I have met a ton of people and have gotten to tell so many new friends about  the awesome opportunities that are involved with being part of 4-H.

Expert - Danny Hertz, Ambassador

Question - I want to organize a public speaking workshop for my club. Who is the best person to ask to do this?

Great idea! Public speaking workshops are an excellent way for you and your club to learn some valuable pointers about public speaking. Make sure you have the workshop approximately one month in advance of your club speak-offs.  My recommendation is that you ask your local Key Member. As a past Key Member, I know that this group of 4-Hers has had many years of experience in public speaking and will be very effective at passing the knowledge they have learned over the years.  In the event that your district does not have a Key Member, you could also ask a senior member or a past member who performed well at 4-H public speaking.  

Expert - Kristen Hedley, Summer Staff

Question - I went to Club Week this summer and it was awesome! I heard that you were in charge of organizing it, and I was wondering—how did you get to have such a cool summer job?

It takes a wide variety of people to arrange and implement successful 4-H summer programs, which makes working with the summer staff team an incredible experience.  My time working for 4-H has been an absolute blast.  I would recommend to anyone and everyone to consider applying—it’s as simple as submitting your cover letter and resume when the positions are posted (check the 4-H Job Board in Nov/Dec for the posting).  A certain number of applicants are then selected for interviews in order to choose the successful candidates.   That being said, there are a few ways to increase your probability of being hired.  Attend and get involved with as many 4-H programs as possible. Any experience you have working with children and other volunteer organizations is always a plus.  Most importantly, you really have to love the program and be sincerely passionate for everything 4-H stands for.  

Expert - Shelley Sallis, Key Leader

Question - I have been a leader for three years and have never been to Leader’s Conference—how important of a resource is the conference for leaders?

Leaders’ Conference is a very important resource for 4-H leaders. This not a conference to be missed!  As a third year leader, you are now familiar with the program as it is run in your area and are probably looking to add your own particular stamp to the local club.  Leaders’ Conference is your chance to network with others.  Learning and sharing how thing are done in all areas lets you know how flexible 4-H is.  This conference will revitalize, energize and renew your enthusiasm by meeting men and women of like minds who are there for the members, just as you are.  Leaders’ Conference is new and exciting from the time you step on the bus on Friday until you step off at home on Sunday.  Leaders’ Conference is an opportunity that will make you a better leader and help you to continue to enjoy volunteering with 4-H. 

Expert - Henry Wiegman, Sponsor Liaison

Question - How is the $90 for 90 years campaign progressing?

Very positive…the $90 for 90 years campaign reached the half way point in June.  We are now over the $50,000 mark and working toward the goal of raising $90,000.  Our campaign continues this fall, finalizing at the 2008 Leaders’ Conference.   Campaign funds will go to the Alberta 4-H Legacy Fund, which is managed by the 4‑H Foundation of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta 4‑H family.  In seven years, with donations from clubs, individuals and corporate businesses, this fund reached $150,000 in principle, while providing over $37,000 in grants to Alberta 4‑H groups. In the 2008 calendar year, interest will be distributed to district and regional councils.What’s encouraging is the wide range and type of donors (listing on our web site).  We are getting fantastic support from 4-H clubs, councils, alumni, staff, friends and associations. Clubs and Councils are challenging each other to donate plus we have received many memorial donations recognizing past 4-H participants.

Apr, 2007

Expert - Mason Earle - Ambassador

Question - I am fifteen and want to go to Selections because I really want to become an Ambassador. What can I expect Selections to be like?

Selections provides you with the opportunity to win trips and awards, as well as gives you a chance to meet other likeminded 4-H members from all over the province.  Selections will also ensure that you are given the chance to employ and exhibit all of the valuable skills you have learned in 4-H.  The weekend is a well-blended balance of learning, work and of course, fun!  When I went to Selections I was told that I could expect to get back as much as I put in and so this is best advice I can give anyone interested in Selections—if you go with a positive attitude I guarantee you won’t be sorry you went!

Expert - Mark Shand - 4-H Specialist - Programs

Question - I am 12 and have been going to provincial 4-H summer junior camps for three years. What do you recommend now that I am an intermediate?

Great question! The next step would be Intermediate camp. While you will still experience some of the same activities as you did in Junior camp, Intermediate camp offers you a choice of skill sessions, the opportunity to be involved in planning and leading activities and of course, the chance to reunite with old friends as well as build new friendships! You can attend a 5-day intermediate program in one of our four regional locations (South, Northeast, Northwest and Peace regions) or attend the 6-day Provincial Intermediate camp at the Alberta 4-H Centre.  Look forward to seeing you this summer!

Expert - Maryann Sandberg - Past President of Alberta 4-H Council

Question - The Alberta 4-H Council Mission is “To enhance the Alberta 4-H program by encouraging and involving the Alberta 4-H family by leading policy development, implementation and governance.” What does this mean?

The Alberta 4-H Council adopted this mission statement in November 2003 when it moved from being an advisory body to a governing council. Council now acts as the last level of appeal and offers governance regarding grievances or the 4-H program. The “Alberta 4-H Program Policies & Procedures” manual was created for the purpose of having a ready-at-hand reference for such situations, and was compiled from old and new Council-approved policies. The Alberta 4-H Council also has other important roles, some of which include: representing the grass-roots views and needs of the 4-H family, providing the Alberta 4-H Insurance program, promoting 4-H to the Alberta public and supporting the funding initiatives of the 4-H Partners (Council, Foundation & Branch).

Expert - Cleaver - Captain of the 4-H Spirit Squad

Question - I know that it is Alberta 4-H’s 90th anniversary this year—what are you going to be doing to celebrate?

I have a ton of memories that I want to submit for “9 Decades of Stories” like the building of the Alberta 4-H Centre, the first 4-H on Parade, the Edmonton “Capital Ex” when it was still called Klondike Days—I don’t even know where to begin! I’m looking to pick up a part-time job so that I can give my paycheques to the “$90 for 90 Years” initiative. I can’t think of a better way to spend my pocket change than making sure that 4-H continues for another 90 years!  I am trying to talk Marguerite into letting me have my own “Alberta Celebrates 90 Years” banner. Failing that, I’m going to ask the 4-H Regional Specialists to tell me the dates that their clubs have requested the Regional banners so I can be at those events.  I plan on taking in as many of the 4-H summer marketing team’s stops as I can— but just in case my schedule doesn’t work with the marketing teams,’ I have decided to strike out on my own and travel the world with the goal of spreading 4-H to the masses! I’ll be sure to send home pictures of my travels. 

Expert - Chris Forrest - Canadian 4-H Council

Question - The Canadian Council’s Mission Statement is to “enhance 4-H in Canada by providing national programs and services in partnership with stakeholders.” What does this mean exactly?

4-H is organized differently in each country that it operates. In Canada, provincial 4-H agencies deliver the program at the grassroots level, and are entirely responsible for setting provincial standards including age limits and approved projects. The Canadian

4-H Council, in cooperation with provincial 4-H agencies, organizes and coordinates national and international conferences, exchanges and scholarships that focus on citizenship, leadership development, career choices, technology transfer and other pressing issues faced by today's communities and their young people. In the past six years, more than 4,300 4-H members have participated in national programs. Our national programs are intended to ‘enhance’ the existing program experience offered in each province. In addition, the Council promotes the visibility of 4-H through national public relations initiatives, facilitates communication and information sharing between the provincial 4-H organizations, provides insurance and risk management services, and conducts all national surveys. Our ‘stakeholders’ include provincial 4-H agencies and their members and volunteers; sponsors; and government. All national decisions are made in full consultation with this varied group of stakeholders.

Dec, 2006

Expert - Cleaver

Question -  It just doesn’t seem like there are as many fun, provincial 4-H events in the winter like there are in the summer.  What can you recommend for someone looking for a weekend away from home at an awesome 4-H winter event?

Away from home indeed…why wouldn’t you want a weekend away from siblings and homework?  Let’s see….one of my all time favorite winter events is Senior Members Conference.  It’s held at the Alberta 4-H Centre and planned by Ambassadors, which already has the makings of a memorable 4-H camp.  If you’re not quite old enough to attend SMC, you may want to hit a regional winter camp for junior or intermediate members.  Regional camps are closer to home and are sure to have all your local 4-H friends in attendance.  And in case you want to be really adventurous, the 4-H Alumni clubs throughout the province often host ski trips to the mountains and winter camps…an easy bet for a great time.

Expert - Ryan Hodgson – Alberta 4-H Premier’s Award Winner

Question - What does the Premier’s Award Winner actually do?  Do you get to be the Premier of Alberta for a day?

Man oh man!! The things I would do if I were Premier for a day!! Unfortunately the Premier's Award Recipient does not get to be Premier for a day.  But I do get to represent Alberta 4-H members at provincial 4-H programs such as Leader's Conference, Selections, and to media and sponsors.  In addition, I get to attend one event in every 4-H region.  I am also an Alberta 4-H Ambassador, which means planning events like Senior Members Conference and doing workshops for 4-H members.  I also have the opportunity to travel to Edmonton to meet the Premier of Alberta for the official presentation of the Premier's Award—and my family and I are treated out to a dinner.  I have enjoyed my time as the Premier’s Award Winner, getting to meet new and prospective 4-H members and leaders, and being an Ambassador has given me the opportunity to promote 4-H even more.

Expert - Susann Stone – 4-H Foundation of Alberta

Question - I see lots of 4-H members with 4-H mugs, 4-H pens, Cleaver the Beaver key chains, and 4-H cookbooks.  Where is everyone getting these cool 4-H products?

4-H items are a great way to show your club's appreciation for speakers, judges, and honored guests, as well as the dedication of leaders and members.  Alberta 4-H items can be obtained from the 4-H Foundation of Alberta.  The 4-H items that can be ordered range from tools to make your 4-H life organized (clip boards, bags, pens, pencils, calculators and alarm clocks) to common items for use in the home (classy coffee mugs, drinking glasses, water bottles and cookbooks).  For fun and collectable items, we have stuffed Cleaver the Beavers, key chains, bracelets, ball caps and much more.  We are always looking for new ideas, so if you have any suggestions that your club would use as gifts or awards, please pass them along.  At Leaders Conference each year, new items are launched and others go on special so don't forget to send your leader with an order!  The current listing of souvenir and award items can be found on www.4h.ab.ca or by calling 1-877-682-2153.

Expert - Janet Kerr – 4-H Regional Specialist

Question - As the leader of a 4-H club, I want to make sure all my members apply for the Alberta 4-H Awards of Excellence.  What is required of the members in order to apply for these awards and how do I go about ordering them?

Congratulations on wanting your members to receive their Awards of Excellence.  For members to receive their awards, they must complete a Yearly 4-H Diary every year and submit it to the leader from your club responsible for marking diaries.  When checking diaries, the leader should check to make sure that the member participated in the events they indicated and that they have not missed any activities, sign each diary to indicate that it is correct, and keep a record of the number of points for each member.  After all diaries are marked from the previous year, obtain an “Award of Excellence” order form either from your club contact or the 4-H website (www.4h.ab.ca).  Then, check the points for each of the members in your club.  If any of them just reached 90, 150, 220, or 320, order the correct type of medallion, either bronze, silver, gold or platinum.  Send the order form in to your Regional 4-H Office and contact the Award of Excellence sponsors to make the presentation to your members at your club’s awards event.

Expert - Julie Ulseth – Provincial 4-H Alumni Coordinator

Question - I plan to move to Lethbridge next year to attend University, but want to stay in touch with all my 4-H friends.  Is this possible if I join the 4-H Alumni?

Most definitely!  The goal of the alumni is to keep former, new and current 4-H members, who are 18 and older, connected to existing friends, new friends and the rest of the 4-H family.  After all, “4-H Friends are Forever Friends.”  Keeping with a focus of FUN! FUN! FUN!, alumni clubs generally meet once a month from September to May to do some wacky activity.  Most clubs also meet to organize a couple main programs for their region such as Snowfest, Frosty Fun, Ski Trip or Calaway Caper.  We have five alumni clubs across Alberta to allow you to all enjoy the fun and make sure that the friends that you have made during your years in 4-H never seem too far away!   You can join any time—just contact the alumni closest to you or the provincial 4-H alumni at alberta4halumni@hotmail.com.

Sep, 2006

Expert - Cleaver the Beaver, 4-H Mascot

Question - You seem like you’re always so busy as the 4-H mascot, getting to do so many cool things.  What is the best thing about being Cleaver?

It’s so hard to choose just one thing…. but I think that my favourite part of being a mascot is getting to go to all of the fun events and seeing so many excited and happy people. When I am invited to programs like 4-H on Parade and Focus on 4-H, I can hardly sleep the night before! I think that it’s impossible to not have fun at events like those. At the Stampede or Capital Ex, I walk around and have pictures taken with people on the midway. I hear great live music and eat as much cotton candy as I want! There are a ton of great things about getting to be the 4-H mascot, but my most favourite will always be anytime that I get to spend with the people of 4-H.

Expert - Tom Blackett, Key Member

Question - How do you find the time to organize a public speaking workshop when you are in school and have your own project to worry about?

Finding time to organize a public speaking workshop is not a big problem because we planned out basic workshop outlines during the Key Member Retreat.  The Key Member Retreat is a weekend in October at the Alberta 4-H Centre where all of the Key Members in the province meet and plan different workshops in small groups as well as meet new friends that you will see again throughout your 4-H career. The majority of the workshop planning was done at the retreat and then we just added finishing touches and appropriate activities before we actually present the workshop.  If you feel overwhelmed with 4-H and school, especially in Grade 12, you can always contact one of the Key Members in your Region for help. If you wish to be more involved in 4-H then becoming a Key Member is a perfect way to go!

Expert - Nicole Hurt, Ambassador

Question - I’m 12 and in my 3rd year of 4-H. I really want to be an Ambassador, but I am really scared of public speaking. Do you have to do a lot of public speaking when you’re an Ambassador?

Being an Ambassador provides you with a lot of great opportunities, many of which involve using your public speaking skills. Some of the Ambassador activities that require public speaking are presentations aimed to promote 4-H, media interviews, sponsor appreciation and at Provincial Leader’s Conference. Don’t worry if you are still nervous about speaking in public. In a few years, when you are eligible to become an Ambassador, you will have had a lot more practice and you will hopefully be fairly confident in your public speaking skills. And even if you do become an Ambassador and are still apprehensive about public speaking, there are numerous other occasions which you can dedicate your time and many other talents in order to help enhance the 4-H program.

Expert - Bonnie Litwin, Volunteer Club Leader

Question - Do you have any suggestions to make sure that club meetings start on time and keep members interested?

With most clubs, getting club meetings started on time is an ongoing problem.  My suggestion is to have the Club President always start the meeting on time whether everyone is there or not.  Members and parents will soon get the idea that meetings start at a certain time, and will learn to be on time instead of arriving late, expecting the meeting to start late.  I might add that even though this is good advice it doesn't always happen in our club, but we certainly make an effort.  As for keeping members interested, let them run the show and try to keep the leader/parental input to a minimum.   Plan a guest speaker or a different activity for each meeting and be sure to keep the business meeting less than an hour long.

Expert - Carol High, Key Leader

Question - What are the basic requirements for starting up a 4-H club?

Starting a new club is always an exciting venture.  The basic requirements are as follows:

1. Have leaders to guide your club and educate members on their projects
2. Clubs must have a minimum of eight (8) members, age 9 to 20
3. Understand that the club must have a minimum of six (6) business meetings throughout the year. 

However, the most important requirement for starting a new club is to have youth who would like to enhance their knowledge and show off their achievements and skills—truly to “Learn to do by doing”!  And don’t forget, Key Leaders in every district are there to help all clubs, both new and old, with all their 4-H needs.