Category Archives: Youth Leadership

4-H Mentor Q&A: Yvonne Earvin

We continue celebrating and highlighting 4-H Mentoring programs across the country, and the mentors who have changed the lives of youth in their communities by serving as role models, educators, life coaches and friends. We are proud to feature the 4-H Youth and Families with Promise (YFP) Mentoring Program at Virginia Tech.

4-H YFP Mentoring - Virginia - 3The 4-H YFP is a national program implemented to increase the developmental assets of youth and their families.

We spoke with Yvonne Earvin, Mentor Educator in Cumberland County, Virginia, who shared her thoughts and success of 4-H YFP in Virginia and her personal insights.

 

Click here to read more from the 4-H Today article

https://www.4-h.org/4-H-Today/4-H-Mentor-Q-A–Yvonne-Earvin/

Honoring Clyde F. Jackson

C JacksonOn Oct. 19, 2015, Clyde F. Jackson was inducted posthumously into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Jackson was a pioneer in every sense of the word. Jackson grew up in the 4-H program and often spoke of the importance his 4-H experience had in shaping his life. He was elected the first president of the Black Virginia 4-H Youth Program, serving from 1967 to 1968, and was one of seven African-American youth leaders to attend the first integrated State 4-H Congress. Jackson went on to attend the National 4-H Congress.

He served for more than 29 years as a 4-H agent in Fairfax and Prince William counties. He was president of the National Association of 4-H Agents and a member of the board of directors of the Joint Council of Extension Professionals. After retiring in 2008, he continued to follow his passion by establishing 4-H Clubs on military installations and working with the geographically dispersed military youth through programs and resources to help them deal with the deployment of a loved one. Jackson’s extraordinary work was recognized with several awards, including the Meritorious Service Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents for his leadership and work with at-risk youth.

Throughout his career, Jackson was a positive role model for youth and adults. His was extremely talented in making people feel at ease, finding common ground, and forming partnerships. He listened to each person and valued what each said. Jackson reminded us to remain flexible and to watch for opportunities to help people grow. He said more than once that if you try to plan everything, you’ll miss some great opportunities that just happen to come by. Jackson is remembered as a pioneer and as a champion for youth from all walks of life. He is also remembered for his gentle leadership style and his ever-present smile that warmed any room he entered.

 

4-H Summer and School Year Hosting Opportunities

Applications are currently being accepted for 4-H International Summer Hosting Opportunities.  The month-long summer stay possibilities include hosting students from Argentina, Finland and Japan.  In addition, individuals interested in hosting an international student for an entire school year beginning Fall of 2014 can apply as well.  New links have been added to the Virginia 4-H International website with more information on these programs.  Please share with potential host families in your units.  Direct access to the link is: http://www.4-h.ext.vt.edu/programs/citizenship/4HInternationalExchange.html

Thank you for your support of this 4-H Citizenship Program.

Mike

Southern Region 4-H Teen Leadership Conference (4-H SRTLC) – September 26-29, 2013

The Southern Region 4-H Teen Leadership Conference (4-H SRTLC) will be held September 26-29, 2013 at the Clyde York 4-H Center in Crossville, TN.   This conference is open to 4-H youth ages 14-18, is a great opportunity for youth to gain exposure to leadership, development, civic engagement opportunities and learn skills to help them develop youth/adult partnerships in their communities.  More information can be found at: http://4h.tennessee.edu/4hsrtlc/general.html.

General Information:

  • Registration is $180/person.  This includes lodgings, meals, and a conference t-shirt.  Checks can be made payable to the “Virginia 4-H Foundation.”
  • Transportation is the responsibility of the delegate.
  • Registration paperwork (registration form and health history form) and registration fee is due to the state office by Tuesday, September 1.  Please note that no late submissions will be accepted.

Contact Katie Lafon (klafon@vt.edu or at 540-231-9410) for more information.  Registration and promotional forms for this event can be found at http://www.intra.ext.vt.edu/4h/events.html.

National 4-H Congress

National 4-H Congress 2013 will take place November 29 – December 3, 2013. It is a wonderful experience and an extreme honor to represent Virginia at National 4-H Congress. Please encourage your senior 4-H members to apply. Applications are due April 30 to the State Office. Interviews and delegate selection will take place during state congress on Tuesday, June 18 in Blacksburg.
For more information on this event, please visit the sites below.
General Information and Application Process: http://www.intra.ext.vt.edu/4h/national4h.html
Sample Resume: http://www.intra.ext.vt.edu/4h/exampleresume.pdf

Citizenship Washington Focus

CWF logo 2013

Citizenship Washington Focus is a week-long 4-H citizenship program for youth ages 14-19 that takes place at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland.  Virginia’s week is July 7-13.

CWF’s website can be found at: http://www.4hcwf.org/default.aspx

The Virginia 4-H Foundation has graciously offered partial scholarships for 4-H members to attend Citizenship Washington Focus thus reducing the cost to just $500/person.  The State 4-H Office is still accepting applications.  Contact Katie Lafon in the State 4-H office at 540-231-9410 or at klafon@vt.edu for more information regarding the application process.