TENNESSEE 4-H IDEAS

VOLUME 04 - Issue 45
November 12, 2004

Calling All Young People! Participate In A Scaling Up Youth Voice Survey
Community Mapping Program Seeks Applicants
DisneyHand Minnie Grants
Start-up Funds For Youth-led Projects Available
Targeting Positive Youth Development: Responsibility
USA Weekend Seeking Respondents For Youth Volunteering Survey

CALLING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE! PARTICIPATE IN A SCALING UP YOUTH VOICE SURVEY

Youth advisory councils from Youth Service America, Youth Venture, National Youth Leadership Council, The Freechild Project and America's Promise are collaborating to gather thousands of surveys from young people across the country. The information collected from these surveys will be used to assist and encourage organizations, schools and communities in their efforts to involve young people in meaningful, positive decision-making roles and activities. To take the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=23894687695

The idea for the youth advisory councils to collaborate came from the information gathered throughout 2003 and reported in "Making Youth Voice A Community Principle." This document identified six challenge areas to making youth voice heard in all sectors of society. "Making Youth Voice A Community Principle" is available to be read at www.ysa.org/yvi/resources/MakingYouthVoiceACommunityPrinciple.pdf

Patrick Hamilton
Extension Specialist
4-H Youth Development
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COMMUNITY MAPPING PROGRAM SEEKS APPLICANTS

The 2005 ESRI GIS grant program for 4-H clubs is seeking applicants. The program, open to 4-H clubs, was announced at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents meeting by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). The goal of the program is to foster and support the integration of geo-spatial applications in U.S. 4-H clubs. Seventy-five (75) grants for software, introductory training and other materials will be awarded to 4-H clubs completing successful applications by the March 31, 2005 deadline. For more information contact: Tom Tate, Economic and Community Systems, ttate@csrees.usda.gov or 202-720-2727.

Alice Ann Moore
Assistant Director
4-H Youth Development
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DISNEYHAND MINNIE GRANTS

Disney and Youth Service America have formed a partnership again to offer "DisneyHand Minnie Grants" for youth of all ages to get involved in service in their communities. Grants of $500 each are available to engage young people between the ages of 5 and 14 to plan and carry out service projects for National and Global Youth Service Day 2005. Projects that involve children and youth working with adults like parents, coaches, teachers, youth leaders etc. are encouraged. Deadline is December 20, 2004. For more information, visit www.ysa.org/awards/award_grant.cfm.

Patrick Hamilton
Extension Specialist
4-H Youth Development
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START-UP FUNDS FOR YOUTH-LED PROJECTS AVAILABLE

In conjunction with National Youth Service Day <www.ysa.org/nysd> (April 15-17, 2005), Youth Service America, America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth, and Youth Venture are teaming up to help young people to engage in community service and make a difference in their world every day. Ten awards of up to $1,000 in start-up funds are available to young people ages 12 to 20 who want to create new "ventures" - sustainable and civic-minded organizations, clubs or businesses. For more information or to download applications, visit www.youthventure.org. Applications must be received by 12 p.m. EST Nov. 22, 2004.

Patrick Hamilton
Extension Specialist
4-H Youth Development
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TARGETING POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: RESPONSIBILITY

Exploring the Life Skill of Responsibility
Youth define who they are and where they fit in the social world by learning social responsibility and self-responsibility. Children who develop the skills to navigate various social settings and have a sense of ownership for their actions are able to manage their lives. Opportunities to form warm secure relationships and make choices gradually builds skills as children learn to control their lives and take responsibility for their actions. Adults and teen leaders are critical in establishing the personal and social parameters appropriate for the environment. Expectations for assuming responsibility and the degree of positive guidance provided should vary according to the developmental level of the child.

Responsibility and County 4-H Programs
Examine your county program - do you encourage youth to do the following:

Jill Martz
Extension Specialist
4-H Youth Development
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USA WEEKEND SEEKING RESPONDENTS FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERING SURVEY

In partnership with Key Club International and YouthNOISE.com, USA WEEKEND is conducting its 18th annual Teen Survey, with polls youth in grades six through 12 about volunteering. Participants can enter to win an iPod, a Canon PowerShot Digital Camera and a trip to Washington, D.C. To take the survey, go to http://youthnoise.com/usaw. The survey is open through Dec. 9, 2004.

Patrick Hamilton
Extension Specialist
4-H Youth Development
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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Nothing will work unless you do.
~ Maya Angelou