Iowa 4-H Alumni & Friends

4-H leads to multiple paths of success; just ask Terrence (Terry) Tobin. Tobin has an extensive background with 4-H and is still making use of the skills he learned as a 4-H'er in his current position as director of Principal Enterprise Capital in Des Moines. “Joining 4-H was just what you did in our family,” said Tobin. “My parents even met through 4-H.” Tobin, from New Market, Iowa, was a 4-H member throughout his youth. He served as a state 4-H officer during that time. Tobin credits leadership and citizenship skills that he learned through 4-H for his successes in life. What Tobin gained from 4-H still stands today. In a 2008 study by Iowa State University Extension, it was found that after youth had participated in 4-H, 73 percent improved their communication skills. Additionally, 67 percent increased their leadership skills. Of the same 4-H members, 80 percent improved their citizenship skills as well through 4-H involvement. “4-H provides knowledge and experiences in a mani

1. Decide that you want to help kids grow and explore their futures. 2. Consider volunteering to lead a 4-H group in your community, your local school, or even your church. 3. Contact your local ISU Extension office to find out about local opportunities. 4. Complete Iowa State University Extension’s Child Protection and Safety Policy (CPSP) process if you will have direct contact with youth. 5. Attend a local/state training. 6. Share your skills, knowledge and talents while having fun with kids.

video platform video management video solutions free video player 4-H'ers gathered on Time Square on November 30, 2009 to interview New Yorkers about their impressions of the youth organization while a PSA played on the CBS big screen. What a fun way to help promote 4-H!

Seven 4-H members in Henry County are putting a dramatic spin on the values 4-H develops. Club members have been acting out and producing a variety of shows since November 2006. These 4-H’ers are not only showing off their communication talents and building teamwork skills, but are having a great time entertaining others. “The girls just really like acting,” said Jennifer Lehman, the Act II Drama Stars club leader. “They are super dedicated to each performance.” The ACT II Drama Stars have done interpretations of children’s stories for a local preschool, where they designed both costumes and sets. Additionally, the club did a dramatic reading of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” with sound effects, on the local radio station. Members also have done improvisational skits based on reality TV shows. “Currently, the club is working on producing a video made with flip cameras,” said Lehman. The video will feature spin-offs of movie trailers and commercials. “The Drama Stars hope to recruit

With increased budget cuts throughout the Iowa State University 4-H Youth Development program, the Iowa 4-H Foundation hopes to continue showcasing 4-H and raising financial support for the organization during its 60th Anniversary Gala titled “Keeping it Green.” The inaugural event will be held Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines. A youth robotics competition will be held from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. with live music, interactive 4-H exhibits, silent and live auctions, a selection of Iowa hors d’oeuvres and a special performance by the 4-H Green Man Group . “It’s exciting to have a gala for 4-H and to have this opportunity to tell the 4-H story,” said Shelly Greving, marketing coordinator for the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “Prior to the start of the gala, attendees will be able to interact with 4-H’ers and see them demonstrate their robots in the robotics competition as well as showcase their 4-H club and interest areas.” The business

Way to go Iowa 4-H donors! In response to Pioneer's matching gift announcement of $150,000, you have stepped up and already given more than $76,000 of the total amount. Pioneer's pledge was to match gifts made to the general fund dollar for dollar Because of these increased donations, the Iowa 4-H Foundation has been able to provide record amounts of financial aid to youth who wanted to join 4-H but could not afford the membership fees, and has been able to help the 4-H program maintain staff to keep the program open and available in every Iowa county. The match gift program is only for a limited time, so make your donation today. Donate Now!>> Read Full Story>>

Check out this awesome new video, all about Operation Military Kids!

Iowa farmers have until Feb. 28 to help nonprofit organizations in their communities with nearly $250,000 in local grants through Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities™ Project. The Iowa 4-H Foundation hopes they’ll direct those dollars to 4-H through this new pilot program that Monsanto is offering throughout Iowa and in parts of Missouri and Arkansas. Through the program, qualifying farmers can direct a $2,500 award to a local nonprofit organization that’s important to them and their community, explained Joe Leisz, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. The program is intended to benefit nonprofit community groups such as ag youth organizations, schools and other civic groups. “We hope Iowa farmers will consider 4-H for this award,” Leisz said. Farmers can apply online or request a copy of the official rules of the award program from the Web site, www.growcommunities.com , by calling (877) 267-3332 or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America’s Farmers

Don't miss it February 27, 2010!

4-H youth from across the state of Iowa are welcome once again to attend an Iowa State University women’s basketball game. 4-H'ers have an opportunity to see the Cyclone women take on Kansas State University on Feb. 27. Tip-off for the game is at 7 p.m. that Saturday in Hilton Coliseum. “We hope that 4-H clubs will take advantage of this opportunity to come to Ames, visit the state 4-H office, see the Iowa State University campus, and of course, cheer on the Cyclones,” said Shelly Greving of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. For $15, 4-H'ers receive game admission, an exclusive 4-H Cyclone T-shirt and a pregame tailgate party at the Extension 4-H Building on the ISU Campus. The pregame tailgate will feature a pork meal donated by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Additionally, the price includes a $2 donation to the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “This is a great way to show dual support for the Iowa 4-H Foundation as well,” said Greving. The Iowa 4-H Foundation finances many 4-H programs in