Announcements – January 13, 2021

As we begin the new year, the Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events has been updated to reflect current guidance from Ohio State University and health officials. Beginning SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021, the following is in effect:

• Hosting virtual meetings and events is preferred
• If activities are critical/essential and are in-person, they must be education-focused
• Group cannot be larger than 50 people, including adults, youth, presenters, etc.
  • This directive is dependent on local health department guidelines.
  • The group size may need to be reduced to 10 (or other amount), based on directives from your local health department.
• Face masks are required inside and outside at all times
• Potlucks and buffets are not permitted

Find details and updated guidelines at  Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events

As part of an academic institution, we follow science and model what the CDC, Ohio Department of Health and other experts stress is important in addressing this virus. All 4-H volunteers are expected to follow these guidelines regarding 4-H meetings and events. Volunteers who are not in compliance will receive a first warning. A second incident disregarding our effort to protect the health, safety and well-being of members, families and communities will result in immediate termination of volunteer status.

OSU Extension offices will be open based on the current Ohio Public Health Advisory System. If a county is purple or approaching purple, OSU Extension offices will be closed and employees will be working virtually. If a county is red, OSU Extension offices will be staffed by appointment only. You will need to call in advance to schedule a time to go to the office. Please note there may be additional guidelines from county health departments.

Looking for State Opportunities?  Check out the Ohio Youth Skillathons.

Let’s represent Highland County during the The Ohio 4-H Project Showcase.

This summer we invite 4-H members in good standing to submit a photo of themselves with their 4-H project for display in an online project showcase. You’ll be asked to share what you liked about the project and one new thing you learned. Parents will also need to sign their approval for youth to participate.

Here’s more:

• Select your favorite project – one per person
• Send a great photo – at least 2 MB
• Photos will be display after September 8 at ohio4h.org

Submit your photos by August 15 at go.osu.edu/4H2020Showcase. Questions? Contact Sarah Longo at longo.79@osu.edu.

Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) applications for the 2020-2021 year are now available!  Please let any interested individual know, so they may apply!  Please note, because it is only a one year term, current TLC members who wish to continue their service must re-apply.

The Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) is a statewide group of 4-H teens and young 4-H alumni that provides a youth stakeholder perspective in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Ohio 4-H programming. In this process, council members develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations needed for future success.  Council members share advice and recommendations to 4-H professionals in order to improve, strengthen, and expand the Ohio 4-H program.  Members also make recommendations regarding opportunities for Ohio 4-H teen programming. They serve as a sounding board for Ohio 4-H program direction.

• Applications and more information for this group are now available online at: go.osu.edu/TLC.  Please note applications (and other materials, including letters of recommendation) are due (not postmarked; received!) by Friday, August 14, 2020.  We recognize this falls during some county fairs, so encourage teens to apply early!  We will accept applications as early as today! 😊 The term for selected individuals will be September 1, 2020-August 31, 2021.

Here are some highlights about the responsibilities of the council:

• • Age: Individuals must be 14-18 as of January 1 the year of application to apply for council member, committee member, committee chair, and officer.
  • Number of Meetings/Events: See the program structure outline on the application for specific numbers of meetings and events. Members are required to attend at least 75% of meetings and events.
    • Working Events: Members are required to work a number of statewide events at the Ohio State Fair, and elsewhere throughout the state (Farm Science Review, Legislative Luncheon, etc.).  Each level of membership differs in the number of events that are required.  See the program structure for more information.
  • Location of meetings: Meetings are typically held at the Ohio 4-H Center in Columbus, Ohio, but there are occasionally instances when they are held elsewhere due to events on Ohio State’s Campus.  In these instances, meetings may be held at locations close to campus.  Refer to the application for the locations for the 2020-2021 year.  Members will be notified prior to the location change.
  • Additional Opportunities: Depending on the level of involvement, council members have the option to apply for additional opportunities including the National 4-H Conference, Ohio 4-H Foundation Board, and other opportunities that may arise.

Greetings!

4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA) applications are now available!  This is an opportunity for teens 13-18 as of January 1 to get a short term experience at the state level.  Applications are available at go.osu.edu/4HEYA and are due by May 15, 2020 to longo.79@osu.edu.  They also require 2 reference forms (one from a 4-H / Extension professional).

Want more info about the opportunity?  See below.

Here is a basic overview of the opportunity:

• What: 4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA)
• Who: Individuals age 13-18 (as of January 1 of the year of application) and have at least 1 year prior 4-H experience.
• Timeframe: Apply by May 15, selection, training, service to OSF, and evaluation.  Complete responsibilities by August 31, 2020.
  • Applications available at: go.osu.edu/4HEYA
• Requirements (in addition to application/selection process):
  • Training-Must attend one of the options for training (July 8 or July 14)
  • Events-Must work a minimum of 3 events at the Ohio State Fair; may work more if desired
• Program Fee: $25/person for first year members; $10 for 2^nd or more year members
• Teens Receive:
  • 4HEYA Polo & Nametag
  • State Fair admission, parking ticket, and meal ticket(s)
  • Optional State Fair housing in the Rhodes Center (if desired)
  • Experience of working events at the Ohio State Fair
  • Opportunity to enhance leadership skills and be involved in the State 4-H program
• What about the Teen Leadership Council? YES, these members may apply for 4HEYA AND TLC this year, if desired.  TLC applications will be available in June and will be due the Friday following the Ohio State fair.  Their term is September 1, 2020-August 31, 2021.  Current TLC members are not eligible to apply for 4HEYA, as they are already fulfilling obligations at the Ohio State Fair.
• Questions? Contact Hannah (epley.24@osu.edu), Kayla (oberstadt.1@osu.edu), Sarah (longo.79@osu.edu) or Frances (nicol.115@osu.edu)