"News You Can Use"
GREEN AID 5K Fun Run/Walk
Spend a morning in the park. Come on out and take part in the GREEN AID 5K Fun Run/Walk sponsored by Toyota. The race will take place the morning of Sunday, March 30 at the historic Fort Hunt Park, located along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, just south of Washington, D. C. The run/walk course consists of laps around a paved perimeter road. There are no big hills on the course, but each lap does have some little ups and downs. The park is also the perfect place for general recreational activities, nature observation… or to just watch the race. Transportation will be provided to and from the activity.
Keynote Speaker Announced
Ed Begley, Jr. to Keynote 2008 National 4-H Conference - National 4-H Headquarters/USDA is pleased to announce that Ed Begley, Jr. will be the keynote speaker for the 2008 National 4-H Conference this March.
When it comes to taking personal responsibility for the environment, few individuals can match the record of actor and activist Ed Begley, Jr. Known for turning up at Hollywood events on his bicycle, he has served as chairman of the Environmental Media Association and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
Mr. Begley first came to audiences’ attention for his portrayal of Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the long-running hit television series St. Elsewhere, for which he received six Emmy nominations. Since then, Begley has moved easily between feature films, television and theatre projects such as Batman Forever, The Inlaws, recurring roles on Six Feet Under, Arrested Development and most recently was featured in Veronica Mars and CSI: Miami.
Currently, Mr. Begley is the co-star of the hit HGTV series Living with Ed, a look at the day-to-day realities of “living green” with his not so environmentalist wife Rachelle Carson. The series has currently just finished airing its 2nd season.
He also has a new book, LIVING LIKE ED: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life (Clarkson Potter/Publishers, February 19, 2008), which is both a personal memoir of his green evolution and a practical handbook for those who want to follow in his footsteps.
Begley lives in Studio City, CA in a small, energy efficient home with his wife and co-star Rachelle Carson and their daughter Hayden.
Door Prizes
Delegations are invited to submit one item for door prizes. This item should be something easily packed—such as a t-shirt, mug, lanyard, key chain, Frisbee, etc.—that represents the delegation. Door prizes will be collected at on-site registration on Saturday, March 29.
National Anthem Auditions
Does your delegation have a talented singer? The National 4-H Conference Planning Committee is looking for talented, experienced singers to perform the National Anthem at the 2008 National 4-H Conference. Please see the following flier for details:
Swap-n-Meet (formerly the Pin Swap)
This "get acquainted" event will take place the evening of Saturday, March 29. It is a great way for delegates to:
"Swap" - Youth Delegates bring something like a lapel pin or small token item that represents their state/land-grant delegation and exchange these items with other delegates.
"Meet" - network with other delegates and learn about each other.
Delegations should bring enough items to swap with approximately 350 other youth delegates.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a few volunteer opportunities available for youth and adult delegates during Conference. For youth, this includes being a Flag Bearer or a Workshop Room Host. Adults Chaperones have the opportunity to volunteer as Bus Captains, Cruise Monitors, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register for National 4-H Conference?
Known as the “Secretary’s Conference,” the National 4-H Conference is the premier youth development event for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). National 4-H Headquarters at USDA extends an invitation, on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture, to Land Grant Colleges and Universities to send a delegation to the National 4-H Conference. Each state/land-grant university has their own processes for identifying and selecting delegates. To learn more about becoming a delegate, contact your State 4-H Program Office. Need help? You can find your State 4-H Program Office through www.4HUSA.org.
- How old do I need to be to attend the National 4-H Conference?
Youth delegates must between 15 (by January 1 of the conference year) and 20 years old. Adult Chaperones must be at least 25 years old (with the exception of Extension staff members) and must meet their state’s requirement for a chaperone.
- How many delegates can a land-grant university send to the conference?
There is no limit on the number of delegates a land-grant university can send to the conference. However, the only stipulation is that delegations cannot exceed 8 youth:1 chaperone.
- How can I present workshop at National 4-H Conference?
A “Call for Workshop Proposals” is disseminated to solicit proposals that meet each year’s theme and programming goals. To be considered for National 4-H Conference, proposed workshops must include at least one youth and one adult workshop facilitator, apply the experiential learning model during the workshop, include a “toolkit” for participants to take home, and support the year’s theme and programming goals. Conference Delegates are encouraged to submit proposals. Proposals from “visiting presenters” are considered. As with most professional conferences, workshop facilitators are responsible for their own expenses.
- Can I exhibit at National 4-H Conference?
The National 4-H Conference is a working conference for the youth and adult delegates selected to attend. The program does not include exhibit space for vendors.
In general, delegates wear “business casual” attire for daytime events such as assemblies, workshops, and roundtable discussions. Delegates wear business attire for Capitol Hill Day. It’s especially important to wear or bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for Capitol Hill Day. Delegates typically dress in casual clothes for evening entertainment and activities. More information to help delegates prepare for the Conference – including a dress guide can be found on the “Delegate Information” page.
- Where is the National 4-H Conference?
When the conference began in 1927, it was known as the National 4-H Camp, and delegates slept in tents on the National Mall in Washington, DC! Since 1959, the Conference has been housed at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The Conference Center is operated by our private partner—National 4-H Council (http://www.4hcenter.org/index2.html).