Workshops Call for Workshop Proposals
Workshop Proposals now being accepted for the 2008 National 4-H Conference!!!
National 4-H Headquarters/ USDA is now accepting Workshop Proposals for youth workshops at the 2008 National 4-H Conference. The theme for the 2008 National 4-H Conference - Green AID: Acquire, Inform, Deliver, reflects the question, “As society becomes more environmentally conscious, how can the 4-H Youth Development Program aid in enhancing socially significant and relevant programming to increase the environmental awareness of our clubs, our communities, our country, and our world.”
About the National 4-H Conference Workshops
4-H programs excel in providing opportunities for youth to experience all four Essential Elements of the 4-H Youth Development Program – independence, belonging, mastery and generosity. When there are sustained opportunities for young people to gain a sense of independence, belonging, mastery and generosity, youth can master skills to make positive life choices; participate in decision-making processes; act responsibly; positively influence their communities; and develop into informed, active, engaged citizens.
A major goal of the National 4-H Conference is to offer participants a meaningful personal and professional development experience. Each year, the Conference Planning Committee – comprised of youth and adult members – establishes a conference theme which serves as the basis for the call for workshop proposals. Given this year’s theme, a wide variety of topics is expected to expose delegates to existing 4-H environmental programming and other innovative approaches to eco-awareness, addressing environmental issues and sustainable living in which 4-H programs can play a significant role.
With program delivery grounded in three foundational content areas, workshops must highlight a) one specified or b) integrated aspects of the Mission Mandates: Science, Engineering & Technology, Healthy Living and Citizenship.
Mission Mandates as they relate to the 2008 conference theme examples include:
- Science, Engineering & Technology – Basic environmental science, ecology, use of technology, etc.
- Healthy Living – Environmental health, personal wellness, positive outdoor experiences, etc.
- Citizenship – Civic awareness, community service, sense of responsibility that leads to action on behalf of the environment, etc.
Who May Apply?
- State Delegations: Youth and adult conference delegates are strongly encouraged to submit workshop proposals. As with most professional conferences, workshop presenters are responsible for their own expenses. (Registration fees and travel expenses are not waived.)
- Visiting Presenters: Proposals from local/state 4-H programs (those not full conference delegates), programs within the Land-Grant and Cooperative Extension system, or other groups/organizations/agencies – public or private. As with most professional conferences, workshop presenters are responsible for their own expenses. Visiting presenters attend the conference on the day(s) of their workshop only.
Workshop Criteria:
- Youth and adult co-facilitated. (Preferred.)
- Apply the experiential learning model. (Provide opportunities for delegates to experience the activity; share results, reaction and observations; process through discussion, analysis and reflection on the experience; generalize by connecting the experience to the real world; and apply what they learned to similar or different situations.)
- Must be interactive, meaningful, fun and of the genre that “gets folks out of their seats and ready for action”.
- Must provide take-home resources – “toolkit” as a means to engage delegates and to encourage them to apply what they learned back home. Resources should include CDs, DVDs, PowerPoints, handouts, and/or other relevant materials.
Submission Deadline - EXTENDED:
Proposals must be received at the National 4-H Headquarters office ON or BEFORE Friday, February 29, 2008.
Instructions and Forms:
Frequently Asked Questions About National 4-H Conference Workshops
- What are workshop sessions?
Workshop sessions are meaningful personal and professional development experiences offered in 75-minute time slots that can be organized in a variety of formats and activities such a multiple speaker presentations, live demonstrations, and other hands-on activities.
- Who can submit a proposal for a Workshop session?
State/Institution delegations already attending National 4-H Conference as full-time delegates, local/state 4-H programs (not full conference delegates), Land-Grant and Cooperative Extension system programs, and any groups/organizations/agencies – public or private can submit a proposal for consideration.
- Is there reimbursement or payment for Workshops?
Though it is recognized the value workshops add to the conference program, honoraria, travel and meal expenses cannot be provided for presenters of Workshop sessions. State/Institution delegations, attending conference as full conference delegates, submitting workshop proposals will not have conference registration fees waived. All presenters of Workshop sessions are responsible for their own expenses.
- Are there registration fees for visiting presenters?
There are no registration fees for Visiting Presenters if they are not participating in other conference sessions or events. Visiting Presenters that wish to participate in other conference sessions, events or meals must pay the applicable fees.
Also, there is limited one (1) night’s lodging at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, if needed, on a space-available basis.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Hampton, National 4-H Conference Coordinator:natl4hconf@csrees.usda.gov or 202-401-5165.