November 19, 2009 Christopher Bennett, M.S. 1

Your County 4-H

Issues for Limited Resource Audiences

Strategies to Address Issues

Programs Designed to Deliver Strategies

Needed Collaboration and Networks

A Presentation to County Cooperative Extension Service by Chris Bennett, M.S.

November 19, 2009

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Issues For Limited Resource 4-H Audiences in Your County

17% county unemployment

20% of population below federal poverty level

74% of students qualify for free or reduced lunches

10% of youth do not complete high school

37% teenage pregnancy rate

Top health concerns rank above state averages

No public housing

Conflict potential exists with an influx of non-farm residents

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4-H Strategies to Address Issues Adult and youth program participants will…

Acquire leadership and decision making capacities

Develop and strengthen critical life skills

Address community issues and/or challenges through volunteerism

Make healthy food choices, achieve the recommended amount of physical activity and reduce risk factors for chronic diseases

Apply financial management practices to cover basic necessities, increase savings, reduce debt and build long-term assets

Improve education levels and increase competitive workforce skills

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Programs Needed to Deliver 4-H Strategies

Expand Existing Programs

On Target-life skills and workforce development

Genesis-leadership, decision-making, health and wellness

LifeSmarts-workforce development

Programs Needed to Deliver 4-H Strategies (continued)

Develop Special Interest Programs

Audience-specific nutrition and health

Physical fitness challenges

Finance basics

Relevant community issues

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Programs Needed to Deliver 4-H Strategies (continued)Build 4-H Neighborhood Clubs

Develop and contribute to a community

Encourage member exploration of unique interests

Foster expression of ideas, planning and project completion

Build confidence and character

Receive guidance, reinforcement and recognition

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Requisite Collaboration and Networks

NC State and NC A&T Extension Program Resources

County 4-H/CES Advisory Committees

Board of County Commissioners

Extension Consumer Sciences Agent and EFNEP Extension Associate

County Public School Administration and Public Health Agencies

Area Churches and Civic Organizations

Dynamic Presence on Social Networking Sites

Area Media Promotion and Public Service Announcements

Committed Volunteer Network

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Sources

County 2009 Plan of Work

County Board of County Commissioners 2009 Meeting Minutes

Seven years experience in Florida 4-H as Program Assistant and County Agent

Thank You!

I appreciate your time and interest

Have you any questions?

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