eadersHiP n actiOn - 4-H Ontario · 2019-11-18 · 4-H OntariO leadersHiP in actiOn • JUlY 2007...

4-H OntariO leadersHiP in actiOn • JUlY 2007 • Page � July 2007

Leadershipin action

Publication Mail Agreement #40022887

4-H OntariO leadersHiP in actiOn • JUlY 2007 •

Suppo r t i ng the s c i ence o f imag ina t i on .

Monsanto and the vine symbol are trademarks of Monsanto Technology, LLC © 2007 Monsanto Company.

With a pledge rooted in their commitment to the head, heart, hands and health of Canadian individuals, families and communities, local 4-H Councils and 4-H clubs have a long history of contributing to the well being of our country.

Through programs and initiatives focused on leadership, self-confidence, personal responsibility, communication, problem-solving and goal-setting, Canadian 4-H clubs provide youth in rural communities with the attributes they need to benefit their communities and personal lives.

Guided by the motto “learn to do by doing,” 4-H programs across Canada encourage young people to take action today for a better tomorrow.

To learn more, visit www.4-h-canada.ca

The path to vibrant rural communities and a stronger Canada.

4-H OntariO leadersHiP in actiOn • JUlY 2007 • Page �

cOntents

FEATURES: 08 EASTERnBREEdERSInc.hoSTSFRIEndSoF4-hFUndRAISER

PRoFILES: 05 nATIonALcITIzEnShIPSEmInAR

06 SUdBURycLEvERcLovERSdIgITALmovIEmAkIng

BarnDane‘07

07 SPEEdSkATIngcLUB

13 cREATEAvISIon-ShAREyoURTALEnTS

nEWS: 10 onTARIo4-hFoUndATIongoLFToURnAmEnTS

11 mAkEAdIFFEREncE-BUyABook!

14 FourYearsanDover$100,000

REgULARS: 04 FromtheeDitor’sDesk

12 dEARdEnISE

15 EdIToRIALmESSAgE

is the official publicationof 4-H OntarioLeadership

in actionThis 4-H Ontario logo was designed by:

Kaitlyn Brennan, Hastings


from the editor’s desk . . .

4-H Ontario Staffexecutive director Lyndon Stewart, M. Sc., P. Ag., CAFAbusiness manager Tammy Dallynprogram manager Marie Winterbusiness administrative assistant Katherine Smythfund development coordinator Julie Armstrongvolunteer specialist & region 1 liaison Marianne Fallisspecial projects assistant Mary Dunncommunications coordinator Tammy Oswick-Kearneyinformation management coordinator Anita DeJong

Regional Specialistsregion 1 Marianne Fallis Liaisonregion 2 Nancy Pirie-Eganregion 3 Melanie Hunterregion 4 Julia Williamsregion 5 Kathryn Lambertregion 6 Kathryn Lambert

Ontario 4-H Councilpresident John Drummondpast-president Shirley Johnsonvice-president Patty Lasbydirectors Darrell Bergsma Michael Crellian Rick Darling Brenda Dunster Dave Elgie Sandra Hanes Shirley Tomlinson Susan Vincent Shonna Warddirector youth Kaitlyn Brennan

Ontario 4-H Foundationchair John Corevice-chair Rod Storktrustees Susan Allen Nancy Brown-Addison Peter Brown Jim Dalrymple Ralph Dietrich Christine Dukelow Bill Emmott Crystal Mackay Terry Malcolm Terry Manning Rory McAlpine Wes Thompson Jim Wadleigh ambassador of the 4-H foundation Hon. Lyle Vanclief

2007/2008 copy deadlines:Sept. 15, Dec. 15, March 15, June 15

magazine distribution:April, July, October, January

Reproduction in whole, or in part is forbiddenwithout the written permission of 4-H Ontario.

Publication Mail Agreement #40022887

Return undeliverables Canadian addresses to:4-H Ontario

5653 Hwy 6 North, RR5Guelph, ON N1H 6J2

The 4-H Ontario ‘Leadership in Action’ magazine is published four times a year by 4-H Ontario.

editor: TAMMy OSwiCK-KeARney

student advisor: PROF. Owen ROBeRTS

contributing writers• Denise edwards•

editorial correspondenceand subscription information:

4-H ONTARiO5653 Hwy 6 north, RR5,

Guelph, On n1H 6J2tel.: (519) 824-0101 • fax: (519) 824-8759

1-877-410-6748

e-mail: [email protected]

One province – six regions – 54 local associations – 786 clubs – 5,675 members – 1,500+ volunteers. 4-H – connecting everyone across the province. (Stats are compiled as of June 30, 2007).

4-H Ontario uses many different media forms to communicate with our stakeholders – you! Our monthly

‘electronic’ mailing reaches all current volunteers and senior members in the database for the 2007 year. As well, our magazine ‘Leadership In Action’ – this magazine – reaches every 4-H household, alumni and sponsors four times a year, highlighting activities and delivering messages from the Council and Foundation.

Direct mailings through regular postage or e-mail, the Opportunity and Family Guides, news releases and a great new website are other forms of using media to get the word out.

But – we continue to need – AND want – to hear from you!

New and innovative projects, ideas, successful clubs, and fantastic activities are happening all across the province and we want to hear about them.

What is the greatest form of flattery? Having another club that wants to duplicate the fun and success of your locally approved project or innovative idea or event!

Wouldn’t you like to see your name in print and be able to use this to build or enhance your own portfolio that showcases your wide range of skills?

Why not take this opportunity to become part of the provincial media team, sharing your successes and ours?! Making the connection with other 4-H members and volunteers that are part of this phenomenal program that we call 4-H!

Interested? Send me a quick e-mail or just pick up the phone and give me a call, to become part of my provincial media team.

I can’t wait to hear from you. Keep smiling!


By James Craig

My Canadian Citizenship is something I have always been proud of and exceptionally happy to have but I will admit it is something that I have perhaps not taken enough time to understand and fully appreciate. This past April, myself and 59 other 4-H’ers from nine provinces had the chance to grasp a greater knowledge of our own citizenship. We traveled to Ottawa for the 2007 National 4-H Citizenship Seminar.

Our week began on Friday the 13th and even with a date like that things went very, very smoothly. We were welcomed at the airport by the delegates from B.C. who had arrived in Ottawa the day earlier. We then nuzzled into the Crown Plaza Hotel as it was to be our home and headquarters for the next week. We greeted the other provincial delegates and within minutes long lasting friendships were made.

Throughout the week there were many times for us to be more acquainted with the Canadian Law system and the Rights and Responsibilities of a Canadian citizen. We visited the Supreme Court. We reflected on the values and identity of Canadians when visiting the Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum. At Fulton’s Sugar Bush we had a night of pancakes, syrup and music. At the Parliament Buildings, there was a lunch with our MPs, but it was a very quick one, as the Voting Bells went off and our MPs had to return to the House. Fortunately the Minister of Agriculture, Chuck Strahl, delivered a speech before he had to depart. We then got to watch Question Period and gain some debating techniques for our own debate on immigration settlement in Canada. The Speaker of the House, Hon. Peter Milliken, spoke to us and

group photos were taken in front of the Parliament buildings on our way back to the Crown Plaza.

There were many fine guest speakers who took time out of their busy days to speak to us. Gen Georget showed us what a day in the life of an MP is like. Katie Zeman informed us on the different career opportunities in Ottawa. Dominic D’Arcy, the Singing Policeman, and his special guests created a fun-filled musical night. Arguably the most influential speaker was Mr. Patrick Carson. He talked to us and he talked with us. His speech was based on his belief in us as the leaders of today. Pat told tales of everyday people that have changed the world and reassured us that we all can too. Pat left us with a thought that he believes that in 1000 years, kids will look at a plaque at that very spot and say thanks to our generation for changing the world.

In the morning of our final day we witnessed the most worthwhile part of the Conference. We traveled to Citizenship Court and witnessed the swearing in of 30 new Canadian Citizens. The Judge’s words alone made us truly appreciate our Canadian Citizenship. The Judge talked about the opportunities that Canada brings and that it is such a safe place. After the swearing in, we gave our new Canadian brothers and sisters a standing ovation. The Judge encouraged them to look back and for most of us this was the most emotional and rewarding part of the ceremony.

Though they were all from different countries and had different stories that brought them to that ceremony, all had the same smile, all had the same brightness in their eyes and all were now Canadian Citizens.

Finally on the last night we were asked, “What Citizenship means to me?” Nathan Murphy from B.C. and I had a long discussion on this. We thought and thought about this. We looked back on the two most impacting parts of the conference which were Pat Carson’s speech and the Judges’ perfect words at the Citizenship Ceremony. What we finally concluded was Canadian Citizenship means that we are all a part of a large family, a family where everyone is working together and coexisting for a common goal. It is a family where everyone is proud of each others accomplishments and where differences are accepted. This family is where opportunities are endless and everyone is secure. And now looking back on that conclusion, the same answer can be said for the question of “What does my 4-H membership mean to me?”

2007 National 4-HCitizenship Seminar

Andrew McTaggart (left), James Craig (center) & Chuck Lamers (all from Ontario)


Sudbury Clever Clovers

DigitalMovie Makingin Sudbury

By: Julie Gravelle, News Reporter

What happens when you give kids the chance to explore their community through the eye of a camcorder? “You get a whole new view on what it means to be creative!” says Julie Gravelle, club news reporter. This spring our 4-H Club, also known as “The Sudbury Clever Clovers”, designed a project called Digital Movie Making for Kids, a first in 4-H Ontario. We learned the basics of filming. Many of us did not know how to use a video camera and yet, by the end of May, had produced our own short film. We had so much fun working together, brainstorming and capturing our ideas on camera. Thanks to Mike at Science North, we had the chance to learn the difficult process of editing our film. We would also like to thank March Entertainment for the tour and Mr. Gagan at Channel 10 News for his help. Our short film fest was a great success!

Barndance ‘07Two years have passed since the 90th Anniversary

Celebration was held in Waterloo County, home of Ontario’s first 4-H club. If you were there, you’ll remember the fun of the barbeque, the historical displays, the silent and live auctions, and the barn dance, all held at the Steckle Heritage Homestead in Kitchener. The festivities may have died down, but the spirit hasn’t, and to keep the momentum going, Waterloo 4-H leaders have decided to keep the event alive.

Another successful Waterloo 4-H Family Night and Barndance was held in early June at the Steckle Homestead, with all money raised going to the Stanley Knapp Endowment Fund. A barbeque, silent auction and pie auction added to the excitement before the barn dance began.

A special thrill this year was hosting the Great Canadian Outdoor Expo (GCOE) club members, who bussed over from Woodstock. The 82 members were at the GCOE to take part in the Great Outdoor’s Club.

Other special guests were Wally and Peggy Knapp. Wally is the son of Stanley Knapp, member of the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame and founder of the first 4-H club in Ontario. Other family members were also in attendance. The Stanley Knapp Endowment Fund raises funds to develop locally approved projects into provincial projects.

“This event has turned into more than a celebration of our past. It’s a contribution to our future, and having a good time today”, says John Drummond, Ontario 4-H Council president and Waterloo 4-H leader. To see pictures from the day, visit www.waterloo4-h.ca.

Barndance ‘07

Brittni Goudreau-Doherty (left), and Ryan Macdonald (right) both took part in the digital movie making Club.


By: Sophie Kloppenburg4-H youth from four counties were

the lucky members of the first ever 4-H Speed Skating Club in Ontario!

For six weeks, 26 4-H members from Middlesex, Oxford, Bruce, and Chatham-Kent counties gathered at the Western Fair Sports Centre to experience the rush and excitement of speed skating. Speed Skating Ontario sponsored the program through a grant from Active 2010. They provided training to our three 4-H Leaders and one Youth Leader before the club began and paid for ice time at the Sports Centre. Speed Skating Ontario offered their new “On the Edge Program” to 4-H Members to introduce new young people to their sport, incorporate physical activity into their lives and live an active healthy lifestyle.

“I think that Speed Skating is a great way to promote physical activity among youth in Ontario. Everybody had a positive attitude towards the program. We were really lucky to have such enthusiastic leaders and instructors teaching us all the basic skills of speed skating.” says Sam Kloppenburg, 12 year old participant from Middlesex County.

At the first meeting of this Regional 4-H Speed Skating Club, all Members wore their own hockey or figure skates. We were fortunate to have Cameron Boyd, a member of the London Speed Skating Club, volunteer to instruct the 4-H Members each week. By the second meeting, Cameron Boyd and Todd

4-H members “lace up their skates” and try Speed Skating

Landon from the Ontario Speed Skating Association made it possible for all 4-H Members to be fit with speed skates. This was an added bonus, since the “On the Edge Program” is designed to be used with hockey and figure skates.

We learned the basic position of a speed skater, starts and stops, cross-overs, skating straight-aways and the history of the sport. We had to be sure to wear helmets, neck guards, gloves and knee or shin pads each week. As well, members were responsible to research a Canadian Speed Skater and do a short biography about our chosen athlete. Each week, we became more confident on our skates. By Meeting five, we were able to play some common speed skating games and just enjoy our new found abilities.

On June 13th we held our 4-H Speed Skating Mini-Meet and Achievement Program. We competed in races in

small groups. The London Speed Skating club provided a race announcer on a P.A system. We felt like the pros! There were some really spectacular falls, victorious wins, neck and neck finishes, and personal bests, as we competed in the name of fun. Young local speed skaters from the club also came out to strut their stuff for us. Afterwards, we celebrated with pizza in a room generously provided by the Western Fair Association. We tested our newly acquired knowledge with a trivia game, and awards were presented to all members.

This 4-H Speed Skating Club was an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge, learn new skills, and make new friendships. I know for a fact that during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, 26 4-H’ers will be watching Canada Skate for the Gold!


Celebrate!

Eastern Breeders host ‘Friends of 4-H Fundraiser’Eastern Breeders Inc. (EBI), in

co-operation with Dairy Farmers of Ontario, 4-H Ontario, Holstein Ontario, Ayrshire Ontario and Jersey Ontario, hosted the ‘Friends of 4-H Fundraiser’ - BBQ dinner, dance and auction in early July at the Spencerville arena in Spencerville, Ontario.

It was a big decision for Eastern Breeders Inc. (EBI) to decide to host this year’s ‘Friends of 4-H Fundraiser’ in Eastern Ontario, but in the end one which went on to break all attendance and revenue records.

Months of planning, organization and preparation by the EBI marketing team and staff - turned into an event that was well received and enjoyed by all who attended.

“We had an incredible night with a sell out crowd of over 500. Although the receipts aren’t tallied, this year’s event should far exceed historic revenues and EBI’s wildest expectations. Everyone who was involved should have left gratified knowing that together we had raised

a lot of money to support 4-H. As importantly, we spread the message of the great work being done by 4-H volunteers and their programs. It was a great celebration of 4-H that we at EBI were excited and proud to be a part of,” stated Paul Stewart,

EBI Communications and Genetic Programs Supervisor and Event Coordinator.

With more than 500 people pouring into the Spencerville arena for an evening of fun and

friendships, silent and live auctions, great door prizes, music, dancing and a lot of celebrating – no one knew just what to expect. What they saw was a room full of eager 4-H members, EBI staff and Directors, 4-H Directors, Sponsors, and plenty

of 4-H supporters.More than 75 items

– including six embryos - were up for bid in the silent auction, enticing everyone to get in on the action and write down their bids. The highlight of the evening was a live auction with the first item up for bids being a calf from Ferme Gillette Inc. donated on behalf of the Patenaude family. Our auctioneers kept everyone on their toes with opening and closing bids, selling and re-donating the calf at least four times before the final bid of $5,000 saw the

sale of the calf to 4-H member Curtis Walt of Prince Edward County.

Even our own Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors got in on the action, bidding $1,600 for a trip to Quebec City, re-donating it back to

eBi Communications and Genetic Programs supervisor and event Co-ordinator, Paul stewart (left), and eBi General manager Ann Louise Carson, thank Gold sponsor ian mcLeod (centre) of scotiamcLeod, for his support of the friends of 4-h fundraiser.


the auction and having the trip bring in another $1,500!

Music for the evening was provided by D.W. James, a very popular band in Eastern Ontario, and proved very entertaining with the lead singer venturing into the crowd to sing directly to a select few. They had no trouble keeping the dance floor full until the wee hours of the morning.

“4-H has head, heart, health and hands . . . and is all about teamwork. The GREAT success of the first Friends of 4-H Fundraiser to be held in Eastern Ontario used

the same winning formula . . . it was a true example of teamwork at all levels! Taking care of the next generation is a strategic priority for EBI, and we were honoured to work with 4-H Ontario for this big event,” summed up Ann Louise Carson, EBI General Manager.

Celebrating their 60th Anniversary, EBI has a long-standing tradition of providing top quality genetics and services to all of their breeders. Another long-standing tradition in Eastern Ontario is the EBI Showcase, this year marking its 28th annual event.

“Our show day may have been one of the strongest competitions we have ever had. We attracted over 70 dairy and 40 beef participants. Our beef judge, Billy Elmhirst of Indian River, and our dairy judge, Brian Carscadden of Guelph, both

considered to be at the top of their game with regards to judging, did a super job,” commented Barry Mooney, Show Coordinator.

Top spots took home items such

as show boxes, chutes, vacuums, and fans, while other participants received show supplies, EBI

jackets, and duffle bags, as well as gift certificates, and show sticks.

With trophies and prizes in hand, members wrapped up the day and started the process of cleaning up and heading for home, satisfied that they had done their best.

The entire weekend turned into a huge celebration of support for 4-H Ontario thanks to the hardworking EBI staff, supporters and all of their sponsors.

Eastern Breeders Inc. is a non-profit, farmer owned co-operative serving the dairy and beef breeders in Eastern Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. EBI and their three partner co-operatives across Canada are proud owners of the Semex Alliance which is a renowned leader at developing and marketing dairy and beef genetics around the world.

28th AnnualEBI Showcase!

Renfrew County had a clean sweep with Sean Enright capturing both the Grand Champion Showperson and Calf, while Melanie Briscoe took home the Reserve Grand Champion Beef Showperson and Jack Oattes grabbed the Reserve Grand Champion Calf title.

The MacMillan family of Northumberland had a memorable day in the dairy ring with Ethan, Emma and Morgon MacMillan taking home Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, and Honorable Mention Grand Calf respectively. Emma was also named the Grand Champion Showperson, while Reserve Grand Champion Showperson went to Kyle Rivington of Carleton.

4-H OntariO leadersHiP in actiOn • JUlY 2007 • Page �0

Golf West + Golf East = Hole in One for Ontario 4-H Foundation!!

The Ontario 4-H Foundation (the friend and fundraising arm of the Ontario 4-H Council) took its coveted Guelph-based golf tournament and auction into its seventh year and added an eastern Ontario location for the first time!

Hosting the 7th Annual Ontario 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament Banquet and Auction was the beautiful Victoria Park East Golf Club located on the outskirts of Guelph. John Teeter, Victoria Park’s tournament manager and the Golf West Tournament Committee Co-Chairs Brenda Nailor and Joyce Weylie of Guelph led the charge on a sold-out event.

Gib Patterson, of Osgoode Ontario, a 4-H Leader, former Assistant Ag Rep, past president of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and golf course owner, stepped up to the tee-blocks to help the Ontario 4-H Foundation drive its first annual Golf-East tournament on June 5th at his Emerald Links Golf and Country Club in Greeley Ontario. The Patterson family and staff welcomed planners and participants with open arms which made this ‘first’ an amazing day. A new event for the east, Golf-East Co-Chairs Phyllis MacMaster and Brenda Trask led

the charge of arranging incredible support from local sponsors and golfers!

When the score cards were all tallied, the combination of the two tournaments led to 204 golfers and over 80 generous sponsors taking home the pride of knowing they raised over $42,000 for the Ontario 4-H Foundation Legacy Endowment Fund. The objective of the Fund is to provide a solid base from which to sustain and grow the 4-H program in Ontario. Ontario 4-H Foundation Trustees are very thankful to all of the golf patrons and sponsors who have contributed to the seven years of successful tournaments and collectively raised a total that has now exceeded $210,000.

Please visit the 4-H Ontario Website and take a tour of this year’s event pictures and the tremendous list of sponsors, donors and players that have supported this year’s golf tournament. We look forward to two sold-out tournaments in 2008!! Interested in helping or playing? Contact Julie Armstrong, Fund Development Coordinator, 4-H Ontario by phone at 1-877-410-6748 or by email at [email protected].

Thank you to the following Ontario 4-H Foundation Golf-East and Golf-West Sponsors:

Title Sponsor / Commanditaire de titre:

Event Sponsor / Commanditaire de l’événement:

Golf Cart Sponsor / Commanditaire de chariot:

Golf Ball Sponsor / Commanditaire de golf:

Golf Hole Sponsors / Commanditaires de golf:

Golf-West Golf-East

S & S Ag. Commodities Inc.

4-H OntariO leadersHiP in actiOn • JUlY 2007 • Page ��

4-H Ontario is pleased to announce its new fundraising partnership with Rob Nickel. Rob Nickel has written the book ‘Staying Safe in a Wired World, A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety’ which 4-H Ontario will be using as a fundraiser throughout Ontario.

Rob Nickel is a Cyber-Safety Expert, Professional Speaker and Author dedicated to helping children stay safe on the Internet. He is a former veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police. In February 2003 he retired at the Rank of

Detective Sergeant from the OPP Child Pornography Section. Rob is globally recognized as an expert in the field of undercover investigations as they relate to the Internet. Rob now lectures to students and parents on internet safety, as well as produces interactive material to help parents understand the computer age and internet safety as it relates to their children’s lives.

Rob wrote this book as a parent himself, one who knows that the Internet can be intimidating, and confusing. It covers most of the applications used on the Internet by our children and gives instructions on how to help keep our children safe while in cyberspace.

Also included are the terms used by kids when they are chatting online and online resources that parents can use. Included is a CD featuring a video presentation, printable files for parents, as well as a free 3-month subscription to RAZZUL, the safe browsing software for children 3 to 12 years old.

4-H Ontario feels this is a great opportunity to help Rob spread his message and share helpful tools for parents across Ontario.

Each book will cost $13.60 (shipping/handling and GST included). With this partnership the profit of $5.50 will be shared among 4-H Ontario, Local 4-H Associations and Ontario Ronald McDonald Houses. The remainder of the profits from the book are shared among the author and Child Find Ontario, helping to find lost children throughout Ontario. Ronald McDonald House Charities has been selected as a sharing partner for 4-H Ontario. Ronald McDonald House is close to heart with 4-H Ontario as many of our rural families and friends have had the opportunity and need to stay there. Ronald McDonald House family room program extends the comfort of the Ronald McDonald House to a hospital setting. Typically located just steps from neonatal or pediatric intensive care units, the Family Room provides a place to escape the stress and tension of the hospital.

4-H Ontario is very excited to take part in this fundraising event. The program will be rolled out to every association very soon

Watch our website www.4-hontario.ca for more upcoming details. For more information please contact Julie Armstrong at [email protected] or 519-824-0101.

4-H ONTARIO, FUNDRAISER

Rob Nickel ‘Staying Safe in a Wired World’


Dear Denise,Denise Edwards is a Volunteer Resource Management specialist with the ontario ministry of Agriculture,food and rural Affairs.

Dear DeniseI have decided to be a 4-H volunteer this year and I found out I have to go through a screening process. What is this and why is it necessary?

What is screening?

Screening is an ongoing process to ensure the safety and well being of the 4-H youth and volunteers. In today’s environment it has become a crucial aspect of recruiting volunteers especially those working with youth.

The process is more than police checks. It includes steps such as completing an application, checking references and participating in an interview. These steps will ensure that the volunteer understands his /her role and responsibilities and also to make sure that this volunteer opportunity is a good fit.

Why do organizations screen?

All organizations, from the smallest, most informal organizations to large institutions, have a moral and legal obligation to protect their youth and volunteers. Screening is not only the right thing to do; it is a legal responsibility for the Board of Directors to ensure it is done. It shows they are fulfilling their “Duty of Care.”

If a problem occurs it can ruin the reputation of an organization. It is understood that it is not absolutely perfect but an organization has a duty to ensure they have taken steps to do the best they can.

Who should be screened?

All volunteers with an organization should go through the screening process. 4-H Ontario has developed a standardized process that

is to be used by 4-H Associations across the province. Conducting this process is important for both the provincial and local organization as it demonstrates that they are being proactive and “doing something” to protect their members.

If we make people go through a screening process, won’t some people feel we are intruding and decide not to volunteer?

Most people understand and appreciate that screening will help protect members and volunteers. Some people feel screening is not necessary, that “it can’t happen here.” While very few people betray a trust - physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, theft, harassment, damage, extortion, and assault, can and does happen in all types of organizations.

Many organizations find that a clear explanation of screening helps all involved understand that screening is part of good personnel management. It creates and maintains a safe environment and ensures an appropriate match between volunteer and task.

How does screening benefit our volunteers?

Screening is part of an effective volunteer management program. It helps to ensure that volunteers are working in an organized, structured environment.A thorough screening process allows

a volunteer to feel confident about doing the work - and in the abilities of his or her fellow volunteers. Job descriptions, interviews and ongoing

supervision all help to ensure that the volunteer is placed in a position that best suits his or her abilities and interests. Screening policies and procedures outline the volunteer’s rights and responsibilities. Policies and procedures also explain how an organization will support the volunteer should a problem or incident occur.

All I want to do is help. Why do I have to be screened? Why should I be screened? I’m a volunteer! I don’t get paid!

There is no such thing as “just” a volunteer. Volunteers do very important work for organizations. Organizations are just as responsible for things done by a volunteer as for employees. Organizations have to be very careful about who they accept as staff and volunteers because, more and more, the courts are holding non-profit and charitable organizations accountable for their volunteers’ actions.

For more information• Volunteer Recruitment and

Screening Procedure under “4-H Resources” at www.4-hontario.ca

• Screening- under “Topic and Resources” - www.volunteer.ca


Execution of a top notch program takes vision and you can help create a vision that will ensure the betterment and sustainability of Ontario’s 4-H program. Becoming involved on a Board of Directors—locally or provincially—is a great way to do just that and learn more about 4-H as well as gain many beneficial life skills.

“Becoming involved with 4-H boards, locally and provincially, has been an amazing experience for me and I would recommend it to anyone,” says Patty Lasby, 4-H Ontario Council Vice President. “If you are looking for a new challenging and skill-building opportunity try running for a position on your county’s board of directors.”

All 4-H volunteers have the opportunity to be involved on their local Association’s Board of Directors. An important role to note at the local level is the Association Representative (AR). A locally elected board member or a volunteer at large can hold the AR position. Encouraging new volunteers to take on this role is important because it can create new growth through new perspectives and information. This role is also important because the representative presents the local voice at the provincial level and can stand for nomination and be elected to the Ontario 4-H Council’s Board of Directors at the 4-H Volunteers’ Conference and Annual Meeting.

At the Ontario 4-H Volunteers’ Conference and Annual Meeting each year five director positions are available to be filled on the 4-H Ontario Council. To be eligible for these positions you have to hold the

Create a vision for 4-H ontarioShare your talentS on a board of directorS

Association Representative position. Election of five positions each year allows for new ideas to be considered, encourages open-mindedness and can develop new paths for the 4-H program to ensure 4-H’s sustainability and future success.

While involved on a board there are many opportunities to learn new information and skills. For instance, local and provincial boards of directors differ in the way they are structured. The Ontario 4-H Council is a governance board which sets the big picture of the organization through strategic planning, setting board policies and organizational bylaws, and providing guidance and vision to staff who in turn implement and manage the day-to-day responsibilities. Whereas county 4-H associations are working boards which tend to have a more hands-on approach. In this type, the

implementation and execution of activities falls into the hands of the board. “Gaining experience on these two types of boards gives perspective into how the 4-H program works on all levels as well as a bigger picture of how organizations outside of 4-H function” says Lasby.

Lasby continues, “not only have I been able to give back to the 4-H program but this experience has increased my awareness of the amazing opportunities 4-H Ontario offers youth and allowed me to meet people from across the province. I really do encourage everyone to become involved, it’s an experience of a lifetime.”

To share your passion for the 4-H program or for more information on becoming involved in the board of directors contact your local association or the 4-H Ontario office.

in spencerville while attending the ‘friends of 4-h fundraiser’ hosted byeastern Breeders inc., the 2007 Board of directors pose for a group photo.


In 2003, an idea was nurtured and the 4-H Ontario Dream Dinner Lottery was launched. Thanks to the support of ticket purchasers (and sellers!) in 2007, the collective four year total raised (after expenses) has surpassed $100,000. The Grand Prize, each year of the lottery has been the coveted Dream Dinner for Two Anywhere in the World. Winners of this prize have gone to destinations such as Australia and South Africa – and one family chose to take the cash equivalent!This lottery continues to benefit the active local 4-H Associations and the programming efforts at the provincial level each year. In 2007, each active local 4-H Association will be receiving $240

Four years and over $100,000– a dream come true!

direct deposited into their account!Golliger’s Travel Plus has arranged all of the prize travel over these four years – and have been very supportive of 4-H Ontario. In fact if you are looking for a travel agent to fulfill

your travel arrangement needs, why not call Golliger’s Travel Plus at 519-741-8166 and quote the 4-H Travel Account number 024H04, Golliger’s Travel Plus in turn supports 4-H Ontario.Stay tuned for announcements of the 2008 4-H Ontario Dream Dinner Lottery program and once again – thank you to the dedication and support to 4-H that has been shown by those who have bought tickets over the past four years!

You make a difference!


• JOHN DRuMMOND, President, Ontario 4-H Council

• JOHN CORE, Chair, Ontario 4-H Foundation

• LyNDON STEWART, M. Sc., CAFA, executive Director

JOHn drUmmOnd

JOHn cOre

lYndOn stewart

Ontario 4-H Council President John Drummond enjoys the opportunity to interact with volunteers, alumni and members on MSN. One member on John’s MSN list has the greatest caption of all time… “Want to be a dairy farmer and 4-H leader when I grow up.” As John says, “here is a young man who not only knows his career path, but knows that he wants to give back to a program that has given him so much.”

As 4-H members, we have all truly enjoyed 4-H and the many learning experiences and friendships formed during those years. We carry the skills that 4-H instills in us throughout life, and we don’t need to be convinced of the importance of keeping 4-H going for future generations.

Equally important to know is that 4-H doesn’t have to end when you graduate from the program. What better opportunity is there to pass on the leadership and skills for life you learned while being a member than by becoming a 4-H volunteer?

Helping to develop the attributes that build strong communities and continue great leadership in our country is one of the great legacies we leave as 4-H volunteers. So too are the rewards of being a 4-H leader every bit as much as they are for a 4-H member.

There are many ways to leave your own legacy to 4-H. For some of you it is through the invaluable donation of your time, energy and expertise. For others it is through your annual financial contribution and for some it is also through the arrangement of a legacy financial gift or pledge that is accomplished through a bequeath, an insurance policy, transfer of securities or dollars.

Legacies aren’t something new to the 4-H program. Since its establishment in Canada in 1913, the program has been driven by the tireless efforts of volunteers and the contributions of financial supporters. Continuing in this tradition will ensure that the 4-H program succeeds for another 90+ years!

So as you finish reading this article – ask yourself – what will your legacy be?

The LEGACY - 4-H 4-U 4-EVER

eadersHiP n actiOn - 4-H Ontario · 2019-11-18 · 4-H OntariO leadersHiP in actiOn • JUlY 2007...

Documents

Transcript of eadersHiP n actiOn - 4-H Ontario · 2019-11-18 · 4-H OntariO leadersHiP in actiOn • JUlY 2007...