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4-H alum Samuel Sugarman understands the importance of knowing from where your food comes. Since the development of the Farm Tour Program, he’s had the opportunity to share his knowledge with local youth and educate them on food and farming in a fun way. Step inside Sugar Sweet Farm as the 2017 4-H Youth in Action winner gives an in-depth tour of the Encinitas, California farm!
Three years ago, I was a timid 4‑H’er who found my niche as the first Healthy Living Officer. Fast forward a few years and the Color Me Green Run became an annual event. My involvement at the state level allowed me to host a Health Fair at the State Leadership Conference, as well as hosting a statewide mental health conversation called Text Talk Act. Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed that my work would be recognized nationally. It’s been a blessing in my small hometown of Imperial as more attention has been focused on combatting our high obesity rates. Best of all, I have the privilege of serving as a national spokesperson to promote healthy lifestyles.
To you, the reader: I encourage you to discover your passion in 4‑H as I have. Commit yourself to your club, your community, your country, and even the world. Our 4‑H pledge is a promise not only to better ourselves, but to serve those around us. The Youth in Action award will be the culmination of your engagement, and I guarantee it will be an opportunity like no other. Where else can you meet distinguished 4‑H alumni who may even compliment your dress? Where else can you spend time practicing with a teleprompter as 4‑H directors provide you with positive feedback on your speech? Where else can you dine in the fanciest hotel while conversing with Molina Healthcare and other generous sponsors? The 4‑H Youth in Action experience has broadened my horizons to the 4‑H program. This opportunity has allowed me to meet other winners from across the nation who made this event ten thousand times more memorable. Above all, this award has taught me professional skills that will last a lifetime, and I will always cherish the memories of the entire 4‑H Youth in Action experience.
4-H Alumni nationwide have a story to tell and a testimony to share when it comes to how 4-H has changed their lives, shaped their personalities, and opened up doors, getting them to where they are today. As we continue our celebration of successful women and men who are proud to say they are 4-H Grown, we highlight the 4-H alum who are now members of American Farm Bureau Federation, a proud partner and advocate for 4-H!
“I am a proud 4‑H’er! 4-H taught me so many things! How to teach, how to do reports and give reasons. It taught me how to win with good sportsmanship and how to lose with grace. It taught me how to pack a trailer for a week long show & how to make my best even better! I’m so thankful for this program, and it’s why I’m still involved as an Extension Council member, fair board member, and parent today!”
“For me, 4-H was my very first introduction to agriculture. I learned the responsibility of taking care of another being and started gaining some business understanding. I knew how to balance a checkbook before I was in high school because of my 4-H project. But I also learned about making presentations and the importance of giving back to your community.”
With less than four months until the 2017 4‑H National Youth Science Day event, excitement is building as 4-H clubs, schools, after-school programs and more are preparing for this national youth-led science experiment. Watch as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln – developers of the 2017 4-H NYSD Challenge, Incredible Wearables – shares the importance of 4-H STEM programming and check out the new engineering challenge in action!
There’s still time to pre-order the official 4-H NYSD Challenge kit from the 4-H Mall at a discounted price. Visit the website to purchase your kits today.
Learn more about 4-H National Youth Science Day!
When it comes to creating success in one’s career, sometimes the greatest obstacle can be ourselves. Lori Dawson has experienced this challenge firsthand. While her journey in the field of engineering began with the desire to solve complex problems by interacting and communicating with others, speaking up and using her voice was a struggle. As senior director of Engineering and Network Operations at U.S. Cellular, Dawson admits that very early in her career, she struggled with having confidence in her ability.
“I would often know the answer,” she recalls, “but hang back and allow others to speak and then I would speak up in support of their answer.”
Now, after learning to “jump in and speak up,” Lori Dawson understands the value of growing confidence in young people, and she is committed making learning opportunities available at an early age through the 4-H/U.S. Cellular partnership.
She shared her insights on why it’s important for organizations to attract diversity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, and how 4-H and U.S. Cellular are working collectively on these efforts.
What do you think are the current barriers to achieving more diversity in STEM career fields?
Lori Dawson (LD): I believe one of the barriers to achieving more diversity in STEM career fields is the opportunities available at a young age. Today there are many opportunities to participate in various sporting events for young children but very limited opportunities for those interested in STEM. Children need STEM activities that are fun, challenging and rewarding to attract more diversity to the field.
What can organizations do to get more girls interested in STEM careers?
LD: I believe organizations can assist with attracting girls to STEM careers by allowing girls into the organization for job shadowing or internships. Also, organizations should strengthen their involvement in the community, bringing to life what STEM careers are available and the rewards that come with those careers.
Why do you think the 4-H/U.S. Cellular partnership is critical for sparking STEM interest in youth? How has the partnership been successful?
LD: I see the partnership between 4-H and U.S. Cellular as critical for the future of our youth and the success of U.S. Cellular. From a 4-H perspective, U.S. Cellular can assist 4-H in bringing to life STEM opportunities and U.S. Cellular will benefit from the future leaders that 4-H is developing as they are our next technology leaders.
Recently, U.S. Cellular has ventured outside of their STEM partnership with 4-H, now serving as a sponsor of the 2017 4-H Youth in Action Award Citizenship Pillar. How does the topic of community service align with U.S. Cellular’s mission and values as an organization?
LD: Community service and involvement are the core to who U.S. Cellular is. The Engineering teams at U.S. Cellular live and work in the markets they serve. All associates are encouraged to get engaged in the communities where they live and work.
How do you think 4-H is preparing today’s young people, particularly girls, to be leaders in life?
LD: I believe 4-H has a history of developing strong leadership skills by developing, communication, and confidence in our youth. 4-H assists our youth in developing and practicing critical thinking skills. 4-H not only does this for young girls but all young people engaged in 4-H.
What are your thoughts on ways we can encourage young women to pursue entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities?
LD: I think from a very young age we need to encourage young girls to actively participate in science and math classes. To reward their participation and challenge them to think differently. We also need to look for and encourage opportunities for young girls to get involved in activities such as 4-H, Lego League, etc.
What is your vision for the next generation of women in STEM and leadership?
LD: I see the next generation of women in STEM leading the way for significant growth in technology. The technology marketplace is growing at a pace faster than ever, and I see women developing the vision and leading through the technology evolution.
There were several things that I learned about the Legacy Awards after I was named the Citizenship Pillar winner, all of which have made the Legacy Awards an even more memorable event for me.
So, I am going to share with you about the Five Things I Learned about the National 4-H Council Legacy Awards:
There is so much that I learned from the Legacy Awards, but I believe that everyone’s experience will be different. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I made the most of it and savored the moment.
I grew up in 4‑H and had lots of inspiring leaders over the years who shared their knowledge and passion with me, so it was natural for me to share my farm and animals with other children. Pretty soon, it grew into a bigger tour program, and we had lots of children visiting the farm and learning about animals, their food, and the earth. Last fall, my county extension agent encouraged me to apply for the Youth in Action award. I submitted a video about my farm tour program and felt so humbled to have been chosen for the Youth in Action award knowing that there were many qualified applicants from across the country.
As a 4‑H Youth in Action Award winner, I’ve already had several amazing experiences including an opportunity to travel to San Antonio, TX for an event with, Bayer Crop Science, who had made a generous donation to an elementary school with a thriving 4‑H program. Bayer was promoting an agricultural curriculum at the school and sponsored a special ag day, teaching gardening, beekeeping, and other sustainable practices. I was so glad I had learned about beekeeping and public speaking growing up in 4‑H and was able to give several presentations to the attendees. It was so much fun to be a part of that event, sharing my passion for agriculture with children.
In March, I flew to D.C. where I met the other YIA winners, Amelia, Bryanne, and Ava. We stayed at the 4‑H National Conference Center, which is the coolest campus with hotel rooms, a café, and ballrooms just outside of D.C. — who knew? There, we learned more about the national structure of 4‑H and the organization as a whole. We also went through media training and learned how to give an interview and make a speech using a teleprompter. I felt like the president! Together we toured the Newseum and the monuments on the National Mall.
The Legacy Awards itself was like a blur of AWESOME! National 4‑H Council put on an event that made us feel like celebrities the entire evening. There were celebrities and supporters, and the most inspiring 4‑H alumni stories I have ever heard. The common theme I heard from these outstanding alumni was: “I would not be where I am today if it were not for 4‑H.” I heard that over and over, and they said it with such gratitude and humility. And of course, I was having that same moment.
Winning the 4‑H Youth in Action Award means a lot to me. It brings me happiness, but it also brings responsibility because now I need to strive to be worthy of this award and move this work forward to inspire others. Now I am becoming a 4‑H alumnus, and I am excited to do great things to give back to 4‑H. The first thing I want to do is inspire you to apply for the 2018 Youth in Action Award. Think about a way that you can make a lasting impact on your community and make it happen. You have the tools; you have the support; you have 4‑H.
The few days I spent in Washington, D.C. are some of the most amazing memories of my life. I was fortunate enough to meet and spend time with the three other pillar winners — Amelia, Bryanne, and Bubba — who are amazing youth inside and out. They have a passion and genuine drive for helping those in their communities and being True Leaders. Although the time we spent with one another was short, I feel we have made lifelong friendships.
Over the past two months, I have been provided the opportunity to meet so many amazing new and influential people. From the camera crew out of St. Louis to the National 4‑H Council staff in Washington D.C., and even the Council President and CEO, Jennifer Sirangelo (I was a little star struck). The entire experience has been mind-boggling. There are times when I sit and think, “Wow, did all of this really happen!?” When first receiving the news that I had been selected as the 2017 STEM Pillar Winner, I was honestly in utter disbelief. I was so excited, I didn’t know what to do.
While the experience has been extremely rewarding and exciting, it has also been slightly overwhelming to comprehend the positive impact I can have on youth at a national level. I am looking forward to getting youth and adults involved in bringing hands-on STEM programming to their communities, and bringing awareness to learning disabilities and the lack of women in STEM fields. I am so thankful to have been chosen as the 2017 4‑H Youth in Action STEM Pillar Award winner; now I can make an impact on a much larger platform.
Through programs like Florida 4‑H’s Marine Ecology Event, field trips with my local 4‑H club, and public presentations, I had the opportunity to learn at an early age how we’re all connected to the ocean no matter where we live. The 4‑H program provided me with a unique avenue to investigate the challenges facing our planet’s marine ecosystems, and in turn, work alongside my fellow 4‑H members and adult mentors to develop initiatives to engage my peers in playing an active role in protecting our blue planet. As a result, in 2008, I launched Stow It-Don’t Throw It Project to engage 4‑H’ers across the country in tackling the threats posed by marine debris and improperly disposed of fishing line. I later founded the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, a nationwide network of events to train and activate young conservation leaders.
These initiatives demonstrated to me the power and importance of youth and adults coming together to work collaboratively to protect our planet.
Since my time in 4‑H, I’ve had the pleasure of applying the lessons I learned through the 4‑H program to my work developing initiatives to engage youth as leaders in the fields of environmental conservation, education, and research with zoos and aquariums, conservation non-profits, and government agencies.
Over the past year, I’ve teamed up with EarthEcho International to launch their inaugural Youth Leadership Council (YLC) – uniting an outstanding group of young conservation leaders to support EarthEcho’s work to inspire young people worldwide to act now for a sustainable future. EarthEcho International was established by siblings Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau in honor of their father Philippe Cousteau Sr., and grandfather legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, on the belief that youth have the power to change the world. Through the YLC, young leaders have the opportunity to develop international campaigns to engage their peers in taking an active role in protecting the environment, support EarthEcho and its partners as they work to inspire, cultivate, and activate young leaders, and learn about the workings of an international non-profit organization.
I’m excited to share that applications for EarthEcho International’s Youth Leadership Council are now open as we plan to accept five new students from an international audience to join this program. As 4‑H members, I know you understand the important role that young people play in our communities, especially when it comes to environmental conservation. If this is an area of interest to you, I strongly encourage to apply to serve on the YLC by completing the online application by April 22, 2017. Click here to access the complete program details and application.
Together we have the power to positively impact our planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. I hope you’ll consider applying for the YLC! Thank you for your commitment to Making the Best Better in your communities and for our planet.
Describe your role as 4‑H Director and Assistant Dean at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign? How long have you served in this position?
Lisa Bouillion Diaz (LBD): I have worked with Illinois 4‑H for almost 11 years. I started as a 4‑H STEM Specialist and later took leadership responsibility for our statewide 4‑H Metro Initiative. I have been in my current role as the state 4‑H Director for two years.
Why is it important to the University of Illinois to grow awareness of Cooperative Extension’s 4‑H programs in counties across the state of Illinois?
LBD: In Illinois, it is our vision that all youth in our state are prepared for success in their futures. And we know that 4‑H has the programs and youth development supports to advance that vision. As an organization with over a 100-year history, we have worked hard to build on our long-standing success while also innovating to stay relevant to the needs of today’s youth. We are everything people remember from their days in 4‑H and MORE!!! But we recognize that for many alumni – 4‑H seems frozen in time. And for those who have never participated in 4‑H, we have to work hard to build awareness about who we are and the many things we have to offer. In both cases, we have to be diligent in raising awareness about today’s 4‑H and how we are impacting issues that matter to Illinois.
Can you describe your recent efforts to align your state’s 4‑H marketing efforts with the national 4‑H Grows Engagement Campaign?
LBD: Illinois 4‑H enjoys a robust marketing strategy through our newly-designed website and active social media footprint. We have integrated the “4‑H Grows Here” tag line and messages within our print and online marketing strategies. We have also actively promoted the brand activations, including “Raise Your Hand” and complimented them with local alumni activation events such as a “tell your story” and an alumni t-shirt giveaway at the Illinois State Fair.
The University of Illinois is one of 30 universities that is making a long-term investment in the 4‑H Grows Engagement Campaign to build the brand and raise resources to help grow the 4‑H program and positively impact more kids in the future. Can you tell us more about your marketing and alumni engagement plans in the coming months?
LBD: We have recently created an Illinois Alumni Association that will receive a quarterly e-newsletter communication. With names identified through the national campaign, we hope to see this association continue to grow. We are also working to develop targeted impact stories and press releases that align with the “pillar peak activities” as outlined in the National 4‑H Brand Calendar. In April, for instance, we are organizing 4‑H service activities across the state to promote in conjunction with the 1st annual National 4‑H Day of Service.
Are you satisfied with the progress of this 4‑H partnership and the work to date?
LBD: Our state has a dedicated 4‑H Marketing and Communications Specialist, and prior to this campaign, we had marketing strategies and materials designed specifically for our state. So many of the early tools and support offered as part of the partnership were not immediately applicable. But National 4‑H Council has made an intentional effort to meet with us, listen to our needs, and help identify targeted support that builds on what we’ve already done. In the coming months, we are excited to be working together on two target priorities: 1) an alumni identification campaign in our largest metro area, and 2) designing a statewide marketing campaign to recruit corporate volunteers and mentors.
What are you most excited about as it pertains to this new 4‑H campaign and Illinois 4‑H?
LBD: Illinois initially invested in this national campaign, not because we didn’t already have a marketing specialist, but because we believed that it would strengthen and promote the 4‑H brand. A strong 4‑H brand recognition, positive association, and awareness of today’s 4‑H are outcomes that will benefit us all. I know we all have cases in which we’re talking with an individual and get the opportunity to build awareness about 4‑H. It’s always so satisfying when someone leaves the conversation with the comment, “Wow, I didn’t realize 4‑H offered so much!” This national campaign amplifies those opportunities in a way we could never achieve individually.
