May 2003 In This Issue... Director's Letter 4-H Information Letter Switching to Online Delivery Congress Remiders Curriculum Updates by Jamison 4-HCCS Design Team Members Needed 4-H Horse Updates 4-H Dog Show Update VA Poultry Federation Contest Results 4-H Pen Pals 2003 Envirothon Participants Tackle Urban Sprawl Best Management Practices for Environmental Field Days Forestry Instructors at 4-H Camp Educational Resources/programs about Trees/Forests Character Counts! Training Opportunities 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament Grant opportunities Wills Can Help Everone Attachments... Calendar of Events The Virginia 4-H Information Letter is produced monthly to disseminate important 4-H information. This is the on-line version. Attachments which are referenced in this newsletter are not available electronically. To obtain copies of the attachments, contact Billie Cline at the address listed Editor: Billie Cline Submissions to be included in the newsletter should be sent to: Billie Cline 107 Hutcheson Hall Virginia Tech (0419) Blacksburg, VA 24061 e-mail: bcline@vt.edu Robert Ray Meadows Associate Director, 4-H

Dear co-workers:

A strategic plan is needed for the Virginia 4-H program. It is imperative that stakeholders are involved in the process of bettering Virginia's 4-H program efforts for the future. I greatly value input from our stakeholders. There are several reasons as to why strategic planning is necessary including:

• Our old 4-H strategic plan (1999-2002) expired in 2002;
• There have been significant organizational and staff developmental changes that have taken place since the previous development in the aftermath of the early retirement of 30% of all 4-H agents. Even prior to the early retirement plan, agents and specialists have been trying to be all things to all people, and are working as if they are compelled to be involved in everything and to be good in everything. It is imperative that we identify and implement a process for addressing the critical youth development programs for 4-H at the unit, district, and state levels;
• Reduced resources and a sense of urgency as to the future of the Virginia 4-H program have greatly impacted the morale and enthusiasm of some 4-H agents, 4-H program assistants, and 4-H volunteers. Because it has become more difficult to fulfill the traditional roles and responsibilities associated with our 4-H positions, we must implement a process for "working smarter" instead of adding too much to a plate of work that is already overfilled;
• Several new agents have been employed with the last year, along with multiple 4-H program assistants to fill vacancies created by the early retirements. Far too many of these staff persons have not received adequate training or monitoring to conduct their jobs as they should. Staff development and motoring are needed to better prepare our staff for quality 4-H programming;
• The demographics of our customers (youth and adults) are changing. Other youth serving organizations (our competition) are emerging and responding more effectively to these changing demographics, the Virginia 4-H program is slow to work with these changes; and,
• The Virginia 4-H program needs to focus on its key strengths. Focused programs get results, and funding sources want and expect impacted-based outcomes.

Strategic Planning is a management tool used for one purpose only--to help an organization to do a better job to 1) focus its energy, 2) to ensure that members of the organization are working toward the same goals; and 3) to assess and adjust the organization's direction in response to a changing environment. Basically, this will be a set of decisions made by the Strategic Planning Committee, with input from other stakeholders, as to what to do, why to do it, and how to do it.

We will be working on a new Virginia 4-H Strategic Plan in the next few weeks. Susan Halbert, former State 4-H Leader for Alaska and the Executive Vice-President of the National 4-H Council, will be serving as our facilitator. The input from all stakeholders is important and needed. I look forward to working with all 4-H stakeholders with our new plan.

Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H

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4-H Information Letter Switching to On-Line Delivery

To reduce printing/mailing costs, as well as save trees, we are trying to reduce the number of hard copies that are printed and mailed.

A 4-H Listserv has been created to allow persons to subscribe to receive monthly reminders as soon as the newest edition of the Information Letter is on line. Once subscribed to the listserve, you will no longer receive hard copies of the Information Letter. (Anyone may subscribe to this service, so please pass the word to volunteers/donors/etc who would like to keep up with 4-H news.)

To subscribe to this reminder service, click on http://info.ag.vt.edu/vce/4hnewsletter/index.cfm and fill in your name and email address. You may simply unsubscribe when you wish to be removed from this service. Questions or comments should be mailed to bcline@vt.edu

(Billie Cline)

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CONGRESS REMINDERS

1. As part of the 4-H Congress Opening Assembly, we are asking each unit to bring a County flag and to select a delegate to be your flag bearer for the Unit Flag Processional in Burruss Hall. See the Agent's Congress Information packet for more details.
2. Schedule a unit orientation session for your delegates and adult volunteers prior to Congress. Well prepared delegates make for a more enjoyable experience for them and less headaches for you.
3. Review campaign speeches and other campaign material of any candidates from your unit that are running for state 4-H offices.
4. June is Dairy Month 4-H Poster Contest - Encourage participation. Cash prizes available to state winners. See the Agent's Congress Information packet for more details.
5. Congress Food Drive - Each unit is challenged to bring at least 2 cans of food for each member of its delegation. This food will serve as our Congress-wide community service project.
6. 4-H members and volunteers driving cars to Congress are to park in the lot adjacent lot. Parking instructions and permits may be picked up at check-in. 4-H members are not to drive during the week.

(Joseph R. Hunnings)

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Curriculum Update by Kathleen Jamison

• The Pet Pals curriculum has arrived for each unit. Negotiations for training with Dr. McCabe are in progress. She can't come to each district, but is willing to do a one-time training to complete the publications process. .To expedite the training process and to get the curriculum in hand asap, I would need two volunteers from each district who would be interested in being trainers for the rest of their district at a regularly scheduled district meeting. I would be available to assist where schedules work or would prepare district liaisons to be ready to assist. Please contact me if you are interested in being trained: jamisonk@vt.edu.
• Digging Down and Growing Up. Cloverbud If you have not been trained in this curriculum and would like it sent, please contact me: jamisonk@vt.edu
• Marvelous Meat, 6-8 Grades. Currently in final revision stages, printing in winter, 2003.
• Money Management, K-12. Currently being piloted throughout the state. Final revision and printing in late fall, 2003.
• Citizenship School Enrichment. Currently being piloted throughout the state. Final revision and printing in late fall, 2003.
• "Caring for Children I (Before Babysitting)" age 9-11. Copies are in the distribution center. Caring for Children II (Babysitting Basics) is being reviewed and should be printed Spring 2004..
• Adventures with Insects. First draft revision process. Final revision and printing, Spring, 2003.

Congress Competitions
Reminder: Competitions will follow the Danish Awards System (Blue: 90-100; Red: 75-89; White: 74 and below). An overall 1st place blue ribbon winner in each category will receive a medal.

Review the revised score sheets for presentations, public speaking, and Share the Fun at: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/contests/competition.html

Product Premier: 4HCCS, Galaxy Pre-conference
There are three spaces left for state paid curriculum training at 4HCCS Product Premier, Galaxy on Friday, afternoon, September 19th and Saturday, September 20th. Areas of training listed at: http://www.n4hccs.org/. Contact jamisonk@vt.edu if interested.

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4-HCCS Call for Design Team Members

PRIORITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW 4-H EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS 2004-6
From a National Survey of State Curriculum Contacts and NYDC
Key: M = mean, on a 5 point scale; VH = Number of states rating topic Very High; H = Number of states rating topic High
Preferred format for materials indicated in second line.

Introductory 4-H Projects M =4.0, 18 VH, 7 H
Leaders Manual = 19, Workbooks = 10, Web = 8
35% of 4-H youth, 2,391,415 youth, are in grades K-3. Of these, perhaps half do not return after their first 4-H experience. While the Cloverbuds materials from Ohio are excellent for the youngest 4-H participants, there appears to be a compelling need for a leader¼s manual for use with youth 8-10, both in traditional Clubs, and in After School settings. The principal intent of these materials should be to help kids understand 4-H, and "feel like 4-H'ers." This set of materials for leaders will focus on fun, hands-on activities to familiarize K-3 kids with the kinds of opportunities 4-H can offer them. It is like the introductory Survey courses in college. It needs to help kids learn to work within experiential learning cycles, and become a contributing member of a group.

Community Service and Service Learning M = 3.8, 11 VH, 16 H
Leaders Manual = 17, Workbooks = 12, Web = 11
Community Service is one of the "trademarks" of 4-H. Through community service opportunities, youth better understand their community and its needs. Youth learn to think of themselves as people that make a difference in the world around them. It is a perfect vehicle for meaningful youth/adult partnerships. This Leaders Manual can help make community service a meaningful learning opportunity, an opportunity to shape values, as well as a contribution to the community. Further, it should include reproducible planning and reflection materials to help make Community Service into a well-planned Service Learning experience that contributes meaningfully to the development of the participating youth.

Lifetime Fitness and Nutrition M = 3.8, 10 VH, 14 H
Workbooks = 22, leaders Manual = 9, Web = 13
Some 15% of US youth are now obese, and the percentage is rising. The habits of a lifetime are formed in youth, and the avocational activities learned in youth largely determine what the adult and senior citizen will do for fun. Youth who develop skills and learn to enjoy lifetime fitness activities, and gain a solid knowledge of nutrition principles are much less likely to ever experience obesity. This series needs to focus on the fun and skills of lifetime fitness activities, through youth workbooks supported by an interactive website. We are in hopes that this design team can be part of a consortium of lgu s who apply for some of the $8 Million in CSREES funds available to research and extend information on preventing obesity.

Workforce Preparation M = 3.7, 7 VH, 16 H
Web = 13, Leaders Manual = 13, Workbooks = 10
Today, all youth need to prepare themselves to join the workforce. Yet only 1% of 4-H participants presently are involved in career exploration and employability. One focus of this series needs to be on really understanding one's own traits, preferences and interests, probably through interactive web-based instruments and experiences. Youth also need to know the kinds of preparation needed for various careers, and the rewards likely in each. The series should help participating youth choose other 4-H opportunities to sample the kinds of skills they will need, for the careers they want. It is highly likely that many if not most of the series can utilize already existing web resources. N4HCCS Point of Contact:

Speaking, Radio, TV M = 3.6, 8 VH, 14 H Web = 19, Workbooks = 6, Leaders Guide = 1
Interactive web or CD-ROM is a new medium for helping youth hone their speaking skills, but perhaps an ideal one, because youth can hear the techniques they are trying to master, and gain them by successive approximation. Properly done, this should be a companion piece to the 4HCCS Communications written materials. Currently, 350,177 4-H youth are in Speaking, Radio and TV, so the potential for this topic is quite large.

Robotics M = 3.3, 5 VH, 12 H
Web = 13, Workbook = 13, Leaders Guide = 8
Already, here and there around the country, 4-H groups are actively involved in Lego Mindstorm and First Robotics groups. They and their leaders are hugely enthusiastic about the experience. The kinds and depth of learning available are most impressive. This robotics curriculum should be a guide to how interested 4-H groups can become involved in robotics, and the kinds of existing opportunities available. The "spin" for 4-H will be the focus on developing Life Skills as one learns about and builds robots. High tech/high touch.

Dog Obedience M = 3.2, 4 VH, 11 H
Workbook = 14, Leaders Guide = 11, Web 6
115,149 4-H youth had Dog projects last year. All of them would be candidates for Dog Obedience training. Many opportunities already exist through AKC and other groups for taking part in dog obedience competitions (for those who choose to compete). Another opportunity is in raising Guide Dog Puppies, Assist dogs, or Pet Pals dogs socialized for nursing home pet therapy. This is an ideal learning-by-doing project. And it adds depth to our existing Dog series. N4HCCS Point of Contact:

Remote Sensing GPS, GIS - M = 3.0, 2 VH, 10 H Web = 18, Workbook = 12, Leaders Guide = 8Reports are that 4-H groups in ND, MD, OR, and a number of other states are using global positioning technology as part of Science Ed, Outdoor Ed, and even Ag Technology, and find it very interesting to youth. Six states now have Extension Remote Sensing Specialists. The 4-H Tech Teams plan on featuring the technology at their conference this summer. An industry group is expressing interest in supporting the development of educational materials for youth. This may be an ideal topic to try out the notion of a website (or CD-ROM ) with a registration fee.

Topic of Your Choice! 4-HCCS will review all pre-proposals, regardless of topic or source of proposal, against the same criteria. (See the RFP on the website for the criteria and points possible). Often an unexpected (and unsolicited) topic presents such a compelling case that it is funded. 4-HCCS is particularly interested in innovative educational delivery. Interactive web-based or CD-ROM , video, or other components to the curriculum are encouraged. ALL proposals accepted this year must include a supporting webpage, with reference materials, hotlinks to other good sites, etc. The webpage can be hosted on the 4-HCCS website.

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4-H Horse Updates

Please spread the word about the new Art Contest at the state 4-H Horse show...open to 4-hers to draw an "entry" for the horse show...details forthcoming on the web..

I would like input on the number of rule books your county usually needs. With a good response to this request, we could avoid throwing away so very many copies as I did last year! I appreciate your input and hope that your spring activities are going well.

(Julia McCann)

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4-H Dog Show Update

In addition to "showing" activities there will be non-dog related activities on the grounds also. Primitive overnight camping facilities are available on the grounds for interested participants.

Cost for the show is $15.00 per person and that includes lunch.

Details of the show and classes will be on the 4-H website in early June. Be sure to check the site for all the information.. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/companimal/index.html

(Gwen Anderson)

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VA POULTRY FEDERATION CONTEST RESULTS

Division I - Intermediate 4-H

TOP FIVE TEAMS:
1st Place team -	Culpeper/Madison	2951
2nd Place team -	Loudoun	2902

TOP TEN INDIVIDUALS:
	Name	Team	Score
1st -	Amanda Hibl	Culpeper/Madison	1101
2nd -	Sarah Dunlap	Loudoun	1047
3rd -	Robert Hilton	Culpeper/Madison	1027
4th -	Kelby Sengpiehl	Loudoun	1017
5th -	Sarah Dye	Culpeper/Madison	975
6th -	Theresa Hibl	Culpeper/Madison	949
7th -	Laura Gaylord	Loudoun	838
8th -	Samantha Parris	Culpeper/Madison	828

Division I - Senior Division TOP FIVE TEAMS:
1st Place team -	Fairfax Co.	3864
2nd Place team -	Culpeper/Madison Co.	3688
3rd Place team -	Faquier Co.	3418
4th Place team -	Grayson Co.	3379

TOP TEN INDIVIDUALS:
	Name	Team	Score
1st -	James Galante	Fairfax	1315
2nd -	Rochelle Zarzar	Farifax	1310
3rd -	Jessica Barker	Culpeper/Madison	1254
4th -	Lisa Gollobin	Fairfax	1239
5th -	Patrick DeVine	Grayson	1224
6th -	Nicole Barker	Culpeper/Madison	1217
7th -	Stephen Sides	Culpeper/Madison	1217
8th -	Sara Lilly	Fairfax	1217
9th -	Brenna Jewell	Faquier	1180
10th -	Lauren Knight	Fairfax	1175

Division I - Junior FFA

TOP FIVE TEAMS:
1st Place team -	Sherando	3919
2nd Place team -	Fort Defiance	3622
3rd Place team -	Stonewall Jackson	3513
4th Place team -	Peter Muhlenberg	3512
5th Place team -	Central	3440

TOP TEN INDIVIDUALS:
	Name	Team	Score
1st -	Stephen Gregory	Sherando	1313
2nd -	Justin Brabson	Sherando	1310
3rd -	Steven Thomas	Sherando	1296
4th -	Dana Gochenour	Peter Muhlenberg	1245
5th -	J J White	Fort Defiance	1230
6th -	S J Borden	Fort Defiance	1217
7th -	Adam Heishman	Central	1207
8th -	Thomas Liskey	Montevideo	1204
9th -	Emily Ritchie	Stonewall Jackson	1197
10th -	Molly Frazier	Stonewall Jackson	1189

Division II - Senior FFA

TOP FIVE TEAMS:
1st Place team -	Central	4001
2nd Place team -	Sherando	3938
3rd Place team -	Spotswood A	3934
4th Place team -	Fort Defiance	3879
5th Place team -	Broadway	3869

TOP TEN INDIVIDUALS:
	Name	Team	Score
1st -	Kristin Carr	Fort Defiance	1458
2nd -	Charles Lauck	Sherando	1402
3rd -	Bryan Henschen	Sherando	1393
4th -	Paul Burgess	Broadway	1392
5th -	Eugene Sager	Central	1369
6th -	Kymberly Hammer	Spotswood A	1365
7th -	Patrick Hogan	Sherando (ALT)	1342
8th -	Mandy George	Central	1334
9th -	John Funkhouser	Stonewall Jackson	1323
10th -	Joshua Stephens	Central	1316

I would like to thank all the supporters of the Youth Convention - Pilgrims Pride, Tysons, Perdue, Georges, Cargill and Glenwood Farms. Rockingham Poultry Servicemen's Committee sponsored the judging contest awards again this year.

Special thanks to the USDA Graders Service and Virginia Tech Extension Poultry Specialists and students for helping set-up the contest and serving as official.

(Curtis Novak, Poultry Extension Specialist)

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4-H Pen Pals

(Allan T. Smith, National 4-H Director)

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Author, Author
DMMS Students Write Books for Kindergartners in Jamaica

Tommy the turtle wanted to win the town's annual race and would do anything to win, even consulting his rival, Speedy the rabbit.

But, in the end, it was hard work and determination that enabled Tommy to defeat Speedy at the finish line.

After the race Tommy was known as "the fastest turtle in town," Tyler Tyler, 11, said as he held up the final picture in his book for the first-grade students to see.

Wert, a sixth-grader at Daniel Morgan Middle School, was reading a book he had written and illustrated to first-graders at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School.

He was one of about 20 sixth-graders who recently read their books.

Not only did the attentive first-graders get to hear and see the books, but kindergartners in Jamaica will also benefit from the hard work of the DMMS sixth-graders.

English Language Arts teacher Beth Huddleston said the book-writing project stemmed from a visit by Claudine Beckford during the first part of the school year.

Beckford, from Jamaica, spent the first few weeks of the school year observing Huddleston's classes as part of a 4-H exchange program.

Huddleston said during the time that Beckford was here the sixth-graders took a deep interest in her culture and in Jamaica.

The students, Huddleston said, looked up information about Jamaica so they could better understand and connect to what Beckford was telling them about her country.

Since the students took such an interest, Huddleston said she and Beckford wanted to find a way to connect their classrooms.

Pen pals wouldn't be possible because Beckford taught kindergartners. That's when Huddleston thought about having her students create books for Beckford's students.

After Beckford left for Jamaica, Huddleston said she started teaching her students what goes into a children's book.

She said they had to cover what is age appropriate for kindergartners and explain that culture differences may require more explanation for the kindergarten students.

For example, instead of saying that a Hummer is a vehicle, the students would need to draw a picture of one so the kindergartners would know what type of vehicle it is.

In addition, she said the students learned that children's books rely on bright colors and pictures, easy words, and some type of academic or life lesson.

To help her students write books that could easily be understood by kindergartners, Huddleston consulted a local kindergarten teacher and received a word list that kindergartners would probably know by the end of the school year.

The sixth-grade students then brought in their favorite children's books to share with the class and to discuss why that book was their favorite.

From there, Huddleston said, the students started writing and illustrating their books, using the kindergarten word list.

During the writing process, the students consulted one another and performed a lot of peer editing to make sure the kindergartners would be able to understand the book and its theme.

When the books were finished, one student had the idea to use desktop publishing software to complete the books.

After this process was completed, one of the student's father had the books bound free of charge at Berryville Graphics, Huddleston said.

Two copies of the books were made, one to send to Jamaica, and the other for the students to keep.

Huddleston said she has sent the sixth-graders' books to Beckford, but hasn't yet heard from her because her village doesn't have telephones and Internet access is limited.

Since the students wouldn't be able to read their books to the Jamaican kindergartners, Huddleston took them to Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School.

Curtis Taylor, 12, read his book "The Adventures of Bun" to the students.

He said his book was about a bear that eats too much candy and gets a stomachache.

While writing, Curtis said, he tried to steer away from larger words.

But, he said he's been getting used to expanding his vocabulary and cutting back was a challenge.

Hallie Feingold, 12, said her book "The Saddle Mystery" focused on teaching students animal noises.

The book centers on a horse whose saddle is missing. The horse goes around the farm and talks to various animals asking if they have seen his saddle.

Another student, Elizabeth Killmer, 12, said her book was about a mouse with a short tail that didn't like others with long tails, but then grows a long tail.

Elizabeth said she liked writing the book because she enjoys writing things such as essays and speeches.

(David R. Winston)

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Best Management Practices for Environmental Field Days

1. Provide clear learning goals and objectives
2. Develop a theme for the field day
3. Use appropriate teaching methods
4. Support behavior change
5. Prepare the players
6. Develop and implement regular program evaluation and assessment

(Jeff Kirwan and Barry Fox)

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Forestry Instructors at 4-H Camp

(Jeff Kirwan)

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Educational Resources & Programs About Trees & Forests

AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Project Learning Tree materials
www.plt.org - overview of whole program
www.cnr.vt.edu/plt - Virginia SOL correlations & resources to support PLT activities

Virginia Department of Forestry website - http://www.dof.state.va.us
Common Trees of Virginia - available from on-line store
Virginia Reader - http://www.dof.state.va.us/resources/fire-Va-Reader-01-03.pdf
Discover the Urban Forest Activity Book
Virtual Tour of the Forest - http://www.dof.state.va.us/vr/index.shtml
http://www.dof.state.va.us/coned/index.shtml - lots of links here

Virginia Cooperative Extension - http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/eenr.html

Forests Forever CD - distributed by Virginia Forestry Association http://www.vaforestry.org

Georgia-Pacific Educational in Nature http://www.gp.com/EducationalinNature/

International Paper http://www.internationalpaper.com/our_world/learning/index.html
www.treedonia.com - Virtual tour of a southern forest
www.iplifeoftheforest.com - Life of the Forest poster set
www.loveatree.net/intro.html

Virginia Love a Tree boxes http://www.deq.state.va.us/education/loveatree.html

Griffith Lumber Company website - http://www.griffithlumber.net/

General Pencil Company website - http://www.generalpencil.com/
How a Pencil Is Made (can order kits, too)
Anatomy of a Pencil

National Arbor Day Foundation games (Treelionnaire and Treevial Pursuit) http://www.arborday.org/programs/teachingYouth.html

American Forests website - National Big Tree List, Sprawl, Climate Change http://www.americanforests.org/resources/

American Forest and Paper Association fact sheets - http://www.afandpa.org/
click on "Educators & Students" or "Kids & Educators" look for "Tools for Educators" list

Temperate Forest Foundation resources: videos, cool facts, teacher tours http://www.forestinfo.org/ click on åDiscover" or "Teachers"

Society of American Foresters http://wwwsafnet.org/educate/educators.htm
Walk in the Forest Handbook http://www.safnet.org/educate/WIFbooklet2002.pdf

Pollution Solutions - http://www.deq.state.va.us/education/polsul/
Litter prevention and recycling activities for Virginia educators

Virginia Naturally "Teachers and Students" page http://www.vanaturally.com/teachers.html

2001 Love-a-Tree Environmental Education Activity Book Virginia's Natural Resources Education Guide Educator's Guide To Planning a Field Day Event Environmental Education Directory

EXISTING PROGRAMS

Virginia Naturally - http://www.vanaturally.com
Become a partner: no fee, access to timely information such as when to order Love a Tree boxes and when grants are available

Virginia Naturally School Recognition Program - http://www.dgif.state.va.us/education/VAN_school_recognition.html
Check out the list of participating schools

Virginia Classroom Grants - http://www.vanaturally.com/grants.html

Holiday Lake Forestry Camp - June 16-21, nominations are due April 21 http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/camp/

Youth Conservation Camp - July 13-19 http://www.vaswcd.org/youthcamp.htm

Envirothon - http://www.vaswcd.org/envirothon.htm

Arbor Day - http://www.arborday.org

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CHARACTER COUNTS! Training Opportunities

• One hour CC! Awareness programs (no charge)
• One- hour Pursuing Victory with Honor (sports ethics) awareness programs for school or community athletic programs. (no charge)
• One-day Training program on CHARACTER COUNTS! for school personnel, and/or other youth serving organizations. This program would be on a cost recovery basis, usually in the neighborhood of $125 per person which would include CC! curriculum materials, Good Ideas Book, 1 meal, and refreshments.

Contact Joe Hunnings to discuss your needs and for scheduling a program.

(Joseph R. Hunnings)

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4-H Foundation Golf Tournament

For more information contact fourhbarnett@vt.edu (Information Flyer w/registration form is attached)

(Cindy Barnett)

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Grant opportunities

Deadline(s): July 15, 2003

Eligibility: Nonprofits or a consortium of a nonprofit and a local education agency.

Contact: Daisy Greenfield, US Department of Education, OII, School Support and Technology Programs, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3E307, FB-6, Washington, DC 20202-6100, (202)260-0971; Fax: (202)205-5870; Email: daisy.greenfield@ed.gov

Administration for Children & Families
Several programs fall under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Grants. They are the Basic Center Program, Transitional Living Program, Street Outreach Program and Positive Youth Development State and Local Collaboration Demonstration Projects. While each program has its own requirements, they are due on the same date.

Deadline(s): June 9, 2003

Eligibility: State and local governments, private non-profit agencies, tribal organizations, and community and faith based organizations.

Contact: Dorothy Pittard, Administration for Children & Families, (202)205-8102. Federal Register, 4/8 p17045.

National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Grants up to $5,000 will be awarded through the Nature of Learning start-up grants. Projects seeking funding should promote awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of local conservation efforts.

Deadline(s): June 30, 2003

Eligibility: Collaborative partnerships that include schools or nonprofits and local National Wildlife Refuges.

Contact: Halle Enyedy, NFWF, 1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036-3951; Email henyedy@keystone.org; Internet www.nfwf.org/programs/tnol/htm

National Geographic Society Education Foundation
The Venture Grants support nontraditional education projects that engage children in understanding and celebrating cultural differences; developing geographic concepts and skills; and conserving the environment. Typically grants range from $100,000 to $200,000 each.

Deadline(s): August 11, 2003

Eligibility: Institutions that provide nontraditional education programs. Priority will be given to proposals that include matching funds.

Contact: National Geographic Society Education foundation 1145 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036-4688, (202)857-7186 or (800)638-6400 extension 7186; Email venturefund@ngs.org

Internet: www.nationalgeographic.com/foundation.

Target Corporation
Grants provided by this corporate giver support projects involving the arts, education, or family violence prevention. Awards are typically from $1,000 to $5,000 each. Applications may be submitted at any local Target store.

Deadlines(s): July 31, 2003.

Eligibility: US Schools or organizations that are classified as a tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the IRS code.

Contact: Target Corporation, Corporate Giving Program, 1000 Nicollet Avenue South, TPS-3080, Minneapolis, MN 55403, (612)696-6098; Internet: www.target.com/target_group/community/community_main.jhtml

Oracle Help Us Help Foundation
Computers are available for programs that provide educational programs in low-income communities. Available are new internet appliances, laser printers, and related equipment.

Deadline(s): August 31, 2003

Eligibility: K-12 public and charter schools that provide subsidized lunches to fifty percent of elementary students and thirty-five percent of middle and high school students as well as nonprofit and tribally affiliated youth groups that serve mostly low income youth.

Contact: Oracle Help Us Help Corporation, 500 Oracle Parkway LGN2, Redwood Shores, CA 94065, (866)600-HELP(4357); Email: HelpUsHelp_us@oracle.com; Internet: www.helpushelp.org.

Edward W. Hazen Foundation
A total of $2 million will be awarded annually to programs that focus on middle and high school youths in rural and urban low-income and minority communities. The goal of this program is to promote youth organizations and leadership development around social issues that are important to young people and the larger community.

Deadline(s): Letters of inquiry are accepted year-round. Applications will be sent to those who are invited to apply.

Eligibility: Federally tax-exempt nonprofits.

Contact: Letters of inquiry should be sent to President, Edward W. Hazen Foundation, 309 Fifth Avenue, Room 200-3, New York, NY 10016; Email: hazen@hazenfoundation.org; Internet: www.hazenfoundation.org.

(Jewel Hairston)

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Wills Can Help Everyone

Maybe you can't imagine family and strangers trying to determine, "Is this what he/she would have wanted?" But even those who know you the best may not fully know all your intentions, feelings, values, commitments. These things can be documented with a will.

You want to be fair to your loved ones. Without a will, the state will decide what should be done, and it may be unfair.

When you write a will, you do two things: You determine the distribution of your estate and keep the state out of your affairs.

Also, you can consider the circumstances of each beneficiary. You do what is fair in your eyes. Equal distribution among children may seem fair to some; to others, it seems fairer to consider the circumstances. You have the choice to do for each as it seems fitting.

You have been a careful steward of all life has given you. Writing a will gives you the opportunity to continue giving back as you financially support programs like 4-H and other charities in which you believe.

The Dangers of Not Having a Will This story is based upon facts in several cases, but the names have been changed. Sally's husband died unexpectedly at age 50. He had no will. The laws in the state where he lived called for the estate to be equally divided between the children and spouse. In this case, the estate was split between Sally and the daughter, who was a young adult.

The daughter got what liquid assets she was entitled to by law and then demanded that sally sell the family home so she could have her share. Sally, who wanted to continue living in her home, refused. A family feud followed which lasted many years, causing undue emotional pain. Unfortunately, Sally's story is typical of those who have been left without a completed estate plan.

Sometimes expensive litigation used to settle estates consumes what others could be enjoying. Many families have been deeply divided because of the squabbles caused when family members try to settle things themselves. Refusing to make a will can have disastrous effects upon your survivors.

Benefits of Carefully Planning Your Will

• Doing things your way, and gaining peace of mind.
• Removing the burden from those in grief.
• Structuring your estate to take care of your loved ones in the manner you deem appropriate.
• Making gifts to friends.
• Preserving your estate.
• Avoiding excessive taxes and legal fees.
• Continuing to support the charities you have cherished.
• Providing for unforeseen circumstances.
• Selecting the guardian for your children.

Using Trusts in Conjunction With a Will There are good reasons to use your will to create trusts using your estate assets. Trusts can help you avoid estate taxes and preserve your estate. Trusts frequently are used to make special provisions for spouses and/or children when there are second marriages.

Sometimes trusts should be established and assets transferred while you are living. These trusts also ensure privacy since they are not probated in court and have no public record. When these trusts involve charitable gifts, they frequently can increase your income and provide more benefit for your family.

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