2012 Call for Supplemental Positions

There is a critical need for academic leadership for the 4-H programs in Kings, Fresno and Tulare Counties. The proposed Area 4-H Advisor position should receive the highest priority. Demographics of these counties tell the story of a vast region with low income and high unemployment. A region full of young people with enormous potential, but who instead have high rates of drop out from school and low academic achievement. Positive youth development programs are urgently needed to empower these children and teens (the future of our country), to thrive and contribute to society as they mature into adults.
As each Academic 4-H Advisor in these counties retired, one by one over the past 5 years, conventional 4-H club programs have been managed by full or part time Program Representatives. But that is not enough. Program reps need help and guidance, particularly to:
• Strengthen and expand local programs that benefit youth and families.
• Adopt new programs that improve science literacy.
• Reach out to at-risk youth with programs that improve self esteem and build life skills.
Currently there is support for 4-H from parents and volunteers within each county, but there is great risk of that support eroding away if oversight and leadership is not forthcoming soon. As the mother of 4-H children (now adults), I have witnessed incredible transformations that can take place in a child’s life and in a community because of 4-H programs. I urge you to please support the academic position of Area 4-H Advisor for Kings, Fresno and Tulare and fill it with an exceptionally well qualified individual as soon as possible.

There is a critical need for a 4-H Advisor in Kings, Fresno and Tulare Counties. This position should be of the highest priority. These counties are in need of positive youth development programs so that our youth can thrive and mature into young adults. Presently our 4-H programs are managed by full or part time program representatives. There is not enough time alloted to the program to strengthen and expand existing prgrams. There is not enough time alloted to reach at-risk youth to improve self esteem and build life skills. As the mother of a 4-H child, I have first hand knowledge of the skills and leadership that is provided by 4-H. My child excelled in school and gained confidence to become a positive role model for others from the opportunities she participated in while in 4-H. I have watched other children grow from meeek young children to highly successful young adults. We need to protect the current support for 4-H from existing parents and volunteers from each county. Key leadership is needed to help the 4-H program grow. I urge you to fill the position for an academic position of 4-H Advisor for Kings, Tulare, Fresno Counties as quickly as possible.

As a 4-H alumni who is now a parent of a 4-H member, I feel very strongly about the 4-H Program. I firmly believe that I would not have been successful in life if it had not been for my participation in 4-H. Now, I hope 4-H will provide my daughter with that success as well. My daughter has gained a great amount of confidence, has learned many skills, and is working at becoming a great role model and leader. The 4-H Program has a great influence on youth development and is needed for youth to grow and learn. Hiring a 4-H Advisor in Kings, Fresno, and Tulare counties would be key to the future of the 4-H Program in those counties. Please support the academic advisor for the 4-H Program in Kings, Fresno, and Tulare counties.

As a Community Club Leader I see first hand what benefits the 4-H program offers the children of our counties. Please lend your support to hiring a 4-H advisor for Kings, Tulare and Fresno counties. Our members are our future.

An Academic Advisor would greatly benefit the 4H program. Statistics have shown a continuous decrease in enrollement and retention of our youth and every effort should be made to provide the benifits that 4H provides.