I worked as a para professional in our school district for years and in that time we helped kids make connections; connections from themselves to books, other kids and the world. This helped the kids to realize that a connection is something that personalizes a situation or event.
Lately all of the local and national talk has been about the upcoming elections. Vote for me because
.. Ill do a better job than
Although important to our community, country and world, Id like to take a few moments of your time to make a few connections with 4-H and our children.
Just like election day in November, 4-H too has elections, however, once a year. Our president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter and parliamentarian are voted into individual 4-H clubs and our County 4-H Council. Like other elections, our kids are nominated to these offices. They give reasons why they should and could be a good officer and what they offer that office position. Following Parliamentary Procedures, it is a vote that counts for the good of the club and council.
4-H teaches life skills to our 4-H members like respect of themselves and others, accountability and the importance of finishing what you start, a code of conduct that raises our children to higher standards. Its not about the bashing of one another but a promotion of kids and the abilities inside each one of them.
The 4-H Motto is To Make the Best Better. 4-H is committed to creating a better community for everyone. Because our community is so giving of support to the 4-H Program, our service back is a way we can say thank you. Raising money for women to receive free mammograms, donate food for needy families, collecting over 150 pounds of pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House are just a few examples of how 4-H makes connections to our community, our country and our world.
Statistically, 4-Hers excel in school and the sciences. Young people in 4-H have better grades and are more engaging in school, they are more likely to go to college and pursue future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The 4-H Pledge is: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health for better living, for my club my community my country and my world. I cannot think of a better connection of a child to 4-H and to their world. I hope that you consider enrolling your child in the Montezuma County 4-H Program to see what connections your family may create.
For more information, please call the Colorado State University, Montezuma County Extension Office at 565-3123.
Tonya Yates is the Montezuma County 4-H Program Coordinator