4-H Youth Conservation Council (4-HYCC)

What’s in it for you? What’s in it for you? Network with other youth (ages 13-19), adult and peer mentors, agency professionals and government officialsNetwork with other youth (ages 13-19), adult and peer mentors, agency professionals and government officials Increase knowledge of science, natural resource management, social science, political science and economicsIncrease knowledge of science, natural resource management, social science, political science and economics Investigate environmental issues and identify solutionsInvestigate environmental issues and identify solutions Increase knowledge in using the Internet and computer technology as an educational toolIncrease knowledge in using the Internet and computer technology as an educational tool Explore careers and build your resumeExplore careers and build your resume Improve presentation skillsImprove presentation skills Improve research skillsImprove research skills Gain self-confidence and group work and processing skillsGain self-confidence and group work and processing skills Enhance youth commitment to environmentalEnhance youth commitment to environmental stewardship & citizenship

Work hard, play hard! The 4-HYCC program includes: Recreational activitiesRecreational activities TeambuildingTeambuilding Energizers Energizers Field trips Field trips New friendshipsNew friendships Youth and adult Youth and adult partnerships- empowering teens! Overnight retreatsOvernight retreats

How you can make a difference as a 4-HYCC teen? Select a conservation issue as a groupSelect a conservation issue as a group Research the issue individually and as a team: using Internet, written resources, field trips, hands-on activities, guest speakers and moreResearch the issue individually and as a team: using Internet, written resources, field trips, hands-on activities, guest speakers and more Prepare a group written report & electronic slide show presentationPrepare a group written report & electronic slide show presentation Give testimony to local and state government officials: County Commissioners, Township Board, School Board, or State Legislators.Give testimony to local and state government officials: County Commissioners, Township Board, School Board, or State Legislators. Give presentations on the researched issue to other community groupsGive presentations on the researched issue to other community groups Plan and implement local conservation projects related to your selected issuePlan and implement local conservation projects related to your selected issue

Choosing Your Issue What environmental issues are important to our community residents, local government and natural resource agencies?What environmental issues are important to our community residents, local government and natural resource agencies? What topics interest the 4-HYCC teens and where they can make an impact?What topics interest the 4-HYCC teens and where they can make an impact? Select 3 priority topics to learn more about by utilizing guest speakers and field trips.Select 3 priority topics to learn more about by utilizing guest speakers and field trips. Group discussion & voting to select one final topic/issue to research.Group discussion & voting to select one final topic/issue to research.

Break Down Your Issue Write a focus statementWrite a focus statement Identify aspects of the research topic for small group and individual research to totally involve everyone on the councilIdentify aspects of the research topic for small group and individual research to totally involve everyone on the council

Research Your Issue MeetingsMeetings –Guest speakers on topic –Sharing research with others –Field trips and hands-on activities Interviews:Interviews: –Businesses, organizations, associations and interested citizens, –Experts: --government agencies personnel & resources InternetInternet BooksBooks Asking questions and sharing information using , & other technologyAsking questions and sharing information using , & other technology

Learning About Your Government Study the structure and purpose of the governing boardStudy the structure and purpose of the governing board Attend a government meetingAttend a government meeting Write a letter or call a government official and ask about conservation issues that exist in your local communityWrite a letter or call a government official and ask about conservation issues that exist in your local community Make an appointment to visit with a government official at his/her office or after a meetingMake an appointment to visit with a government official at his/her office or after a meeting

Putting it all together! Arrange a date with the government board for the 4-H YCC presentation/testimonyArrange a date with the government board for the 4-H YCC presentation/testimony Each youth member writes a research report with bibliography & end notesEach youth member writes a research report with bibliography & end notes The reports are combined into a complete Council report with an intro, conclusion and summary of recommendationsThe reports are combined into a complete Council report with an intro, conclusion and summary of recommendations A minute oral presentation is created with an electronic slide show, and each member gives a one minute report of their researchA minute oral presentation is created with an electronic slide show, and each member gives a one minute report of their research

Keep the Fun Going! Participate in other 4-H learning opportunities:Participate in other 4-H learning opportunities: –4-H Capitol Experience –4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resource Camp –4-H Communications Day –4-H Exploration Days –And More Celebrate with an awards programCelebrate with an awards program

Get Involved in Community Service Projects! Water quality monitoringWater quality monitoring Community recyclingCommunity recycling Tree plantingTree planting Litter pickupLitter pickup Teens teaching othersTeens teaching others Wildlife surveysWildlife surveys Community presentationsCommunity presentations And much more…And much more…

Why join a 4-H youth conservation council? 4-H Youth Conservation Council Improve leadership skills Meet new friends Research environmental issues Participate in youth led community service project Present to local government officials Good preparation for college and future careers

Two Ways to Get Involved in a 4-H Youth Conservation Council Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council State-wideState-wide State-level issuesState-level issues State governmentState government Meetings at Kettunen CenterMeetings at Kettunen Center Visit website for application & information-Visit website for application & information- uth/m4hycc.html uth/m4hycc.html Give presentations atGive presentations at state and county 4-H workshops and local community events County-based 4-H Youth Conservation Council Local community Local issues County, township, school or city government Meetings at a location close to your home Ask you county 4-H Program staff about forming or joining a council in your local area Plan & implement local community service projects