Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Program Article

"Well folks, there is what we have been waiting for from National about the National program reorganization."

National SS Program Reorganization

Posted on: 7/30/2008 From: Jim Hamilton

Well Folks there is what we have been waiting for from National about the National program reorganization. This pretty well defines how things are going to be put together at that level. Please not that the changes are at the national level and other than some scheduling will have little if any impact on the State and local programs. Take care! Jim

National 4-H Shooting Sports Update July 15, 2008 Action Needed: Please nominate candidates or encourage applicants for the National 4-H Shooting Sports Steering Committee and subcommittees– applications will be up by COB today at www.national4-hheadquarters.gov (under 4-H community) – and can be submitted electronically. DEADLINE IS AUGUST 15.

Please consider responding to the call for host institutions for the 2009 professional development workshop and the 2010-2011 invitational. RFA’s will be sent out in September.

2008 Invitational: Thanks to University of Nebraska-Lincoln for hosting the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational, recently held in Grand Island, Nebraska. About 440 young people participated from 29 states, and altogether there were about 1,100 people—including coaches and volunteers. A number of coaches and teams members indicated that the event was well organized and liked the changes implemented this year. UN-L is to be commended for their leadership, thanks especially to Beth Birnstihl, Associate Dean and Steve Pritchard, Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator. Results and photos of the event are posted at http://shootingsports.unl.edu/index.html.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Program Committee—Transition The current committee is being transitioned to a new structure comprised of a small Steering Committee and three subcommittees. We are asking that you nominate individuals, or encourage their application. As part of the application process, applicants will need to submit a letter of support from their State 4-H Program Leader and the approval of their Extension Director. Application forms can be found at www.national4-hheadquarters.gov The current National 4-H Shooting Sports Program Committee which has been providing leadership will dissolve as our system moves to the new structure, we encourage those interested in continuing to serve to submit applications. On behalf of the Extension system, we thank all the staff, faculty, volunteers and others who have served on the Program Committee, their terms will officially end on July 31.

The Steering Committee will include representatives from National 4-H Headquarters, State 4-H Program Leaders, Extension Directors, and 4-H Shooting Sports liaisons. The three subcommittees will focus on (1) events, (2) professional development including hosting the annual training workshop, and (3) program quality. The latter will focus on curriculum development; oversee program reviews and the standards for the programs. The subcommittees may have volunteers and some external partners, the Steering Committee will be Extension staff and faculty.

Events: In the fall, the Steering Committee will release an RFA for the invitational for 2010-2011. The invitational will rotate on 2-year cycles. The 2009 invitational will once again be hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Professional Development: As soon as possible, the Steering Committee will release an RFA for the professional development workshop to be held next spring; the actual training will be developed by the members of the professional development subcommittee, in cooperation with the institution hosting the workshop and National 4-H Headquarters.

Program Quality: The former program committee’s work on the Strategic Plan and the program review process will be recommended for use by this subcommittee. In July, New Mexico State University received a grant from National 4-H Headquarters supported by Fish & Wildlife Services for the development of a new hunting curriculum. As part of the new structure, National 4-H Headquarters will also solicit faculty and staff willing to serve as program reviewers- much like the National 4-H Programs of Distinction review process- and recommends that programs undergo regular reviews.

Funding Support: At National 4-H Council, Roger Olson (rolson@fourhcouncil.edu) provides leadership for fundraising for the National 4-H Shooting Sports program, he has been in close contact with many industry representatives, as well as new potential donors interested in supporting outdoor recreational activities. A restricted account is in place at National 4-H Council, with funds held for the support of National 4-H Shooting Sports activities and programs. In January of 2009, a “Friends of 4-H Shooting Sports” group will be launched, so that donors can stay connected to the program.

Licensing: Western Heritage (4-H Store on the 4-H Shooting Sports website) has been duly authorized and has an active licensing agreement to serve as the official vendor for 4-H Shooting Sports. Proceeds from this agreement will go to the National 4-H Shooting Sports restricted account for program support.

Cathann A. Kress Director, Youth Development National 4-H Headquarters CSREES, USDA 202-690-3009