Ashley: Hello and thank you all for viewing our 2025-2026 volunteer update!
As always, thank you so much for all you do. Volunteering is a special kind of public service, and we appreciate your dedication and your contribution. 4-H wouldn’t be here without you! Thank you for taking the time to invest in the lives of youth in our community.
I would like to start by introducing myself. I am Ashley Hall, associate professor with Washington State University, and your Snohomish County 4-H faculty!
Beth: I’m Beth Wangen, she/her pronouns, and I am your 4-H volunteer coordinator.
Kim: I’m Kim Baker; I’m the 4-H program coordinator. And I’d also like to introduce Helen, whom you’ve probably all spoken with on the phone. Helen is our 4-H office coordinator.
Beth: Before we dive in, let’s take just a moment to reflect and appreciate. What is something that you personally enjoy in 4-H? I love watching the youth present their best public presentations at fair. They always choose such interesting topics, and their presentations are truly impressive. Kim, what do you enjoy?
Kim: What I really appreciate about 4-H, or what I really enjoy is watching the light turn on for a member. Where they’re learning something for the first time, or something clicks for them, and they get very excited about what’s happening for them, or how they might see themselves in their future.
How about you, Ashley?
Beth: So, take a moment to reflect on what YOU enjoy in 4-H! If you’re with someone, pause the video and share with each other what makes you smile in the 4-H program.
Kim: Alright, for our agenda today, we’re going to cover some policy reminders, conflict and other uncomfortable situations, what all 4-H members should do, and give you some dates that you can remember for your calendar.
Beth: Let’s start with some policy reminders. A common question I get is, “Why hasn’t my enrollment been approved?”
You are a responsible volunteer. (slide) You know you need to re-enroll at the start of the 4-H year, so you can help out as an official 4-H volunteer, wear your name badge, help supervise youth, etc. So you make your way to 4-H Online (slide) The login screen looks like this.
You log in and re-enroll. [Insert graphic of two hands dusting each other off.] You’re done, right?
(Slide) Your club leader announces at the next meeting who the enrolled volunteers are. You wait for your name, in proud anticipation. But your name is not called! (slide) What happened?
After the meeting, you ask your club leader (slide) what your status is on their report. There are a few reasons why your enrollment may not be approved yet. (slide)
If your status is “incomplete,” just log in again and finish the enrollment. You didn’t quite make it all the way to the “submit” button. (slide)
If your status is “Awaiting Review,” it could be that
- I just haven’t seen your enrollment yet, in order to approve it. OR
- Maybe your background check is expiring, and you’ll need to renew it. If this is the case, I will send you an e-mail with the instructions.
- Another reason why your enrollment may not be approved is if you did not complete the latest required training last year: “Protection and Safety of Minors.” If so, I will send you an e-mail. If you know you haven’t completed it yet, you can find the instructions at (slide) https://extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/protection-safety-minors-ep-14/
Here is a screenshot showing what that page looks like:
(Slide) And here’s that address. If you prefer a visual landmark, look for this “Volunteer Education” button on our homepage.
- Finally, (Slide) it could be that you have not completed the entry-level steps to become a certified 4-H volunteer in the first place. If this is you, and you have submitted an enrollment in 4-H Online, I will send you an e-mail with your next steps.
When in doubt, please ask me, Beth Wangen. I am more than happy to give you your next steps.
Kim, what’s next?
Thank you, Beth.
Flyers are a great way to let people know about what’s happening in 4-H and we know you put a lot of effort into advertising opportunities for our youth, so we wanted to take a moment to be sure everyone knows the elements that should be included, particularly in the public-facing materials we produce for 4-H.
SLIDE Here is a checklist that has an old flyer on it to help illustrate the Anatomy of a 4-H Flyer.
This checklist includes the obvious things – name of event, host or hosts of the event, a concise description – what is it, why would they want to participate, how can they participate, is there a cost, is there a registration deadline … date, time, and location – maybe include a map – and contact information. Oftentimes, when we receive a request to help you get the word out about your activity, it has all these elements on it.
As you can see here, there are a few more items that are commonly left off, so we wanted to draw your attention to those. The first is images. Of course, photos are not required – but if you ARE using them, please remember that photos of 4-H youth require verification of a media release. In fact, this policy is applicable to posting photos of 4-H youth anywhere. If you are using a picture of a 4-H youth, it is your responsibility to first check with our 4-H office to ensure that there is a media release on file. And this goes for all youth in the photo- even the ones in the background.
The other check that should be looked at when you’re using a photo – or even a graphic – is, does it illustrate 4-H appropriate methods? What I mean by that is, are they holding the rabbit correctly? If they’re sitting on a horse, are they wearing a helmet? We want to be sure the images we put out – support the practices we teach.
Alright, the next thing is logos. Please be sure to include a 4-H logo and a WSU logo to help identify the event as a 4-H event. If you are working with others that have logos, be sure to include theirs as well.
[NEXT SLIDE] Then finally, there are parameters within which you’ll need to include the 4-H Non-Discrimination Statement.
Our 4-H Policy and Procedures Handbook in section 2:4 reads:
The following non-discrimination statements shall be placed on all printed and web-based
4-H correspondence, materials, and publications, using a minimum 8 pt font:
WSU Extension programs, employment, and volunteer service are available to all without discrimination (See WSU Executive Policy #15). Concerns regarding potential discrimination may be reported through your local WSU Extension office or directly to the WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) office, web: https://ccr.wsu.edu, email: ccr@wsu.edu, phone: 509-335-8288.
In addition, the following statement must be used in notifications of events:
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information or other reasonable accommodation should contact Snohomish County 4-H at snoco.4h@wsu.edu | 425-357-6044 | 6705 Puget Park Drive, Snohomish, WA 98296 at least two weeks prior to the event.
[NEXT SLIDE] The whole text of these statements is found in the WA State 4-H policy and procedure handbook. (read from slide) PAUSE
This is where you can find the 4-H Policy and Procedure handbook. We encourage you to bookmark this page as your first go-to resource for many of the questions posed in the 4-H setting.
To assist you in publicizing your event, if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed with that checklist – we have created an online form where you can submit your information to us and we will create an online post for you. (show slide) This is how that form looks on our website.
Alright, I’m going to hand off to Ashley to share her wisdom on topics we all encounter – being in a people business as we are.
Thank you, Kim! That is a great segue into our next section, which is a quick look at some of the common challenges that have been brought to us by 4-H volunteers over the years.
Let’s start with a little thought game. What is wrong with this picture?
Could it be the giant word “beer” in the center of the shirt? Youth, parents, and yes, even volunteers, wearing clothing with logos or images that violate policy or are intimidating or inappropriate is a common challenge in 4-H.
So, what should you do when this situation comes up?
First, please try to understand, from the individual’s perspective, if there were any underlying motivations. This might mean having a conversation with a youth or adult about the shirt. I know this can be uncomfortable, but remember, communication is a skill that we can model for our youth! If this is the first time a youth has worn something like this, please try to explore and correct in a gentle and caring way. Maybe start with a sentence like “I noticed – [insert a non-judgement description of the offending graphic here] – you may not be aware that – [insert policy violation here].” So, if an individual shows up wearing a t-shirt from a local bar and grill, and the shirt has alcohol references, you might say something like “Hi Sally, I noticed you are wearing a local pub shirt today. That is a pretty popular place here isn’t it! You may not be aware, but in 4-H, we aren’t allowed to wear shirts that advertise alcohol. Is this something we can leave for non-4-H activities next time?”
If it is the second or third time an individual has worn clothing like this, and you have addressed it with the person, or their parent/guardian, I suggest reminding the individual of previous conversations. This is also the time to start documenting the behavior.
For those who are intentionally wearing clothing like this to make a statement, such as supporting a cause that is using language or images that are not appropriate for 4-H, it is okay to acknowledge and recognize the passion for a topic, but then redirect by letting the person know that 4-H meetings are places where we are focused on learning and youth development, not the content of the clothing.
There are some tools that you can have on hand for these conversations, such as the youth code of conduct which states that youth must “wear neat, clean, and appropriate attire.” and the 4-H policy manual, which all volunteers must follow. The policy manual states that “WSU 4-H youth development program does not permit any form of advertising of tobacco, electronic cigarettes or vapor products, marijuana, or spirit or beer products, including clothing…”
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to clothing – is the youth wearing clothing that might be inappropriate because that is all they have access to? This is a sensitive topic, and requires special care and attention. Gently speak with parents or guardians if you are able. This is a great opportunity to introduce club t-shirts at meetings – maybe the club can sponsor club shirts that can be provided to each youth and worn at meetings. You may have other good ideas too. Reach out to our office if you or a family in your club needs help!
And that brings us to our next topic! Conflict! …and other uncomfortable situations.
Conflict is something we will all encounter – sometimes at every 4-H meeting. Some conflicts are small and easy to overcome, some are large and last days, months, even years.
But we won’t send you out alone. We piloted our conflict management series last year and have since refined it so that it is a 3-hour workshop that will walk you through the theory of conflict, how to address it, and how to support youth in dealing with it.
We use the LISTEN action plan, which stands for Listen, Inquire, Stay Calm, Take Responsibility, Empathize, and Navigate Together. Pay attention to the CloverGram to sign up for upcoming training.
I challenge you, for this year, to see conflict as not just a burden, but as an opportunity. Conflict, after all, is an opportunity for personal growth, improved communication skills, establishing and encouraging healthy boundaries, strengthening relationships, and for teaching youth a skill that will benefit them for a lifetime. I am not saying that conflict will become fun, easy, or even comfortable. But it is one of life’s inevitable functions that we can grow from.
And even more important, we can help children grow and learn to deal with conflict, disappointment, and general discomfort by helping them navigate those emotions in a healthy way. Take this analogy that I learned from an article by Lori Gottlieb. The quote on the screen is one I want you to consider for a moment: “Children get lost in an ocean, stunted in a fishbowl, and flourish in an aquarium.” What does this sentence mean to you?
Now, let’s put it in the context of interpersonal conflict. Let’s imagine, the vessel that the child lives in, the fishbowl, the aquarium, or the ocean, is the space we give them to experience emotion. It is the way in which we do or do not validate and empathize.
Now let’s imagine a simple challenge. Picture a situation in which Cloverbuds are given a chance to create a two-minute presentation on a topic that interests them. Your club has come up with a list of potential topics, and the young 4-Hers get to pick one. Each youth should have a different topic. One of the Cloverbuds decides to continue coloring once the topics are set out, and they don’t get the one they were hoping for once they do pick one. The youth is clearly upset. You approach to talk to them:
In the fishbowl, you might say, “Hey, this is life, you don’t always get what you want, so get over it and move on as pouting is not helpful.” This might get the result you want in the short term, a youth that stops pouting, but those results come at the cost of positive youth development. Instead, the child is made to feel shamed for their feelings of disappointment and misses out on an opportunity to develop vital skills, including self-regulation, taking appropriate risks, and making good choices.
In the ocean, you might engage fully with the youth: “Oh my goodness, this is so hard! I am so sorry that happened to you! You must be feeling so much right now! Let’s talk about it – how are you feeling – are you sad, mad, disappointed?” On the surface, this may feel kind and caring, but not getting the topic for a short presentation might not be the life event that we want to focus heavy processing time on. In fact, this act of leaning a bit too deep into these feelings might deprive our youth of the opportunity to move through disappointment in a productive way!
Finally, let’s look at the aquarium. You might say: “Aw, darn, that’s a bummer! Maybe next time let’s try jump up at the beginning to pick your topic so you have more to choose from. But hey, what you selected sounds like it is going to be very interesting!” This method recognizes disappointment and doesn’t shame the child for it, but it also encourages the youth to move forward and helps them to think about ways to change the outcome in the future.
As you move into this 4-H year, I hope that you will remember this clever analogy presented by Lori Gottlieb, but that you will also think of these moments of conflict and discomfort as opportunities for growth and learning.
And now over to Kim to talk about what all 4-H members should know!
Kim: Thanks, Ashley – Let’s do that! Let talk about the things that all 4-H members [should] do?
[4-H Tools SLIDE] well-Some of the unique identifiers of 4-H programming are – public presentations, record books, and judging.
Depending on your experience, maybe as a 4-H member, mention of those cornerstones brings different things to mind, but there is no doubt these elements help identify 4-H.
These elements have stood the test of time. These elements have produced the results they were intended to produce and continue to do so when we use them to our youth’s advantage. So, I wanted to take a few minutes to highlight them and validate your efforts in using these tools, they aren’t old, or irrelevant. I also wanted to maybe help spark ideas of how you can add any of these tools that might be missing in the 4-H experience that YOU are facilitating for members.
You might have noticed that I said “tools” – and I believe that is a good descriptor for these activities.
As an example, let’s start with record books.
NEXT SLIDE Record keeping can be a dreaded requirement that members “have to do” to get to do what they want to do. But even in that, there are life lessons. Record books can also be a tool that helps members learn how to set goals, manage their time, identify challenges, celebrate successes, track expenses – which then morphs into learning how to use that data to reflect on their experience and make decisions for the future. How we as 4-H volunteers market and support the “tool” makes all the difference in the value of that tool and its impact in our members’ lives.
NEXT SLIDE These tools mingle, too. There is crossover. I don’t really know that we could point to any one of these as more important than another. They work complimentary. You will see elements of each blended into others. Public speaking and oral reasons in judging is an example of that.
We can use these tools in every project. (NEXT SLIDE) I’ll use judging as an example for this. A traditional judging activity or contest may be more commonly associated with animal projects, yet the skills required to participate make judging relevant in any topic. To participate in a judging, members need to learn the evaluation criteria and process expected; they learn to make decisions about suitability or STANDARD achievement, and then they defend their decisions. This is something we do every day as adults. In 4-H, our members have an opportunity to develop these critical thinking skills in an environment where the stakes are not that high.
When I say that, I am not suggesting that we disregard the value our members place on these activities. For them, the value of the stakes might be incredibly high. What I mean to convey is that value helps us create opportunity to grow. If they miss a deadline or go over time in their presentation, they might not advance to the next level or get to do something they very much wanted to do – but they aren’t losing their job. 4-H provides a “safe place” to navigate consequences and disappointments to develop character and resiliency they’ll need to draw on for the rest of their lives.
Judging can also be applied personally, as youth subject themselves to being judged in a competition. And while there is too much to say about the tool of competition in our setting today, I do want to issue a solemn reminder of the tremendous impact we have – sometimes unwittingly, on the lives of our members. From the moments leading up to, during, and following competition, our example, our words, and our actions can literally change the trajectory of their lives. Please continue to be mindful of this as you guide youth through learning sportsmanship, handling disappointments, and celebrating successes. Encourage our youth to set personal goals in competition that focus on things within their control and help them evaluate their performance or exhibit against the Danish system. Be the positive mentor they can rely on in good and challenging experiences.
While I’ve mentioned that none of these outweighs the other, I can say that hands down, when we ask 4-H members where THEY recognize areas of personal growth gained through their 4-H experience, they credit 4-H for helping them, encouraging them, and for some – gently ‘requiring them’, to develop confidence and public speaking skills. Additional skills are often mentioned just after – but public speaking … is nearly always, and decidedly, stated first. If you have not yet had the privilege to support youth in their journey from sweating through reading a paragraph straight from their notes in front of a handful of peers at a club meeting, to confidently presenting for a crowd, please get in touch with any of us and we will share resources to help you get started; because ultimately, that’s what it’s all about. Mastering their project of interest is a happy by-product of our real agenda, which is life-skill development – supported by record keeping, judging, and public speaking. And that can take place regardless of the project. Their interest IN the project is what keeps members engaged so that they CAN learn those life skills.
If you want to learn more to expand the opportunities you are providing, we do have upcoming trainings which are always listed on our Volunteer Education page – and you can request training at any time, too.
So in closing these tools are valuable. They aren’t outdated. Their application can be flexible. and YOU are the key to helping members recognize their true value. Thank you for supporting the development of skills, character, and resiliency that our members will use for a lifetime, wherever life takes them.
Okay – I’m going to turn it over to Beth to share event reminders.
Beth: Woo! Thank you, Kim! Man, I think I’m gonna rewind that and watch it again, it was so good.
Here are some annual events to make note of, and to encourage the youth in your clubs to attend. More information will always be posted in the CloverGrams, so watch for that.
First there’s the Youth Leadership Conference, which happens the second Saturday in December, Every Single Year. This is at WSU Everett campus, and it’s for juniors, intermediates, and seniors.
The fall Teen Rally this year is October 31st to November 2nd, and it’s at Camp Casey on Whidbey Island.
Know Your Government is always President’s Day weekend in February, but in addition there are some preparatory meetings to learn the curriculum. This year the President’s Day weekend event is in Olympia, and that’s for teens.
The June Teen Conference is at WSU Pullman. The dates have not been announced, but that will be at the end-ish of June, in 2026. That’s also for teens.
Volunteer Recognition is an event sponsored by the 4-H Council in the fall. That’s for all volunteers to come and be appreciated. This year it’s October 12th. I hope you can all make it. That’s 2025.
And there’s the Awards Ceremony, which always, every single year, happens on the opening night of fair, at 7 p.m. at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, at the outdoor courtyard stage. We hope everybody can make it and cheer on the people who are getting awards. Maybe you’ve even nominated someone. Maybe you’re getting an award. You should come.
And finally…
Just before we conclude this year’s volunteer update, let’s again take a moment and envision the 4-H year ahead. What is something you are looking forward to this 4-H year? I’m looking forward to the Youth Leadership Conference on December 13th. We are going to have some new and exciting workshops this year, in addition to some returning favorites. It’s going to be a ton of fun!
Kim, what are you looking forward to?
Kim: what I’m most looking forward this year, and probably every year, is our new members. When someone calls the office to get started in 4-H, I get so excited for them. They might not yet understand how life-changing being involved in 4-H can be, how it will change their wardrobe, how it will shape their vacations, how it will support them in the good times and bad – because the people we 4-H with very often become a second family. So, I am excited for new members and the journey they are embarking on.
How about you, Ashley?
Ashley: What I am most looking forward to is the chance to recruit additional 4-H teens to the Teens Helping Teens suicide prevention task force! Working with teens who are passionate about this topic is one of the best parts of my job! So, a little plug: Email me if you have a teen that may be interested in joining us!
What are YOU looking forward to?
As always, please reach out if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or just need to toss some ideas around.
And thank you so much for being here, and have a wonderful 4-H year!