National 4-H Council’s Post

What is Civic Season? This TheFulcrum.US article explains it all and highlights how participating organizations are equipping young adults to shape our future! Check it out! https://ow.ly/JuEb50SrIlS

This report may be tailored for Michigan but it provides a comprehensive but concise summary of what it takes to build universal PreK. Worth a read!

Marty Dickinson is offering this candid conversation with our community around bonds and levies. I love this part of her challenge to our community: "I am a fierce advocate for public K-12 education. Having had three children attend public schools in our region, and after leading two successful levy and bond campaigns, I know that schools are critical for developing healthy kids, preparing them to reach their highest potential. As a business leader, I know that no community can thrive without supporting its schools." "I feel so strongly, that I’m leaning into this hard conversation with those of you who question the benefit of voting for bonds and levies in our region. If by voting “no” you require schools to lay off staff, close buildings, shutter sports programs and eliminate activities, how does that benefit our collective future? If you create barriers for students to access technology and learn in well-equipped spaces, what is the impact on those who will eventually take their place in board rooms, surgical centers, classrooms, newspapers, construction sites and creative spaces?" #educationgrowseconomies #education #schoolfunding #schools #spokane #greaterspokaneinc

"Stereotypes of older people do limit young people’s views of what’s possible..." We agree! Check out this fascinating article for more insights and there's even a shoutout for our recent guide "How could I celebrate The 100th Day of School."

WEBINAR TODAY at 3:00 PM ET -- "Future of Afterschool for Youth, By Youth". See below for details / To Register - #webinar #youthvoice #youthdevelopment #youthleadership #afterschoolprograms #educators #nonprofits #boysandgirlsclub #today #february2024 #teens

More than 70% of Americans fail a basic civic literacy quiz-- that could also be you! Let's work together to get our next generation boosted on basic civic knowledge so that we can have better community engagement in the future! https://lnkd.in/gdWdWEwm

Together Outdoors (TO) announced the opening of the application period of its Inclusive Micro-Grant Program, a new initiative aimed at bolstering capacity for small and rural grassroots organizations that are key to creating a more inclusive and welcoming outdoor recreation environment. The 2024 Inclusive Micro-Grant Program is poised to continue the great support started in 2022 and will focus on two key areas:   1.)  Research + Resources: Financial backing for projects developing research and resources that facilitate inclusion outdoors. This includes the creation of educational toolkits, multimedia content, and translation services to ensure accessibility for all. 2.)  Activating Change Outdoors: Support for outdoor recreation programming, events, and leadership development initiatives specifically designed to empower communities of color, LGBTQIA+, individuals in underserved regions, people with disabilities, and other intersecting minority groups.   Together Outdoors invites grassroots organizations that embody these focus areas and share our vision for a diverse outdoor community to apply for the Inclusive Micro-Grant Program. Organizations are encouraged to apply to the inaugural grant round by March 11, 2024. Application materials should be submitted via email to Ambreen Tariq, Together Outdoors Coalition Lead at togetheroutdoors@recreationroundtable.org. To view the application process, timeline and grant reporting requirements click here or visit https://lnkd.in/eY3SS8qa.

Of all the conferences I've presented at, ITOC is my favorite. They get the art of gathering right. From a facilitator's lens, here's a few things the organizers of The Institute of Teachers of Color Committed to Racial Justice (ITOC) get right about a large gathering: - They're exclusive. Who it's for is in the title - They create a sense of safety through a screening process. Participants apply to the conference and the organizers are clear about what they're screening for: advanced racial literacy. In other words, this isn't a conference for racial justice beginners - They prioritize intentional community building. Not networking, not mixers, community building - There are opportunities to connect before the conference and after so participants warm up before attending and continue to nourish the community following the conference - The organizers lead with heart. Everything they do is executed with intention & care, and it's felt - The organizers are consistently collecting narratives from participants so they're attuned to the needs of their audience Since my first time attending ITOC as a participant, this community has held a special place in my heart. I'll be presenting at ITOC for the fourth time this summer and I can't wait! If you're an educator (in any capacity) of color and you're committed to racial justice, I highly recommend you apply to be a part of ITOC. The application link is in the comments. Repost this if you're not an educator of color but know educators of color. #connection #community #facilitation #education

In light of the hateful rhetoric that has been spread over the last week, this #WelcomingWeek2024 webinar with Re-Imagining Migration and Welcoming America feels even more important. Bigotry in schools manifests in the form of bullying and harassment, creating a toxic learning environment for all young people. It's essential that we all have the knowledge and tools to speak up and be part of the solution. #education #immigration #bullying #welcoming #belonging #k12