Fifty-six 4-H leaders from across the province assembled October 22-24, 2010 at the Prestige Hotel and Conference Center located in Vernon, B.C. to take part in the biennial B.C. 4-H Leaders’ & Key Leaders’ Conference; hosted by the Salmon Arm 4-H District Council. On Friday, leaders arrived to a ‘Witches & Wizards’ themed conference with delegates gathering in their best witchy wear for a banquet dinner complete with ice-breaker games and a costume contest. The group was joined for dinner by Christie Kerr, Manager - Agriculture for the PNE, where she accepted a B.C. 4-H 2010 Silver Clover Club Award on behalf of the BC Youth in Agriculture Foundation for their support of 4-H in B.C. During the post dinner presentations the B.C. 4-H staff surprised the delegates by wheeling in one of two John Deere - TX GATORS, donated by Prairie Coast Equipment. These fabulous Grand Prizes marked the launch of the 2011 B.C. 4-H Lottery which will run from May 6th to November 5th, 2011.

Saturday leaders started their day with a session entitled “Tools for Talking about Tough Issues” expertly presented by award winning author Elaine Froese. The delegates were then delighted to join the BC Fairs Convention for networking and an informative session on B.C. Gaming Grants. The Historic O’Keefe Ranch was the host for a wonderful step back in time tour and group photo. Saturday evening guests Barry Remus and Gordon Bryant from the B.C. 4-H Foundation, along with Shawne Bremer, B.C. 4-H Fund Development Coordinator presented the new “Field of Clover” campaign and a brief presentation on the B.C. 4-H Foundation. Special guests also included Brian Crowley, Interior Region Manager of Prairie Coast Equipment, and Henry Gisler, Vice President of Westgen and current chair of the Westgen Endowment Fund, who was also presented with the 2010 Silver Clover Club Award for Westgen’s commitment and support of B.C. 4-H. After a busy day of activities delegates enjoyed a dinner improv theatre themed after the hit TV show “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” performed by the very funny and talented Monkey Shines.

Sunday, leaders had the opportunity to participate in two sessions of their choice on topics including: Key Leaders, 4-H Judging Program, 4-H Awards Program, 4-H Communications Program, 4-H Project Teaching, and 4-H Club Management. The conference came to a successful conclusion early Sunday afternoon with a group lunch and closing statements from the hosting Salmon Arm 4-H District.

"…all leaders would benefit from these conferences. Other leaders are great resources" - 2010 B.C. 4-H Leaders & Key Leaders Conference Delegate

A special thank you to the Salmon Arm 4-H District Council for hosting the 2010 B.C. 4-H Leaders’ and Key Leaders’ Conference.

Thank you to the 2010 conference sponsors: B.C. 4-H Provincial Council, B.C. 4-H Foundation, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Growing Forward Business Development Grant, Mutual Fire Insurance of British Columbia, Farm Credit Canada and Sure Crop Feeds.

Have you heard the news! The BC 4-H Leader Training program has been revamped a renewed. Check out this flyer for details on the program and check back regularly for upcoming leader training dates in your area.

In planning out your 4-H year, take a minute to consider taking on a fun and challenging opportunity such as a Junior Leadership, Self-Determined or Senior Management project. There are a vast number of interesting and exciting options available to you so just take a minute and discuss it with your Leader and get on board!!

Leaders and Awards Coordinators - if your members haven't already come to you with ideas, go to them!!

Canada Safeway Limited
Attn: Public Affairs
7280 Fraser Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V5X 3V9

CANADA SAFEWAY BC 4-H SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

1.   Amount of scholarships - five $1000 scholarships.

2.   Entry closing date is April 15th of the current club year.

3.   Scholarships may only be won once by the same member, however non-successful applicants may reapply.

4.   A 4-H member may apply for the scholarship for two successive years after graduating from grade 12.

5.   Applicants are required to submit an essay, maximum 400 words, answering the question: What have you done and what do you plan to do to improve your community?

6.   Applicants must have been active 4-H members for at least two years in British Columbia or have been registered as 4-H members within the past two years.

7.   For those scholarship winners unable to enter the university or school the year they have been awarded the scholarship, funds will be held in trust by Canada Safeway Limited for a maximum of one year from the time the award was made.

8.   Proof of entry to university or school of the applicant's choice must be forwarded to the Canada Safeway Limited office before the scholarship is paid. Payment will be made directly to the school.

9.   The scholarship is available for use at university, technical or vocational school in any field of study.

10. Canada Safeway Limited will administer the scholarship.

11. The scholarship selection committee will be appointed by Canada Safeway Limited.

12. Results will be announced to applicants by July 15th annually.

13. All applications are to be mailed to the above address.

Canada Safeway Limited
Attn: Public Affairs
7280 Fraser Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V5X 3V9

CANADA SAFEWAY BC 4-H CLUB BURSARY CRITERIA

1.   Amount of bursaries - ten $500 bursaries.

2.  Entry closing date is May 15th of the current club year.

3.  Bursaries may only be won once every three years by the same club, however non-successful applicants may reapply.

4.  Clubs are required to submit a brief letter and photos describing, "What your club does to improve its community".

5.  Payment will be made directly to the clubs awarded the bursary.

6.  Canada Safeway Limited will administer the bursary.

7.  The bursary selection committee will be appointed by Canada Safeway Limited.

8.  Results will be announced to applicants by July 15th annually.

9.  All applications are to be mailed to the above address.

In your latest issue of the national 4-H newsletter, FORUM, you will find a special supplement for National 4-H Month. We share some moving stories about the impact 4-H has had on the lives of current and former 4-H Members ... Here's a little sample:

Libby Shaw, PEI 4-H Member: "4-H has taught me the necessity of hard work and perseverance. I may not always get everything right the first time, but the 4-H motto 'Learn to do by Doing' encourages me to give it my all, and through these attempts I have learned that the more effort one exerts, the better the results you will achieve ... 4-H has made my life richer."

Amanda Miller of Alberta 4-H says her involvement on the national 4-H Youth Advertising Team (YAT) gave her hands-on insight into the marketing and advertising industry. She says she will definitely have a "step up" on her peers as she studies marketing at university this fall ... all thanks to 4-H!

Kim McConnell, CEO AdFarm: "For me, 4-H provided a foundation for business and community leadership and is clearly one of the best and most important programs I was ever involved with --- and the most fun. Thank you 4-H, and thank you 4-H Leaders."

Visit Canadian 4-H Council on the web at 4-H Canada.

Today, many 4-H clubs find it necessary to raise funds for 4-H projects or special activities. Whether you are raising money for club enrolement, a 4-H exchange, to rent a tour bus or purchase special equipement for donation to a community hospital, it is important to keep the "fun" in fundraising.

Before You Begin

• Do you want to make the most money possible in the shortest time, or put on a fundraiser that will educate or entertain as well as make money?
• How many workers can you count on to help you with the project?
• Will the project bring money in from outside the club?
• How much money does the club have to invest?

Get Ready...Know 4-H

• Ensure that your fundraising reflects the objectives of 4-H, your project or club and your community.
• Aim to enhance the image of 4-H in your community.
• Don't let the success or enthusiasm generated from fundraising disguise the purpose or lower the prestige of the 4-H program.
• Check to ensure your fundraising efforts are conducted according to local laws.

Know Your Needs

• Raise money for a specific purpose, not just for the sake of raising money.
• Develop a clear, concise statement which answers these two important questions about your objectives:
1. Why are your raising money?
2. Exactly how much do you need?
• The amount of money you need is not how much you raise, but how much you need to accomplish your objectives.
• Keep fundraising to a minimum and attempt to raise only what you need.

Know Your Target

• Government Funding Or Grant Programs: There may be funding available for your project, club or activity. Talk to representatives of all levels of government in your local area to find out if there are any funds for which you may apply.
• Individuals: Past 4-H members, supporters and volunteers are good people to focus on. You may want to reach out to them through events and fairs.
• Businesses Or Groups: These may be strong supporters of the 4-H program. Find out in advance the extent to which they have previously supported 4-H in your community.

Know And Use Your Resources

• The strongest resources each 4-H club has are their members.
• Use members' strengths and interests to their best advantage.
• Involve all of your members in the fundraising planning and implementation to create a sense of team-work and belonging.
• Supportive parents/guardians and relatives are valuable resources too; encourage their involvement where possible.

Develop Your Plan

• How can you be exposed to the most people?
• What is the best location for your activity or event?
• Will your timing be effective?
• How can you include all members in your fundraising?
• Will it be fun for everyone involved?
• Will you be able to achieve your objectives?

Put Your Plan Into Action

Train Your Members:

It's important to include all members in your campaign. Make sure everyone involved knows how to:

• Communcate with potential supporters
• Explain the purpose and values of the 4-H program.
• Explain the purpose of the fund raising program.

• Ensure that the supporter receives something of value in return for his/her donation.
• Making your event an annual tradition may help to increase support.

• Ask for a specific amount.
• Tell them it is for a specific purpose.
• Explain what's in it for them.
• Treat in-kind donations such as the use of facilities, equipment, publicity, advertising space, refreshments or resource people, in the same way you would cash donations.

• Give a sincere verbal "thank you" when the donation is committed.
• Whenever possible, send a sincere written "thank you" to the donor acknowledging receipt of the donation and explaining the purpose for which it was used and the benefits it provided.
• The most appreciated expressions of thanks will come from your 4-H members.
• Don't forget to thank your members for their hard work in making the fund raising campaign a success and for keeping it FUN!

Tips For Success

• Ensure all members know how to handle money and count change properly.
• Tailor your fundraiser to your club and community.
• Get all your members involved.
• Offer incentives for members.
• Select a committee or committees to get things going and to handle the many small details so the entire club won't have to spend valuable time making every little decision.
• Check out insurance, permits and local ordinances as soon as possible.
• Choose the right date. Try not to conflict with other community events or holidays.
• As you plan, try to find as many ways as possible for people to spend money at your event, such as a refreshment stand at a garage sale, or a raffle at a dance.
• Set deadlines for each stage of your planning.
• You just can't get too much publicity: Advertise, advertise, advertise..... .
• Donations are very, very important. Write contributors a follow-up thank you note telling them how much they helped and how much the club appreciated their support.

Here are some ideas for fundraising you can try:

1. Garage Sale
2. Door-to-Door Sales
3. Arts and Crafts Booth
4. Buttons and T-shirts
5. White Elephant Sale
6. Raffle
7. Pet Show
8. Rent-a-Kid
9. Fair or Carnival