Extension sponsors forums on youth recruitment, retention

ST. PAUL, Minn. (10/23/2006) - Youth program directors and volunteers are always interested in "How to get kids in the door and keep them there."

That's the title of fall regional forums conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension Service at eight locations around the state in November and December.

The forums are geared toward those who make decisions about youth programs as well as front line staff and volunteers who work directly with young people.

"The forums will focus on the key elements of youth recruitment and retention," said Eric Vogel, Extension community youth development educator. "Learn what the latest research says about how to get youth into clubs, sports and other programs and keep them participating."

The first segment of the forums will focus on recruitment and the links to research when developing the visibility and appeal of youth development programs. Attendees will also learn how to implement practices that maintain interest in programs in order to achieve long-term youth development goals.

Meeting locations and dates are as follows: Nov. 15 - North Mankato (Best Western Conference Center); Nov. 28 - Marshall (Marshall Area YMCA); Nov. 29 - St. Cloud (Michael's Restaurant); Dec. 5 - Duluth (The Inn on Lake Superior) and Rochester (UCR Heintz Center); Dec. 6 - Blaine (Schwan's Center-National Sports Center); Dec. 7 - Moorhead (Courtyard by Marriott); Dec. 12 - Farmington (Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center).

All sessions begin with registration at 8:45 a.m. and continue until noon. Pre-registration is $10 up to one week in advance; $15 thereafter. All registration fees will be collected at the door.

For more information about regional forums or for pre-registration information, contact a regional Extension office or Vogel at (320) 203-6105 or vogel007@umn.edu.

Forums are sponsored by the Center for 4-H and Community Youth Development, a part of the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

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URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2005/youthrecruitment.html  This page was updated Oct. 24, 2006 .
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