President’s Pen

Greetings to our Membership around the State!

Springtime is the season of anticipation, and the new 2008 Officers and I have had many new learning experiences and the overwhelming joy of being able to reach out to a whole state of new friends. 

Even before our first MAE4-HYDP meeting was held in early May, planning and work was being moved forward within the committees of Education, Policy & Resolution, Marketing & Promotion, and Awards & Recognition and area reports were being gathered within the Metro, SE, North and South areas throughout MN. 

In February I was given the opportunity to attend the Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Conference held in San Diego.  The end of April I was proud to be among 17 other MN Extension professionals from the U of MN to travel to Washington DC to attend the Public Issues and Leadership Development Conference (PILD), tour and have a meeting/lunch at NACo (National Association of Counties), and make several congressional visits on the Hill. Building relationships and engaging with many people from around the USA has been energizing!

The Minnesota Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals exists to advance the professional development of faculty and staff working with the Minnesota
4-H & Community Youth Development Programs.  As Officers, we are proud to be working with you as we continue to move forward the 2007-2008 Goals……..

• Strengthen the networking among 4-H Program Staff
• Communicate benefits, recognition and staff development opportunities
• Recruit new and retain current membership in the Association
• Continue the dues payment plan
• Communicate Association sponsored information and professional development opportunities via statewide workshops, Section Slants and area meetings
• Initiate dialogue with Program Leadership Team on mentorship of new staff
• Continue development of a web page
• Updated with current Association information
• Pursue systems to preserve history of the Association
• Continue Association representation on YOUth and & U planning committee
• Includes leadership and scholarship opportunities
• Develop fundraising opportunities to benefit the Association
• Increase State, Regional & National level of Association member involvement
• Publicize scholarship opportunities, member recognition and staff development through State/Regional/National newsletters
• Promote and support a MN nomination for North Central Regional Director position
• Establish an ad hoc committee to explore use of Quasi Endowment Fund

Remember to sign-up for the Galaxy Conference, which is being held in Indianapolis.  Early bird registration is June 15th.

Sincerely,

 

Anita Harris
MAE4-HYDP President