October 21st, 2026

Marie's Message

Growing Ideas, Changing the World

Have you ever wondered how your ideas could help solve some of the world's biggest challenges? The Wisconsin Youth Institute (WYI) gives high school students the opportunity to explore real-world issues related to food security and discover how agriculture, science, health, economics, policy, and social justice are all connected.

Through the World Food Prize Foundation's Global Challenge, students research a global food security issue, develop solutions, and share their ideas with fellow students and experts. At the UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, participants spend a day engaging in hands-on activities, meeting professionals who are making a difference, and exploring ways they can create positive change in their own communities and around the world.

Whether you're passionate about science, agriculture, leadership, health, or helping others, WYI is a chance to turn your interests into action. Participants may also become eligible for prestigious internships, fellowships, and even the opportunity to represent Wisconsin at the Global Youth Institute. One idea can spark change, and that idea could come from you!

Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
Juneau, WI 53039
920-386-3790
marie.witzel@wisc.edu

for further information contact Kara Henderlight at kara.henderlight@wisc.edu

If clubs or groups have items to share, send them by noon on Monday to be included in that week’s issue. Anything received after 12 p.m. Monday will be considered for the following week. 

Please send any 4-H or youth development related emails to marie.witzel@wisc.edu

Hats Off to Portland Boosters 4-H for hosting the National Dairy Conference meal.  Karl Martin, UW Madison Dean of Extension share this:  

I recently had the chance to see 4-H youth at an event related to World Dairy Expo. These 4-H'ers presented on their projects and talked about their experiences in clubs and at state events. It has been extremely inspiring to see these youth talk about 4-H energetically and positively, and I know that's reflective of our efforts across the state to engage families in youth development.

Hats off to: Nicki Meagher, Natalie Siedschlag, Bryanna Slechta, Carmen Lake, Allisyn Eggen, and Olivia Downey for completing terms on the executive leaders board.  Through your service, thoughtful leadership, and willingness to share your time and talents. You have made a lasting impact on the Dodge County 4-H community.

Hats off to: Chuck Crave, Gavin Feucht, Chelsy Herring, Penny Seaver, Lydia Feucht, Alex Laufenberg, Josh Roberts, Preston Skalitsky and Isaac Clark for being elected to the Executive Leaders Board.  Congratulations! We appreciate your willingness to serve and look forward to working together to support and strengthen Dodge County
4-H.

Thank you so much for giving so much of yourself-- you are appreciated! In honor of recognizing your milestone year, we have dedicated 4-H pins to celebrate your achievement. If you would like to receive your pin, please send an email so we know to get it ready for you!😀  Send an email to: kmflanders@wisc.edu

Reminder: the training in 4-H Online needs to be completed before volunteers can be approved.

Need help? Reach out to schedule an appointment, and we can assist you with completing your online enrollment and training at the Extension Office.

After submitting your volunteer enrollment, please watch for your HireRight background check and/or complete the required 4-H Online volunteer training. These steps must be completed before your enrollment can be approved. For the training, be sure to scroll to the very bottom of the final screen so the course is marked as complete.

Enrollment needs to be completed by November 1st, 2026.

Reminder for 3rd Grade Members:
In Dodge County 4-H, 3rd grade members must enroll in the Exploring project and may add one additional project of their choice. If they choose Beef as their additional project, they are only eligible to exhibit in the Beef Feeder Class at the Dodge County Junior Fair. It looks like they will need to add the Exploring project and decide which one additional project they would like to complete this year.

Reminder for Adult Volunteers:
All adult volunteers must complete the required volunteer training and background check process before they can be approved and participate as a 4-H volunteer. If you have not yet completed these requirements, please do so as soon as possible to avoid delays in your volunteer approval.

Enrollment needs to be completed by November 1st, 2026

Registration is open September 29 - October 28, 2026 (or until all spaces are full, whatever comes sooner). No late registration or onsite registrations will be offered.

Looking to connect with 4-H members from across Wisconsin while growing your skills and exploring your interests? Consider applying for a Wisconsin 4-H Ambassador Team! Opportunities are available in Leadership, Agriculture, Arts, and the new Outdoor Ambassadors program. Youth in grades 9-12 can develop leadership skills, make new friends, represent Wisconsin 4-H at statewide events, and help shape future programming. Applications open October 1 in 4-H Online and close November 15, 2026. Visit the Wisconsin 4-H website for more information about each ambassador team and application details.

The 2027 National Poster Contest Theme "From Source to Sea. Every Drop Has A Journey" (this title must be included on each poster)

The Dodge County Land and Water Conservation Dept. will be participating in the 2027 NACD poster contest. The poster contest is open to public, private and home-school students’ kindergarten through 12th grade.

Divisions: Grades K-1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-9, Grades 10-12
Poster Size: 11"x17" (preferred size) 12"x18" or 14"x22" accepted

Posters are evaluated on the following criteria:

Conservation message
Visual effectiveness
Originality
Universal appeal

Poster Contest Date: January 13, 2027
Posters Due: January 6, 2027

NOVEMBER

17 - Leaders Association Meeting

26 & 27 - Happy Thanksgiving - Office Closed

PYD Media Collection Project Resources Follow the link to learn more about the collection and request materials.

4HOnline  Log in to your account at the Wisconsin 4-H Online Sign in page

Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Website

WI 4-H Policy Updates

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension
Dodge County 4-H
Extension Dodge County  127 E. Oak Street  Juneau, WI 53039-1329
tel: 920.386.3790    fax: 920.386.3928