Dear 4-H Families:

I thought this would be a great time to remind you that Wisconsin 4-H Policies are updated annually. To review all Wisconsin 4-H Policies please visit: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/wisconsin-4-h-policies/

A couple of changes to highlight:

All new and updated Wisconsin 4-H Name, Emblem and Records Policies can be found on the Wisconsin 4-H Policy website: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/wisconsin-4-h-policies/4-h-name-and-emblem/

Bylaws (Updated Policy) All 4-H Clubs and Groups must have written operating guidelines, bylaws or constitution approved by the members to govern the club. In addition, 1) only 4-H members (clubs) & 4-H members and 4-H volunteers (groups) are eligible to vote and 2) the 4-H Program Educator has the authority to approve, deny, or request modifications to 4-H Club and Group operating guidelines, policies, bylaws, and/or constitutions to ensure that the language aligns with Wisconsin 4-H Policies, Mission, and Values. Adult Leadership (Updated Policy) 4-H Clubs and Groups must have adult leadership that have been approved by the 4-H Program Educator. In addition, 4-H Club Leaders are annually appointed by the 4-H Program Educator. 4-H Group Leaders are either appointed annually by the 4-H Program Educator or elected following the process outlined in their bylaws.

Policies regarding Financial Management can be found at https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/wisconsin-4-h-policies/financial-management/

Wisconsin 4-H advises 4-H Clubs and Groups to bank with checks. This is a best practice that provides clear and transparent documentation. Wisconsin 4-H also recognizes that relying solely on checks may pose obstacles for some purchases. The use of debit cards for 4-H Clubs or Groups is permitted, provided they are willing to adhere to the policies found on that page including receipts for all purchases for the financial audit.

Please check out additional updated policies for your club or group. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Have a great week,

Marie

Marie Witzel
4-H/ Youth Development Educator
marie.witzel@wisc.edu
920-386-3790

If clubs or groups have items to share, send them by noon on Thursday to be included in that week’s issue.  Anything received after 12 p.m. Thursday will be considered for the following week. The articles should be sent to Marie at marie.witzel@wisc.edu.

If you have Secretary's Minutes to share, please send them to the 4-H / Youth Program Assistant, Terra at: treider@wisc.edu by noon on Wednesday to be included in that week's issue. You can also contact the office with any questions. Thanks!

The livestock education committee hosted an agricultural career night. They had over 50 youth and adults and 5 businesses in attendance, with the younger youth asking the most questions.

Lakeside (AJ Dishneau) - January 12th, 2025 wasn’t just an ordinary meeting the Lakeside 4H Club in Reeseville. During their regular meeting Deputy Dale Bratz, Representing the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, Fireman Kevin Hankes from the Reeseville Fire Department, Representing the CLR arrived for a group photo while members of the Lakeside 4H presented each department with a donation for their time and service during the summer of 2024 community events that they all as a team participated in together.

Along with these two guests, the club also put together “Soda Cake Kits” and donated a dozen of them to the Gathering Source to help families celebrate birthdays in the upcoming months. 

Pictured below is Sharon Snow representing the Gathering Source with the members of Lakeside 4H. 

Attention youth who are enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate college, university, or technical school for the 2025-2026 school year and working toward a degree: Now is a good time to start working on your scholarship applications for higher education!

The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation will award more than $20,000 in scholarships to outstanding Wisconsin 4-H members and alumni pursuing higher education in 2025. Applications must be submitted via mail (not email) this year and postmarked by March 1st.

Scholarship
The Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Committee Scholarship is due March 1, 2025.

Win a Guernsey Calf
The Guernsey state association has a calf-ownership opportunity available in 2025. The Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders' Association's program is in the form of an essay contest.

"Dairy" at Family Learning Day
Family Learning Day is Feb. 15, 2025, at Horicon High School. There are three opportunities to earn points on your Dairy Project Member Activity Card. Register in the "Family Learning Day" section of this newsletter. Remember to take along your activity card for signatures.

General questions? Contact DYAC via e-mail: dodgecountydyac@gmail.com.

 Wisconsin Distance Learning

Registration is open for adult volunteers interested in the certification workshop Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Washington County. Here is a list of general information for staff regarding a certification workshop:

If you have further questions, please contact Marie at the extension office or Jessie or Eva Lynch for shooting sports specific information

February 15th Registration Deadline: February 5th

Registration for the Wisconsin Youth Institute is due online by April 7, 2025 but the time to plan is now! Learn how to participate and get answers to all your questions during a virtual information session.  The next ones available are:

YQCA is excited to announce the 2025 Scholarship Program available to high school seniors and students enrolled in a 2-4 year university or certification program. In order to be considered for this scholarship, you must be a high school senior up to 21 years of age. Applications close February 17, 2025. Please act soon.

The Zoom starts at 6:30 PM. 

Registration is now open for this fun and educational virtual series designed just for Cloverbuds!  This 4-week series in April will take Cloverbuds on an adventure of igniting their sparks, becoming innovators in STEM, using their creative problem-solving minds, and hatching their inner Cloverbud hero selves. Hatch the excitement in your Cloverbud and register them today.  Register by March 3rd.  Families can begin picking up their kits on March 11th.  

Questions?  Please contact Eva 920-988-6113 or Jessie 920-988-0741

FEBRUARY

15 - Family Learning Day, Horicon High School

17 - Preparing Your Scholarship Applications Zoom Meeting, 6:30 PM

18 - 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 7 PM

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

4-H Volunteer Trainings Follow the link to learn more and complete your required trainings.

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

An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.

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