Dear 4-H Families

4-H communications events play a crucial role in youth development by enhancing various skills and providing valuable experiences. Here are some key points on their importance:

Skill Development: These events help youth develop essential communication skills, such as public speaking, presentation, and persuasive communication[1]. These skills are vital for personal and professional success.

Confidence Building: Participating in 4-H communications events boosts self-confidence. Youth gain experience speaking in front of an audience, which can reduce anxiety and improve their ability to express themselves clearly[1].

Leadership Opportunities: Effective communication is a cornerstone of leadership. By participating in these events, youth learn to lead discussions, present ideas, and influence others, preparing them for future leadership roles[1].

Networking and Social Skills: These events provide opportunities for youth to interact with peers, mentors, and community members. This interaction helps them build social skills and expand their networks[2].

Career Preparation: Communication skills are highly valued in the job market. 4-H communications events prepare youth for various careers by teaching them how to convey information effectively and professionally[3].

Community Engagement: These events often involve community projects and presentations, encouraging youth to engage with their communities and contribute positively[2].

Overall, 4-H communications events are instrumental in shaping well-rounded individuals who are confident, articulate, and ready to take on leadership roles in their communities and beyond.

The Communication Event is scheduled for March 31.  Check out the contest information and registration below in this edition of the Friday Focus.

Have a great week,

Marie

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

References
[1] 4-H Project Communications - Purdue University
[2] 4-H Communications Marketing and Public Relations
[3] 4-H Public Speaking and Communications | 4-H and Youth - WRUV
[4] http://nextgeneration.4-h.org/
[5] http://www.national4-h

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!

This year, we have three main categories: Demonstrations: In this category, speakers will engage the audience by showing and doing. Participants will perform live demonstrations to explain a process, technique, or concept. Expect hands-on activities and interactive presentations that bring the topic to life. Illustrated Talks: This category focuses on the use of visual aids. Speakers will rely on charts, pictures, and detailed descriptions to convey their message. Speaking: This category is all about the art of verbal expression. Whether it's an original speech, an interpretive reading, an extemporaneous speech, or captivating storytelling, this category highlights the power of words and the skill of the speaker.

Dairy-Activity-Card Reminder

Dairy youth must complete the dairy-activity card to be eligible for exhibiting at the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Dairy Show and in the Dodge County Fair Dairy Youth Recognition Auction. Signatures/initials (not Xs or checkmarks) are required. 

Dairy Judging
Thank you for your valuable feedback from the dairy-judging survey. We’ll be holding our practices on Sundays at 2 p.m. 

The first practice will be at Watertown Public Library, 100 S. Water St., Watertown, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. The coaching team is looking forward to seeing everyone; dairy-judging participation earns points on your dairy-activity card. 

After the first practice, the group will switch to on-farm. To get started, thank you to these dairies for opening their doors:

- April 6, 2025, at Flier Haven, W8017 County Road AW, Waupun, WI 53963
- April 13, 2025, at Hildebrandt Family Farm, N2963 County Highway R,
  Hustisford, WI 53034

Next DYAC Meeting:
The next Dairy Youth Advisory Committee meeting is Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 7:30 p.m., at the Dodge County Extension Office. All are welcome. Dairy youth can earn points on their dairy-activity cards for attending.

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

 Wisconsin Distance Learning

Participants will be able to pre-purchase their bag lunch during the morning registration and session #1 time. Bag lunch includes 1 main item, 2 sides and 1 water. (Walking Taco bag lunch $7 / Grilled Cheese or Chili bag lunch $5)

Any questions? Please call one of your MAS Members.

Please have the Educational Verification Form printed before the session begins.  You can write down thoughts throughout the session. Complete the form and turn it into your county fair and/or livestock committee to verify your participation.  These activities can serve as “county educational credits/points.”

Check out the career tracks available including Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Baking and Decorating, Civic Engagement through Local Leadership and Community Design, Performing Arts, Skilled Construction Trades, Transportation experience, Visual Arts, and the Water Quest.  

Remember we have county scholarship funds available:

Date for Ice Cream Achievement Party is To Be Determined.

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

MARCH

29 - Family Learning Day

31 - Speaking and Demonstration Contest, 6:30 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