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March 2021

Apply for a 2021 4-H State Award!

Michigan 4-H true leaders ages 11 and older have an opportunity to be recognized for the great work they do in 4-H by completing a state award application. A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Michigan 4-H member and provides an opportunity to receive recognition for their engagement in rich learning experiences that result in outstanding knowledge and life-skill development. State award applications are divided into four categories: Mark of Excellence essay contest (11-12 years old), junior state award (13-15 years old), senior state award (16-19 years old) and group awards (13-19 years old).  The application process and selection is determined by the age of the 4-H member. More information about the Michigan 4-H State Award process can be found online at http://bit.ly/stateaward. Applications are due April 1, 2021. For more information, contact your 4-H program coordinator or email Janice Zerbe at rajzerj@msu.edu.

Michigan 4-H presents American Ninja Warrior Daniel Gil

Join Michigan 4-H on March 24 for a special presentation by 2020 American Ninja Warrior winner Daniel Gil! During the free virtual event, Gil will discuss overcoming obstacles. This unique opportunity is open to all Michigan youth and their families. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. EST. Preregistration is required. To register, visit www.canr.msu.edu/events/daniel-gil-presentation.

Join the Michigan 4-H LGBTQIA+ Alliance leadership team!

Youth ages 15-19 are invited to apply for the new Michigan 4-H LGBTQIA+ Alliance leadership team to help create a friendly,  positive environment for Michigan youth and communities. The Michigan 4-H LGBTQIA+ Alliance is the brainchild of two Michigan 4-H teens who attended the 2020 National 4-H True Leaders in Equity Institute and were inspired to create positive change in their 4-H community. 

Applications are being accepted for the teen leadership team that will serve as advisors for the state-level Alliance. These leaders will develop leadership skills and help to create opportunities for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to come together in fun, positive, and supportive ways. While this group is being established through Michigan 4-H, youth do NOT need to be 4-H’ers to apply; this opportunity is open to all teens interested in supporting the inclusion and participation of LGBTQIA+ youth and allies in Michigan 4-H.

Teen leaders will meet two to three  times per month and should plan on committing about three hours of their time each month. The first meeting will be in April. This teen leadership team is just the beginning; additional opportunities will be available for youth who wish to serve on regional or local Alliance leadership teams, as well as join and participate as members.

Applications from prospective youth leadership members will be accepted from February 15 – March 15 at https://events.anr.msu.edu/4hlgbtqia/. Youth interested in learning more about the Michigan 4-H LGBTQIA+ Alliance are encouraged to attend an optional Zoom open house on Tuesday, March 9 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Preregistration is required to participate in the open house, and can be completed at https://bit.ly/3q6v1D8. For more information, please contact MSU Extension Educator Brian Wibby at wibby@msu.edu.

4-H Events and Workshops

March 4— April 8: 4-H Trail Cameras 101 SPIN Club — Zoom Webinar
Explore ecosystems, Michigan wildlife, and citizen science by examining trail camera footage. The
club will meet each Thursday from 5-6 p.m. EST through April 8.

March 9: Wild Spartans Series - Searching for Vernal Pools — Zoom Webinar
Join each month to meet scientists from across MSU Extension, the MSU Department of
Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In March, dive into the
springtime ephemeral pools in the woods to discover the treasures within!

March 18: MSU Tollgate Farm Stewards Virtual Winter Series 2021— Zoom Webinar
This youth-led series, occurring monthly, is a safe place for past, present, and future MSU
Tollgate Farm stewards and stewards-in-training to connect or reunite as a community and to explore
resiliency and growth as youth leaders.

March 16: 4-H Give Green Day — Everywhere
Michigan 4-H is once again joining MSU’s #GiveGreenDay. Help reach the goal of raising $5,000 in a
24-hour period to support Michigan 4-H youth.

March 23: The Roots and Branches of Your Family Tree— Zoom Webinar
Ever wondered about the traditions in your family, where they came from or how they settled where
they are now? Join this webinar to learn how to start researching your family tree.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.