2021 ESP National Conference

Invited Member Presentations

Seminar / Research / Ignite / Poster

Best Practice Recommendations of Volunteer Risk Management Policies and Procedures

Recently conducted research from the doctoral dissertation “Best Practice Recommendations for Risk Management of 4-H Volunteers” will be discussed. Volunteer Specialists were asked to identify the volunteer risk management policies and procedures currently in place in their states. The findings will be discussed including a list of best practice recommendations.

Research Presentation  (1 of 3)        Session #2A                  Level: Intermediate

Al Parker, Northeast District 4-H Program Development Coordinator
University of Georgia
Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)   

Finding Harmony Through Qualitative Data Analysis

The multi-state Youth Retention Study explores 4-H first-year experiences from youth and adult perspectives. Qualitative responses examining youth and adult perspectives on expectations, enjoyment, and challenges are examined, as well as how the study findings can enhance understanding of the first-year 4-H experience and retaining more youth in the program.

Research Presentation  (2 of 3)        Session #2A                  Level: Introductory

Cindy Wells, Youth Development Specialist
University of Missouri
Missouri – Alpha Tau (North Central)

Additional Presenters: Car Mun Yuk, JoLynn Miller, Sarah Hensley, Jeannette Rea Keywood, YRS Team Members

The Adaptability of County 4-H Professionals to an All-Digital Setting During the Remote Work Period Based on Change Style Preferences

When the work shifted during the 2020 pandemic, Extension professionals not only made the switch to remote work, but they had to adjust to digital program delivery rather than in-person.

This study describes the adaptation of Ohio 4-H Professionals to an all-digital programming environment based on their Change Style Indicators.

Research Presentation  (3 of 3)        Session #2A                  Level: Intermediate

Mark Light, Extension Educator and Area Leader
The Ohio State University
Ohio – Alpha Eta (North Central)

Additional Presenter: Jeff King   

Community Change Leaders - Characteristics That Make a Positive Difference in Attitudes, Knowledge, and Skills/Behaviors

True leadership is about creating positive change. Individuals can embody certain characteristics, increasing the probability of change occurring. This workshop serves as an interactive laboratory, integrating these characteristics with community needs. Rural or urban, thoughts provoked through this experience create a greater sense of empowerment through change.

Seminar Presentation          Session #2B                  Level: Intermediate

Craig Rotter, Executive Director-Texas Rural Leadership Program
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas – Alpha Zeta (Southern)

Additional Presenter: Julie York   

Effective Strategies to Connect with Teleworking Staff

This presentation will examine the management strategies during the past years while teleworking due to COVID-19. There were several strategies adopted that facilitated the transition including access to technology, increased communication, creating additional reporting expectations, emphasizing work-life balance, focusing on outcomes, and setting clear expectations.

Seminar Presentation          Session #2C                  Level: Intermediate

Kathy Bruynis, Extension Educator and Area Leader
Ohio State University Extension
Ohio – Alpha Eta (North Central)

Additional Presenter: Chris Bruynis   

Enhancing Collaborations by Implementing a Community Engagement Model: Making a Difference!

Ever wonder why some collaborations always seem emerging and vibrant while others often fade into the sunset?  In this presentation, we will define how proactive Extension offices establish alliances in their community and continually maintain those relationships utilizing innovative practices using community engagement strategies.

Seminar Presentation          Session #2D                  Level: Introductory

Dennis DeCamp, Family and Consumer Science Educator
Ohio State University Extension
Ohio – Alpha Eta (North Central)

Additional Presenter: Treva Williams   

Facing Racism Together: Combining the Power of Technology with Extension's Reach to Address Difficult Issues

Facing Racism Together seeks to help Extension professionals discover how technology can be harnessed to foster dialogues designed to enhance racial understanding. In doing so, Extension professionals may help the diverse populations they serve to move forward in a productive manner that affects positive change.

Seminar Presentation          Session #2E                  Level: Introductory

Jason Estep, Extension 4-H Specialist
University of Georgia
Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)

Additional Presenter: Joan Koonce   

Leadership and Advocacy: Are they the same?

Extension professionals are viewed as leaders in their community. Being a good advocate means building rapport and collaborations. Come learn about advocacy as a form of leadership. Participants will take a DISC personality tests to determine traits and delve into how they can support advocacy efforts.

Seminar Presentation          Session #2F                  Level: Intermediate

ESP Public Issues Committee
Travis West, Sheriden Hansen and Peter Wolfhorst

Strategies to Engage At-Risk Youth by Creating Positive Learning Environments

Youth in alternative educational programs often have a history of challenges in all aspects of their lives. This demographic can be a challenge to engage in learning activities because they have had negative experiences in traditional educational settings. Informal extension programs provide opportunities to provide education in new, distinctive ways.

Seminar Presentation          Session #2G                  Level: Intermediate

Jessica Adams, 4H Educator
Ohio State University Extension
Ohio – Alpha Eta (North Central)

Additional Presenters: Alisha Barton and Amanda Bennett 

4-H Tech Changemakers Project: Empowering Teens & Serving Rural Communities

With over 23.4 million people lacking broadband internet access in the U.S, communities continue to struggle. Feeling secure and knowledgeable enough to adopt and use the technology is another challenge. Through the 4-H Tech Changemakers project, youth and adult teams taught digital literacy and safety skills to communities across America.

Ignite Presentation (1 of 4)      Session #2H         Level: Introductory

Kasey Bozeman
kaseyb@uga.edu
Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)  

Community Partnership Expands 4-H Programming

Learn about a partnership between Rock Eagle 4-H Center and the Eatonton-Putnam Historical Society.  This partnership revitalized one of the oldest dwellings in Putnam county and developed it into an educational space available for community events.  Community partnerships can provide a mutualistic relationship that allows further reach into the community.

Ignite Presentation (2 of 4)    Session #2H     Level: Introductory

Matt Hammons
mhammons@uga.edu
Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)

4-H is for Everyone: Pulaski 4-H H.E.R.O.E.S. Program

As a partner with public education, Pulaski 4-H seeks to afford opportunities to all youth, including those with special education needs.  HEROES is a safe, inclusive program that helps youth learn life skills, engages them in hands-on lessons over Healthy Living and STEM, and allows youth to learn & grow.

Ignite Presentation (3 of 4)     Session #2H       Level: Introductory

Sonya Jones
sonyaj@uga.edu
Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)

Camp Exploration Kits Engage Youth at Home

Through a need to keep camp relevant to families and youth who missed out in 2020, Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp Exploration Kits were born! The team created and marketed kits to deliver 4-H Camp to kids at home. Participants will learn to develop, market and ship kits of their own.

Ignite Presentation (4 of 4)    Session #2H     Level: Introductory

Jo Williams
williams.2213@osu.edu
Ohio – Alpha Eta (North Central)

Additional Presenters: Erin Dailey and Kristy Watters