Spring 2012 - 4-H Ontario

ASK A VOLUNTEER
by Paulette Macdonald
How do I encourage
my 4-H Members to
stop using their cell
phones during club meetings -
Region 2 Volunteers discussed this hot
topic question at the Region 2 Volunteer
Symposium.
Dear Region 2 Volunteers,
Ah, the blessings and challenges of
technology today! The question of cell
phone use amongst 4-H Members is a
good one. Volunteers from across the
province have come up with these great
ideas:
• Design cell phone rules with the Members’ input. How would they
handle certain situations You’d be surprised how innovative they are!
• Inform the parents of the Club’s rules.
• Have a basket at the meeting; drop their cell phones in at the beginning
and pick them up at the end.
• They can check their messages at break time (if they are mature
enough).
• Have Members tell friends ahead of time that they will not available
during Club meeting times.
Our own attitudes play a big part in the success of this “technology
intervention”. If we, as Volunteers, think that this is an insurmountable force
to overcome, it will be an uphill battle. Here’s the thing, cell phones aren’t
going away anytime soon. As much as some of us want to control the cell
phone and its user, I suggest that acceptance is far more productive.
How about looking at cell phone use in the same way that we regard
manners We know it’s important to persist because the young person will
benefit in life. Learning to say “please” and “thank you” at an early age is
effective. Likewise, cell phone etiquette is essential.
So, let’s take the time to patiently teach Members how new habits will serve
them better. Not only will the people in their lives appreciate their good
manners, but they will impress future employers in a world where, sometimes
we forget, manners count!
Paulette Macdonald is the contributing Volunteer writer for this column and has been a Sudbury
4-H Volunteer for 13 years. Got a question! Submit it to communications@4-hontario.ca
I’m a Youth Leader
and I’m wondering
how to make
activities interesting for all
the kids in my Club. They’re
of all different ages. Any
suggestions” - Anonymous
I am constantly thinking of ways
to present a topic, or modify ideas
from other organizations I am
involved in. I always have some
games “in my back pocket” for time
fillers or when my fellow Members
become restless. I try to switch up
the way I present topics and ideas
to my Club as the same way, all the
time, gets old fast. It’s important
to understand and realize that
your Club includes Members of all
ages and backgrounds. Keeping it
simple is always effective because
regardless of age, more information
can be retained. I like to ask the Club
questions. Keeping them involved
and interacting results in some
good discussions and ideas. Where
appropriate I plan field trips, book
guest speakers and pick things that
easily relate to everyone in the Club.
If a topic includes a lot of information,
one way to present it is through
a game like jeopardy. Using your
creative abilities and imagination will
go a long way and will make activities
much more effective and interesting
for everyone, regardless of age.
The 4-H Ontario Ambassador program
is proudly sponsored by
GROWMARK, Inc. and UPI Energy LP.
Leadership In Action • Spring 2012