December 2010 - 4-H Ontario

4-H ONTARIO LEADERSHIP IN ACTION • DECEMBER 2010 • PAGE 4
The 4-H Ontario ‘Leadership In Action’ magazine
is published five times a year by 4-H Ontario.
editor: TAMMY OSWICK-KEARNEY
contributing writers
• Jacquie Rogstad• Jennifer Scherer•
Stan & Lily Ann Vince•
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK . . .
“For the timid, change is frightening. For the
satisfied change is threatening. But, for the
confident, change is an opportunity.”
Change. Transition from something: a shift from one state, stage, or phase
to another. A change in our thinking. An alteration, variation, or modification, or the result of
this.
Any way you say it, change is difficult. It forces us to face the reality of the situation and feel
frightened, threatened or challenged. There have been many changes over the past few months
that have been met with excitement, fear and anxiety. All normal reactions to change.
Even the best made plans will change, because without change we would not prosper, grow and
be a healthy organization. So, with the change to the membership age (lowering it to nine) and
the slight increase to the membership fee ($10 increase from $50 to $60) we need to address the
fears, deal with the anxiety, and get excited about the possibilities!
Lowering the membership age to nine years old as of January 1, 2011, allows another generation
of youth to explore the program. Today’s nine year old is inquisitive, imaginative, usually helpful
and appreciative. Just imagine the energy that a nine year old can bring to a club meeting, activity
or event!
Increasing the membership fee, regardless of when it is done, will always be met with resistance.
But it is a financial reality, not just for 4-H, but for all non-profit organizations. How can an
organization continue to provide any type of service when costs continue to rise around them and
their fees don’t increase Other organizations experience a yearly increase and 4-H Ontario has
not increased the membership fee in five years.
Change is never easy and I don’t think it was meant to be easy. Change allows us to open our eyes
to the realities we face and push forward with the confidence that all 4-H volunteers, members,
alumni, staff and friends possess.
Together we can face the changes that are necessary to continue to grow and evolve the 4-H
program for generations to come! Building on 95 years of 4-H – and the numerous changes that
have already occurred over this time – I am confident that the 4-H program will continue to grow
and change in the years to come.
Keep smiling!
Tammy OK
editorial correspondence
and subscription information:
4-H ONTARIO
5653 Hwy 6 North, RR5,
Guelph | ON N1H 6J2
ph : 519 - 824 - 0101 | fx : 519 - 824 - 8759
tf :1 - 877 - 410 - 6748
e-mail: communications@4-hontario.ca
4-HOntario.ca
2010 copy deadlines:
Feb 10 , May 10, Aug. 10, Nov. 10, Dec. 10
magazine distribution:
January, March, June, September, December
Reproduction in whole, or in part is forbidden
without the written permission of 4-H Ontario.
Publication Mail Agreement #40022887
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
4-H Ontario
5653 Hwy 6 North, RR5
Guelph, ON N1H 6J2
4-H Ontario Staff
executive director
seeking
executive assistant,
Patricia Hass
manager, volunteer services & development
Jennifer Hall
manager, member services & development
Marie Winter
finance coordinator
Doris Curran
raisers edge coordinator
Trisha Lefler
office assistant, privacy & screening officer
Cindy Byers
marketing & event coordinator
Andrew Moore
website coordinator
Stephanie Craig
opportunities coordinator
Marianne Fallis
communications coordinator
Tammy Oswick-Kearney
information management coordinator
Anita DeJong
regional specialists
region 1 Michel Corriveau
region 2 Barb Keith
region 3 Melanie Hunter
region 4 Julia Whalen
region 5 Kathryn Lambert
region 6 Kathryn Lambert
Ontario 4-H Council
president
Shonna Ward
past-president
Patty Lasby
vice-president
Megan Burnside
directors
Kelly Barclay
John den Haan
Angie Fairfield
Sandra Hanes
Dave McNichols
Shirley Tomlinson
Anne Verhallen
Sue Vincent
director-at-large
Darrell Bergsma
director community
Dr. Paulette Padanyi
director youth
Ashley Hall
national youth advisory committee rep
Kim Hooey
Ontario 4-H Foundation
chair
Rod Stork
vice-chair
Peter Brown
trustees
Nancy Brown-Andison
Peter Cameron
Ann Louise Carson
Ralph Dietrich
Christine Dukelow
Robert Larmer
Terry Malcolm
Rory McAlpine
Dr. Rob McLaughlin
David Rose
Tim Ross
Bert Stewart
Jim Wadleigh
Norma Winters
The Hon. Lyle Vanclief, P.C.