Texas 4-H holds 'input' sessions for future changes

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Erath Co. 4-H Extension agent McKenzie Walker recently attended one of the 4-H listening sessions held by the Texas 4-H. -Staff photo by Spikes

December 4, 2003 -- Recent changes proposed by the Texas 4-H organization has led many of its members to voice their concerns about the changes. In response to these concerns, the Texas 4-H recently held various listening sessions around the state of Texas.

One of these sessions, held Nov. 15 in Waco, allowed members, leaders, and volunteers to discuss the changes, to have questions answered, and to voice their opinion. McKenzie Walker, Erath County's 4-H Extension agent located in Stephenville, was at the session to give her ideas on these changes.

"We are hoping that through the feedback given at these sessions the Texas 4-H will hear the concerns of the members and use that to help with their final decisions on the changes made to the organization," Walker said.

She explained that the groups talked about various aspects of the organization to see if members were happy with the way 4-H was currently handling issues or if the members had ideas on how to change it. The session focused on the youth, local and county issues, volunteerism, prioritization, collaboration, and diversity.

"In the end, the state needs to remember that gaining and keeping 4-H members is the main focus. I won't say the changes are bad or good, but they need to focus on keeping the youth in our organization."

Walker added, "I am glad that they are asking for feedback from our 4-H members. I liked that we were able to discuss the issues and that the Texas 4-H wanted our opinions before they made a decision."

The timeline of the Texas 4-H changes are as follows:

• Dec. 4 - The Texas 4-H Project Advisory Committee will meet in College Station to discuss the information given in the different sessions.

• Jan. 5-9 - District Extension administrators, regional program directors, county Extension directors, and Texas 4-H faculty will address the issues and feedback of the sessions during the faculty conference.

• Feb. 1 - The state will make recommendations on the final changes to the administration.

• Feb. 27 - The state will have a final review of the changes at the administrative meeting.

• March - Final plans and support materials will be developed by the state for the 4-H organization during the Texas 4-H and youth development program faculty retreat.

• April - The final changes will be put into place and announced for the 2004-2005 Texas 4-H and youth development year.

For more information on the Texas 4-H organization changes, visit the Texas 4-H website at texas4-h.tamu.edu or talk with your local county 4-H Extension agent.