• Feb. 5-6: Leadership Development Conference, Denver
• Feb. 7: Colorado 4-H Day, State Capitol
• Feb. 19-21: Youth Fest, Monument
• Feb. 23-27: Western Regional 4-H Leaders' Forum, Sacramento, CA
• March 8: 4-H Youth Fund Board meeting
• March 15: CWF applications due
• March 18: Urban Expansion proposals due

• State 4-H Conference workshop request form

Colorado State 4-H Conference Workshops

Now's the time to start preparing for the 2005 Colorado State 4-H Conference by submitting a workshop request form. We are looking for workshops that relate to 4-H projects, developing life skills, expanding programs, community involvement and reaching new clientele. They may be for youth or adults (agents and volunteers) or both. Design a hands-on workshop which gets people involved and actively engaged in the topic. Hands-on doesn't mean participants have to make something, but it does mean they have to do something! A workshop proposal form is attached. - Dale Leidheiser

Youth Fest Registration

Please send all your county registrations to Lorri Arnhold, Las Animas County Extension Office, 200 East First Street, Room 101, County Courthouse, Trinidad, 81082-3000. Youth Fest 2005 will be held Feb. 19-21 at the Ponderosa Camp near Monument for youth ages nine to 13. Youth Fest is limited to the first 175 paid campers. Also note that adult chaperons are required to travel with the county delegation. If you have both boys and girls attending, please plan to send both a male and a female chaperon.

Call me at 970.491.0246 if you have additional questions. Thanks! - Melissa Oliver

New Report Focused on Rural Education

The Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC), in partnership with the USDA Economic Research Service and the Rural School and Community Trust, has issued a new report focused on rural education entitled "The Role of Education: Promoting the Economic and Social Vitality of Rural America." The report's chapters are organized into three thematic topics:

1. Education, Human Capital and the Local Economy;
2. Links between Rural Schools and Communities; and
3. Creating Successful Rural Schools and Students.

The full report is available on-line at http://srdc.msstate.edu/publications/ruraleducation.pdf - Jan Carroll

Tsunami Relief

Sixty seconds. Can you believe it? In just one minute participants at the Western Regional 4-H Roundup raised $1,220.12 for the Tsunami Relief Project! An additional $349 from book sales was donated by keynote speaker, Craig Zablocki.

While there is not a national or statewide effort for tsunami aid, we want to encourage 4-H groups across the state to join in providing support for those in great need in Southeast Asia. There are a number of reliable organizations that are set up to receive donations to provide immediate and long-term support. Funds raised at Roundup were donated to H.E.L.P. International, a 501(c)3 organization located at 1833 Harmony Road, Unit 26, in Fort Collins, 80528.

The tsunami disaster has raised the consciousness of the global community about the needs of individuals. This is an opportunity to have 4-H members assess the needs of people in their own communities and develop plans to respond to local needs as well. Citizenship and community service are a cornerstone of 4-H clubs across the country. Let's encourage them to pledge their "hands to larger service" where they can have the greatest impact - right at home. - Dale Leidheiser