• March 8: 4-H Youth Fund Board meeting, Campus
• March 15: CWF applications due
• March 18: State 4-H Conference workshop proposals due
• March 18: Urban Expansion proposals due
• April 1-6: National 4-H Conference, Washington, D.C.

• Universal Record Tip Sheet

Use of the 4-H Emblem

We've been getting some questions regarding use of the 4-H emblem. Below is a link that will answer questions you may have in relation to "4-H Name and Emblem Regulations."

http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/emblem/4h_name.htm —Ellen Butler

Eagle's Nest/Owl's Roost

Eagle's Nest/Owl's Roost (Jefferson County) has been listed as a Program of Distinction by the National 4-H Headquarters. The program is supported by the 4-H system partners and coordinated through National 4-H Headquarters and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). You can view the listing here: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm. Congratulations to Tom Mason and best wishes as you gear up for the 31st season and a great summer! —Jan Carroll

Universal Record Tip Sheet

There have been several questions on how to fill out the Universal Record and, in particular, if a member needs to fill out a separate record for each project. Connie Cecil has written some guidelines to help members fill out the record. —Gail McKee

Voices of Strength Conference

Mark your calendar for June 8-10, 2005 for the Connecting Prevention and Positive Youth Development conference in Denver. This unique learning event will provide attendees with the skills and tools needed to transform themselves and their schools, home and communities into places where youth can thrive academically, socially and emotionally and avoid destructive behaviors like youth/dating violence, substance abuse, school disruption and teen pregnancy.

For more information: http://www.buildassets.org —Jan Carroll

Office of Suicide Prevention - The Problem of Stigma

As a member of the Colorado Prevention Leadership Council, I was invited to speak to state level program managers. In a follow up meeting with Karen Mason and Julie Reichenberger I learned some things important to share with 4 H professionals and volunteers. This is the second of five notes from Karen.

About two thirds of all people with mental illnesses don't get help and one of the main reasons is stigma. Concern about stigma appears to be strongest in rural areas.

Stigma might also keep people from offering help. It's hard to talk to someone about their mental health problems, especially suicide. Discussing suicide openly and showing that you care is one of the most helpful things that you can do.

One thing that can help fight stigma is knowing that many people recover completely from a mental illness like depression, but getting help is the key.

Thank you for all your help preventing suicide in our Colorado communities. Please contact the Office of Suicide Prevention at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment if you have more questions: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/pp/Suicide/suicidehom.asp. You can also contact Karen Mason, Ph.D. at 303.692.2539 or karen.e.mason@state.co.usor Julie Reichenberger at 303.692.2560 or julie.reichenberger@state.co.us. —Jan Carroll