Maximize the Impact of 4-H Record Books with Impact Statements

THE PURPOSE OF A 4-H RECORD BOOK Recordbooks help with GOAL SETTING on what your child wants to learn. GOAL SETTING! Allows you to focus Improves writing skills, especially withr sum s r sum s. Recordbooks are your ticket to 4 4- -H Scholarships H Scholarships. Recordkeeping is an important LIFE SKILL people practice record keeping in their daily lives. LIFE SKILL. All successful

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE TOP REASON A RECORD BOOK IS GOOD INSTEAD OF GREAT ?

1. Procrastination!

1. No Excuses!

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO COVER IMPACT STATEMENTS: WHAT ARE THEY? AND HOW TO USE THEM PIECES OF A RECORD BOOK: STORY: WHO I AM, WHAT I DID, HOW I GREW REPORT FORMS: EVERYTHING I DID AND WHY I DID IT!

WHAT IS AN IMPACT STATEMENTS? AN IMPACT STATEMENT EXPLAINS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF YOUR WORK. WE OFTEN USE IMPACT STATEMENTS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE IMPACT OF ONGOING LEARNING/RESEARCH IN A PARTICULAR FIELD AND ITS RESULTING OUTCOME.

WHY IMPACT STATEMENTS FOR 4-H RECORD BOOKS? IMPACT STATEMENTS CAN BE USED TO DEMONSTRATE HOW YOUR 4-H WORK DEMONSTRATED PERSONAL GROWTH, AND MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES, AND/OR THE ENVIRONMENT. DOCUMENTING THE RESULTS OF OUR EFFORTS IS EXPECTED BY JUDGES/SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEES. ILLUSTRATING HOW OUR WORK MADE A DIFFERENCE (NOT ONLY FOR OURSELVES) BUT FOR OTHERS IS PARAMOUNT IN A STRONG 4-H RECORD BOOK.

FORMULA FOR IMPACT STATEMENTS IMPACT STATEMENTS FOLLOW A SIMPLE FORMULA: 1. DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE 2. PROVIDE AN ACTION STATEMENT. 3. DESCRIBE THE IMPACT (RESULTS).

FORMULA FOR IMPACT STATEMENTS DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE: WHY ARE WE DOING THIS TEACHING/LEARNING, RESEARCH/DISCOVERY? FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: WHAT NEEDS WERE EXPRESSED IN THE COMMUNITY? FROM A PERSONAL GROWTH STANDPOINT, WHAT OBSTACLES ARE YOU FACED WITH TO MEETING YOUR GOALS?

FORMULA FOR IMPACT STATEMENTS PROVIDE AN ACTION STATEMENT (RESPONSE). WHAT DID YOU DO IN 4-H THAT HELPED YOU MEET YOUR GOALS (BOTH PERSONAL/PROJECT RELATED)? WHAT ACTIVITIES/TRAININGS/EXPERIENCES HELPED YOU? WHAT ACTIONS DID YOU TAKE TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF OTHERS? MENTORING YOUNGER/NEW MEMBERS PLANNED A COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT TO ADDRESS NEEDS OF COMMUNITY CONDUCTED AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR OTHERS.

FORMULA FOR IMPACT STATEMENTS DESCRIBE THE IMPACT (RESULTS). THE IMPACT OF YOUR WORKS IS IN THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION "WHO CARES?" HOW DID YOU GROW AS A RESULT OF THE 4-H WORK DESCRIBED? WHAT KNOWLEDGE WAS GAINED? WHAT SKILLS WERE INCREASED? HOW DID YOU IMPACT/CHANGE YOUR COMMUNITY/OTHERS/ENVIRONMENT? WHAT PRACTICES CHANGED? HOW MANY PEOPLE CHANGED, LEARNED OR BENEFITTED FROM SOMETHING YOU DID? HOW MUCH MONEY WAS RAISED? AND WHO DID IT HELP? WHAT WERE THE END RESULTS (QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE)

WHAT DOES AN IMPACT STATEMENT LOOK LIKE? AN IMPACT STATEMENT CONTAINS: A REPORTABLE AND VERIFIABLE DIFFERENCE YOU MADE AS A RESULT OF YOUR 4-H PROJECT WORK. WEAK IMPACT STATEMENT: IN 2016, I WAS ELECTED AS THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER OF OUR CLUB. I HELPED PLAN MANY SERVICE PROJECTS AND ENJOYED GIVING BACK TO MY COMMUNITY.

WHAT DOES AN IMPACT STATEMENT LOOK LIKE? AN IMPACT STATEMENT CONTAINS: A REPORTABLE AND VERIFIABLE DIFFERENCE YOU MADE AS A RESULT OF YOUR 4-H PROJECT WORK. GOOD IMPACT STATEMENT: IN 2016, I WAS ELECTED AS THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER OF OUR CLUB. I HELPED PLAN 15 DIFFERENT SERVICE PROJECTS THAT YEAR AND RAISED $400 FOR OUR LOCAL NURSING HOME. GIVING BACK TO THE ELDER MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE MANY OF THEM DO NOT HAVE FAMILY TO HELP THEM.

WHAT DOES AN IMPACT STATEMENT LOOK LIKE? AN IMPACT STATEMENT CONTAINS: A REPORTABLE AND VERIFIABLE DIFFERENCE YOU MADE AS A RESULT OF YOUR 4-H PROJECT WORK. GREAT IMPACT STATEMENT: IN 2016, I WAS ELECTED AS THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER OF OUR CLUB. I HELPED PLAN 15 DIFFERENT SERVICE PROJECTS THAT YEAR AND RAISED $400 FOR OUR LOCAL NURSING HOME. GIVING BACK TO THE ELDER MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE MANY OF THEM DO NOT HAVE FAMILY TO HELP THEM. AS A RESULT OF OUR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT, THE NURSING HOME INFORMED US THAT THEY NO LONGER HAD A SHORTAGE OF TOILETRY ITEMS THANKS TO OUR DONATION.

ONE OF THE MOST COMMON RECORD BOOK CRITIQUES IS TO ELABORATE! REMEMBER YOU HAVE 10 PAGES TO FILL MAKE SURE YOU MAKE IT COUNT! SUMMARIZES, IN LAY TERMS, THE DIFFERENCE YOUR TEACHING/LEARNING, RESEARCH/DISCOVERY MADE. STATE ACCOMPLISHMENT AND CREATE STRONG SUPPORT FOR YOUR EFFORTS AND PROJECT WORK. ANSWER THE QUESTIONS... "SO WHAT? AND WHO CARES?" USE SIMPLE LANGUAGE FREE OF TECHNICAL JARGON.

4-H STORY GUIDELINES PERSONAL STORY & PHOTOS: THE STORY IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHARE YOUR 4-H EXPERIENCE IN YOUR OWN WORDS. GUIDELINES: JUNIOR MINIMUM OF 2 PAGES, MAX 5. 2 PAGES OF PHOTOS INTERMEDIATE - MINIMUM OF 4 PAGES, MAX 10. 3 PGS OF PHOTOS SENIOR - MINIMUM OF 6 PAGES, MAX 10. 3PGS OF PHOTOS.

4-H STORY GUIDELINES THE BASICS: THE STORY SHOULD FOCUS ON INFORMATION FROM THE CURRENT YEAR; HOWEVER, IT MAY ALSO INCLUDE INFORMATION FROM PRIOR YEARS. THE CATEGORY SHOULD INDICATE YOUR MAIN PROJECT, BUT YOUR RECORD BOOK STORY SHOULD REFLECT ALL PROJECTS YOU PARTICIPATED IN. TITLE THE PORTFOLIO AS FOLLOWS: MY 4-H ___________ (RECORD BOOK CATEGORY) STORY AND PHOTO PORTFOLIO. FOR EXAMPLE, MY 4-H HORSE STORY AND PHOTO PORTFOLIO. A SUBTITLE MAY BE ADDED.

STORY OBJECTIVES: STORY SHOULD COVER: INTRO: INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR COMMUNITY, WHEN AND WHY YOU JOINED 4-H PROJECT GOALS (STARTING WITH YOUR MAIN PROJECT) - RELEVANCE HOW (ACTIVITIES/EXPERIENCES) 4-H HAS HELPED YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS, BECOME A BETTER LEADER AND CITIZEN AND WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED THROUGH YOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES - ACTION REFLECT ON HOW BEING A 4-H MEMBER HAS HELPED YOU SET/ACHIEVE GOALS (RESTATE THE GOALS), DEVELOP NEW INTERESTS (FUTURE PLANS/CAREER INTEREST), AND HOW YOU BENEFITTED OTHERS- IMPACT Intro Body Conclusion

STORY OBJECTIVES: STORY SHOULD COVER: THE 4-H STORY/PHOTO PORTFOLIO SHOULD NOT JUST BE A REPETITION OF WHAT IS IN THE REPORT FORMS. INCLUDE NEW INFORMATION, EXPAND ON THE ENTRIES TO TELL THE STORY OF YOUR 4-H PROJECT WORK. WRONG: IN 2019, I COMPETED IN SALE AND PLACED 6TH WITH MY PIG. IT WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE AND I HAD SO MUCH FUN THAT THE NEXT MONTH I COMPETED IN X, Y, Z AND PLACED BLAH BLAH BLAH RIGHT: THIS PAST 4-H YEAR I ATTENDED THE SAN ANTONIO RODEO AND IT WAS UNLIKE ANY STOCK SHOW EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD BEFORE. THIS YEAR I WAS FACED WITH AN OBSTACLE/ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING I HAD FAILED AT BEFORE/MADE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON SOMEONE ELSE

STORY PHOTOS: PHOTO GUIDELINES THE PHOTOS USED ARE VERY IMPORTANT AND SHOULD REFLECT GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE MEMBER S 4-H CAREER. USE PHOTOS THAT SHOW THE MEMBER DOING THINGS, LEARNING AND TEACHING OTHERS, AND ESPECIALLY HAVING FUN IN 4-H. USE PHOTOS THAT SHOWCASE THE MAIN PROJECT, OTHER PROJECTS, LEADERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. PHOTOS DEPICTING FAMILY ACTIVITIES, U.I.L., SPORTS EVENTS, OTHER SCHOOL EVENTS (NON-4-H RELATED PHOTOS) ARE NOT TO BE INCLUDED. *EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE AS LONG AS IT S RELEVANT. CAPTIONS HELP TELL THE STORY AND DESCRIBE WHAT IS IN THE PHOTO BUT ARE NOT REQUIRED. STORY AND PHOTOS MAY BE COMBINED. COLOR AND/OR BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOS, CLEAR SHARP COPIES OF PHOTOS (SCANNED AND/OR COLOR COPIED), AND NEWSPAPER PHOTO CLIPPINGS MAY BE INCLUDED. NEWSPAPER ARTICLES ARE NOT ALLOWED.

FINAL NOTES THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE JUDGE TO GET TO KNOW YOU. BE PERSONABLE, AND DO NOT BE AFRAID TO BE AUTHENTIC AND SHARE SOME OF THOSE PAINFUL OR EMBARRASSING MOMENTS. THEY MAY HAVE BEE THE CATALYST TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW! THE COMBINED STORY AND PHOTO PORTFOLIO SHOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE PAGE LIMITS FOR EACH AGE DIVISION. TEXT IS TO BE DOUBLE-SPACED TYPE, USING A MINIMUM OF A 10-POINT OR EQUIVALENT SIZE FONT. PHOTOS MAY BE PLACED THROUGHOUT THE STORY, ADHERING TO THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF EQUIVALENT PAGES OR THEY CAN BE ALL GROUPED TOGETHER. RECORD BOOKS SUBMITTED IN THE PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY FOLLOW THE SAME GUIDELINES REGARDING NUMBER OF PHOTOS INCLUDED. DO NOT INCLUDE EXTRA PHOTOS.

SECTION BREAKDOWNS PROJECT EXPERIENCES: 4-H PROJECT SUMMARY AND LEARNING EXPERIENCES WHAT IS YOUR PROJECT? HOW DID YOUR PROJECT CHANGE OR GROW? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED? YOU CAN INCLUDE LEARNING EXPERIENCES GAINED IN OTHER YOUTH/COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS BUT APPLICABLE TO THE 4-H PROJECT. INDIVIDUALLY-DIRECTED PROJECT LEARNING EXPERIENCES ARE ALSO ACCEPTABLE. INCLUDE UP TO 4 PROJECTS, CURRENT YEAR AND UP TO THREE PRECEDING 4-H YEARS (UP TO TWO PRECEDING YEARS FOR JUNIORS). MAXIMUM PAGE LIMITS: JUNIOR - 2 PAGES; INTERMEDIATE 3 PAGES; SENIOR 4 PAGES.

SECTION BREAKDOWNS PROJECT EXPERIENCES (SCHOLARSHIP): 4-H PROJECT SUMMARY AND LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOUR (4) OF YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT 4-H PROJECTS THROUGHOUT YOUR ENTIRE 4-H CAREER. DESCRIBE YEARS INVOLVED, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS GAINED, SCOPE AND ACTIVITY RELATED TO PROJECTS, DEMONSTRATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, EXHIBITS, WORKSHOPS, TOURS, INTERVIEWS, ETC. DESCRIBE WHY THESE PROJECTS WERE IMPORTANT AND SIGNIFICANT AND WHAT IMPACT YOUR INVOLVEMENT PROVIDED YOU TO HAVE ON OTHER PEOPLE. PUT EMPHASIS ON THE QUALITY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE, RATHER THAN QUANTITY. PLEASE REFERENCE THE LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION/INVOLVEMENT AS L=LOCAL, C=COUNTY, D=DISTRICT, R=REGIONAL, S=STATE, N=NATIONAL, AND I=INTERNATIONAL.

LOW SCORING EXAMPLE ANIMAL PROJECT 2010-2020 SHOWED IN 10 STOCK SHOWS (C, D, S) ATTENDED 5 WORKSHOPS, 50+ PROJECT MEETINGS, AND 2 CAMPS. (L, C, D, S) LEARNED ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY, TIME MANAGEMENT AND DEPENDABILITY. LEADERSHIP PROJECT 2013-2020 SERVED AS A CLUB SECRETARY, TREASURER, 2ND VICE, 1ST VICE, PRESIDENT (2013-2020) ATTENDED 200+ CLUB MEETINGS. LEARNED HOW TO BE A PROJECT MANAGER, RESPONSIBILITY AND LEADERSHIP

WAYS TO IMPROVE ANIMAL PROJECT 2010-2020 (10 YEARS) CONTESTS & EXHIBITIONS OF PROJECT: SHOWED IN 3 COUNTY SHOWS (C), 4 STATE STOCK SHOWS (INCLUDES HSLR, SALE, & FWSRR) EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES: PARTICIPATED IN 50+ PROJECT MEETINGS (L). ATTENDED 5 SHOWMANSHIP WORKSHOPS (L2, C1, S2) AND 2 TEXAS A&M CAMPS (S). LEADERSHIP IN X PROJECT: SERVED AS A LIVESTOCK AMBASSADOR (S) AND ACCUMULATED 80 HOURS OF SERVICE. DELIVERED 18 ANIMAL PRESENTATIONS (8L, 3C, 3D, 4S) AND REACHED AN AUDIENCE OF 350 YOUTH. KNOWLEDGE GAINED: DEVELOPED FEEDING RATIONS, NUTRITION NEEDS FOR LARGE RUMINANTS, HOW TO IDENTIFY SIGNS OF CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASE, ETC. (CONCRETE EXAMPLES OF SPECIFICALLY WHAT YOU LEARNED. SHOULD BE ADVANCED LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR YOUR AGE GROUP) IMPACT: ESTABLISHED A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF ANIMAL WELFARE AND HOW IT IMPACTS OUR FOOD SUPPLY, MENTORED 6 YOUNGER 4-H MEMBERS IN ANIMAL PROJECT, DEVELOPED CONFIDENCE IN ADVOCATING FOR LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY. (AGAIN, SHOULD BE CONCRETE IMPACTS THAT DO NOT AFFECT JUST YOU, SHOULD BE IMPACTING OTHERS AS WELL AS YOUR COMMUNITY.)

FORMAT IS UP TO YOU! ANIMAL PROJECT 2010-2020 (10 YEARS) CONTESTS & EXHIBITIONS OF PROJECT: SHOWED IN 3 COUNTY SHOWS (C), 4 STATE STOCK SHOWS (INCLUDES HSLR, SALE, & FWSRR) EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES: PARTICIPATED IN 50+ PROJECT MEETINGS (L). ATTENDED 5 SHOWMANSHIP WORKSHOPS (L2, C1, S2) AND 2 TEXAS A&M CAMPS (S). LEADERSHIP IN X PROJECT: SERVED AS A LIVESTOCK AMBASSADOR (S) AND ACCUMULATED 80 HOURS OF SERVICE. DELIVERED 18 ANIMAL PRESENTATIONS (8L, 3C, 3D, 4S) AND REACHED AN AUDIENCE OF 350 YOUTH. KNOWLEDGE GAINED: DEVELOPED FEEDING RATIONS, NUTRITION NEEDS FOR LARGE RUMINANTS, HOW TO IDENTIFY SIGNS OF CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASE, ETC. IMPACT: ESTABLISHED A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF ANIMAL WELFARE AND HOW IT IMPACTS OUR FOOD SUPPLY, MENTORED 6 YOUNGER 4-H MEMBERS IN ANIMAL PROJECT, DEVELOPED CONFIDENCE IN ADVOCATING FOR LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY. Animal Project 2010-2020 (10 Years) Activity Level Knowledge/Skills Impact Stock Show Exhibitions (HSLR, SALE, FWSRR) (C3, S4) Gained experience in animal selection, process of preparing animal for show, and time management. Exhibited sound, healthy well-groomed animals and promoted what the livestock industry is all about. Project Meetings (L50+) Built all foundations of learning at project meetings such as project selection, nutrition for large ruminants, identifying common diseases and fundamentals of showmanship Networked with adult leaders and senior members who helped me grow. I was able to channel that learning toward others by mentoring younger members Texas A&M Camp (S2) Attended State Level camps taught by leading professionals in the animal husbandry industry. Developed confidence in advocating for livestock industry after gaining firsthand knowledge from industry professionals.

SECTION BREAKDOWNS LEADERSHIP: SECTION DESCRIPTION: LIST WHAT YOU DID TO ASSIST OTHERS THROUGHOUT THIS 4-H YEAR. ALSO INCLUDE GENERAL LEADERSHIP SUCH AS CLUB OFFICER, 4-H COUNTY COUNCIL, OR COUNTY COMMITTEES. INCLUDE ELECTED/APPOINTED, VOLUNTEER, AND PROMOTION LEADERSHIP. LEADERSHIP ROLE: E-ELECTED, A- APPOINTED, V-VOLUNTEER, P-PROMOTIONAL. LEVEL: CL-CLUB, CO- COUNTY, D-DISTRICT, S-STATE, N-NATIONAL, I-INTERNATIONAL. INCLUDE CURRENT YEAR AND UP TO 3 PRECEDING 4-H YEARS OF ACTIVITIES (UP TO 2 PRECEDING 4-H YEARS FOR JUNIORS). ENTRY AND PAGE LIMITS: JUNIOR 10 ENTRIES AND 1 PAGE; INTERMEDIATE 15 ENTRIES AND 2 PAGES; SENIOR 25 ENTRIES AND 3 PAGES.

LOW SCORING EXAMPLE Level of Involvement (S) Appointed Role, Responsibilities, Duties and/or accomplishments. Educated individuals, planned events, gave horse presentations. Conducted meetings in President s absence. Conducted meetings in President s absence. Year Leadership Role 2013- 2015 2014- 2015 2013- 2014 Texas Horse Ambassador County Council Vice President County Council Vice President (C) Elected (C) Elected

LOW SCORING EXAMPLE Level of Involvement (S) Appointed Role, Responsibilities, Duties and/or accomplishments. Educated individuals, planned events, gave horse presentations. Conducted meetings in President s absence. Conducted meetings in President s absence. Year Leadership Role 2013- 2015 2014- 2015 2013- 2014 Texas Horse Ambassador County Council Vice President County Council Vice President (C) Elected (C) Elected DO NOT s: 1. Copy/Paste role/responsibilities. You re just telling us your job description, not what you actually did! 2. Leadership positions should be appropriate for age level of members. Seniors wearing your club shirt is not leadership anymore! 3. Do not be shackled by modesty. If you don t elaborate, we cannot assume you did anything besides what is written.

WAYS TO IMPROVE Leadership Role 2013- 2015 Ambassador Level of Involvement (S) Appointed Role, Responsibilities, Duties and/or accomplishments. Educated (~400) individuals through horse presentations I developed and planned 5 educational Ambassador events. Assisted the president in his duties, conducted meetings and helped plan our annual BBQ Plate fundraiser (Raised $400). Assisted the president in his duties and conducted meetings in his absence. This year I planned all club educational programs. Year Texas Horse 2014- 2015 County Council Vice President County Council Vice President (C) Elected 2013- 2014 (C) Elected DO s: 1. 2. 3. Elaborate! Provide quantitative information so we understand the scope of your work. Each experience should be unique. Alter it slightly. Leadership work should be varied. Don t forget to list VOLUNTEER leadership (Actions you took on: organizing a service event, mentoring a younger member etc.

SECTION BREAKDOWNS COMMUNITY SERVICE: SECTION DESCRIPTION: LIST COMMUNITY SERVICE OR SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS THAT MIGHT INCLUDE: CLEAN UPS, COLLECTIONS, REPAIRS, CONSTRUCTION, CARE PACKETS, VISITATIONS, EDUCATION, DONATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, ETC. YOUR ROLE: Y-YOURSELF, M-MEMBER OF A GROUP, P-PRIMARY LEADERSHIP.INCLUDE CURRENT YEAR AND UP TO 3 PRECEDING 4- H YEARS OF ACTIVITIES (UP TO 2 YEARS PRECEDING 4-H YEARS FOR JUNIORS). ENTRY AND PAGE LIMITS: JUNIOR 10 ENTRIES AND 1 PAGE; INTERMEDIATE 15 ENTRIES AND 2 PAGES; SENIOR 25 ENTRIES AND 3 PAGES.

LOW SCORING EXAMPLE Year Activity Role Importance/Impact of Involvement 2015- 2018 Angel Ride Benefit Trail Ride Volunteer Volunteered each year and raised money for sick babies. This event is a lot of fun because we get to ride bikes with our club. (M) 2016 Pillows for Patients Our One-Day 4-H project created pillows for dialysis patients. (M, P)

LOW SCORING EXAMPLE Year Activity Role Importance/Impact of Involvement 2015- 2018 Angel Ride Benefit Trail Ride Volunteer Volunteered each year and raised money for sick babies. This event is a lot of fun because we get to ride bikes with our club. (M) 2016 Pillows for Patients Our One-Day 4-H project created pillows for dialysis patients. (M, P) DO NOT s: 1. Understand that Community Service is NOT about you. It s about the community. Remember to make sure you know what the service event is all about. Who does it serve and more importantly WHY? 2. Vague impact statements leave us wondering, so what? How much did you raise, how many hours did you contribute, how many families did you impact? 3. Be varied in your role. As senior members, we should see some (P) s where you are serving as the Primary Leader!

WAYS TO IMPROVE Year Activity Role Importance/Impact of Involvement 2015- 2018 Angel Ride Benefit Trail Ride Volunteer Volunteered over 72 hours each year and raised over $20,ooo for babies stricken with Group B Strep disease. (M) 2016 Pillows for Patients I coordinated our 2016 One-Day 4-H project and recruited 6 members to help create 72 pillows for dialysis patients. Pillows help them be more comfortable during their long dialysis treatments. (M, P) DO s: 1. Understand your WHY! If you know how and why these activities impacted your community then you ll have no problem with this section. Have BALANCE. Not every entry should be a drive or a bake and take . Show community service projects that have you physically have boots on the ground doing something or interacting with people to improve your community. Be well rounded and avoid double dipping. Sometimes an activity can belong in multiple sections (and that s ok!) but do not be redundant. 2. 3.

SECTION BREAKDOWNS OTHER 4-H PROJECTS: SECTION DESCRIPTION: LIST ANY 4-H PROJECT(S) NOT LISTED IN SECTION I, INCLUDE NUMBER OF YEARS AND SUMMARIZE PARTICIPATION. INCLUDE CURRENT YEAR AND UP TO 3 PRECEDING 4-H YEARS OF ACTIVITIES (UP TO 2 PRECEDING 4-H YEARS FOR JUNIORS). AND ANY NUMBER OF PROJECTS. LIMIT TO 1 PAGE (JUNIORS) LIMIT TO 2 PAGES (INTERMEDIATES & SENIOR). DO NOT LEAVE THIS BLANK! IF YOU HAVE LESS THAN 4 PROJECTS YOU WILL NEED TO PUT SOME IN SECTION 1 & SOME IN SECTION 4.

SECTION BREAKDOWNS HONORS: SECTION DESCRIPTION: LIST 4-H RECOGNITION AND AWARDS. LEVEL CL-CLUB, CO-COUNTY, D-DISTRICT, S-STATE, N-NATIONAL, I- INTERNATIONAL AND WHY YOU CONSIDER THE HONORS LISTED TO BE IMPORTANT (I.E. HOW DID THEY CONTRIBUTE TO AND PROVIDE SIGNIFICANCE TOWARD YOUR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT?).INCLUDE CURRENT YEAR AND UP TO 3 PRECEDING 4-H YEARS OF ACTIVITIES (UP TO 2 PRECEDING YEARS FOR JUNIORS). ENTRY AND PAGE LIMITS: JUNIOR 10 ENTRIES AND 1 PAGE; INTERMEDIATE 15 ENTRIES AND 2 PAGES; SENIOR 25 ENTRIES AND 3 PAGES.

LOW SCORING EXAMPLE Year Level Recognition Importance to You 2016 3rd Place Ind., National Western Roundup Horse Ed. Presentation This award shows that my hard work and dedication paid off in public speaking. (N) 2016 4-H Gold Star Award Receiving the Gold Star Award fulfills my dream, and that all my work in 4-H was recognized.. (S)

LOW SCORING EXAMPLE Year Level Recognition Importance to You 2016 3rd Place Ind., National Western Roundup Horse Ed. Presentation This award shows that my hard work and dedication paid off in public speaking. (N) 2016 4-H Gold Star Award Receiving the Gold Star Award fulfills my dream, and that all my work in 4-H was recognized.. (S) DO NOT s: 1. Give the canned answer to importance: Shows my hard work and dedication paid off . EVERY award should be a mark of hard work and dedication, but it sounds clich and repetitive. 2. List the awards that you feel were good enough . Placing 8th in a contest is still a learning experience. List as many as you can! Shows you were brave enough to compete and put yourself out there for judging!

WAYS TO IMPROVE Year Level Award Importance 2016 3rd Place Ind., National Western Roundup Horse Ed. Presentation This award was very unexpected. I ve always struggled with my public speaking skills and dedicated many hours to this contest to make this possible. (N) 2016 4-H Gold Star Award Receiving the Gold Star Award fulfills one of my dreams. I m honored that my countless project hours, long nights in the barn and setbacks in 4-H are now being celebrated with this prestigious award. (S) DO s: 1. Be authentic! If you were surprised you won an award, were over the moon with 8th place or even felt that you could have improved, state that. This section is NOT worth a ton of points so don t treat it like a baseball card and rattle of stats. Make a little bit of effort and you will gain all the points for this section. 2.

SECTION BREAKDOWNS NON 4-H EXPERIENCES: SECTION DESCRIPTION: LIST LEADERSHIP, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITION FROM OTHER ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SCHOOL, CHURCH, AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS . DESCRIBE HOW YOU SPENT TIME OUTSIDE OF YOUR 4-H ACTIVITIES, WHY YOU DEVOTED TIME TO A PARTICULAR ACTIVITY, THE IMPACT THE ACTIVITY HAD ON YOUR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND HOW IT BENEFITED OTHER PEOPLE. INCLUDE CURRENT YEAR AND UP TO 3 PRECEDING 4-H YEARS OF ACTIVITIES (UP TO 2 PRECEDING YEARS FOR JUNIORS). LIMIT TO 1 PAGE

BREAK IT DOWN LEADERSHIP (2016-2020) STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT SERVED MY CLASS OF 600 STUDENTS BY PLANNING SCHOOL WIDE EVENTS SUCH AS HOMECOMING, PROM AND OUR ANNUAL CLASS TRIP. MY FUNDRAISING WORK ON STUDENT COUNCIL RAISED$4,000 FOR THE CLASS OF 2018. HONORS (2016-2020) NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION DUE TO MY DILIGENT WORK AT MAINTAINING A 4.0 I WAS INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY. WORK EXPERIENCE (2016-2018) SERVER AT BURGERTOWN MAINTAINED A WEEKLY WORK SCHEDULE THAT I BALANCED WITH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. LEARNED CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS, FOOD HANDLING AND TIME MANAGEMENT. COMMUNITY SERVICE (2010-2020) PICTURES WITH SANTA EVERY YEAR FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS, I VE VOLUNTEERED WITH MY CHURCH YOUTH GROUP TO DO PICTURES WITH SANTA AT THE CHILDREN S HOSPITAL. WE VOLUNTEER 8 HOURS AND TAKE OVER 200 PICTURES EVERY YEAR FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE SICK DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Remember: 1. This section helps us recognize you as a well rounded individual. Your whole life should NOT just be 4-H! 2. Just like the other sections, ELABORATE the importance and impact. Tell the judges what you did, this should not be a laundry list acronyms!

SECTION BREAKDOWNS CAREER NARRATIVE SECTION DESCRIPTION: LIST ACTIVITIES THAT HAVE HELPED YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT CAREERS OR THE NECESSARY EDUCATION TO ENTER A CAREER. EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: INTERVIEWS, TOURS, JOB SHADOWING, RESEARCH, MENTORING, WORK EXPERIENCE, SKILL DEVELOPMENT, COURSE WORK, ETC. INCLUDE CURRENT YEAR AND UP TO 3 PRECEDING 4-H YEARS OF ACTIVITIES (UP TO 2 PRECEDING YEARS FOR JUNIORS). ENTRY AND PAGE LIMITS: JUNIOR 10 ENTRIES AND 1 PAGE; INTERMEDIATE 15 ENTRIES AND 1 PAGE; SENIOR 15 ENTRIES AND 2 PAGES. VISITS TO COLLEGE/UNIVERSITIES AND CONVERSATIONS WITH PERSONNEL AT THOSE INSTITUTIONS. INVESTIGATIONS OF JOB/CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND AVAILABILITY PERSONS/EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE INFLUENCED YOU TO PURSUE THE DEGREE/CERTIFICATION YOU HAVE INDICATED.

BREAK IT DOWN Year Activity Title Tour of Texas A&M Campus Interviewed a Veterinarian What did you learn or do? 2016 I was able to view the campus, and tour the Veterinary school. I am interested in becoming a veterinarian so I interviewed a Veterinarian to ask them questions about their job. 2018

BREAK IT DOWN Year Activity Title Tour of Texas A&M Campus Interviewed a Veterinarian What did you learn or do? I was able to view the campus, and tour the Veterinary school. My brother currently attends Texas A&M and is encouraging me to attend. I am interested in becoming a veterinarian so I interviewed a Veterinarian to ask them questions about their job and what they do every day. 2016 2018 DONT s: 1. Make statements that are vague or come off as disinterested in the activity. You should demonstrate a level of curiosity and interest. Superficial Exploration. Exploring careers is a daunting task for teens and young adults. Activities should be varied and explore careers of interest in an in-depth manner. If you want to be a veterinarian doing internet research is NOT ENOUGH! Interview a vet, shadow them at an office, witness a procedure, talk to a vet student, look at books/materials you would have to learn. Again, ask yourself WHY? Why did I do this activity? Did it help me decide anything about my future career plans? If it did/did not, explain it! 2. 3.

BREAK IT DOWN Year Activity Title What did you learn or do? Attended a Prospective Student Tour while visiting my brother who currently attends Texas A&M. Was able to view the campus, tour the Veterinary School, and learn about the rigorous Veterinary School program offered at this campus. Dr. Smith is a friend of the family and a licensed veterinarian for 15 years. I set up an appointment with him to ask him questions about his profession such as school requirements, working hours, what he loves about his job and what he dislikes about his job. I learned that I love animals very much, and after speaking with him this job would be very difficult for me to do. Tour of Texas A&M Campus 2016 Interviewed a Veterinarian 2018 DO s: 1. Remember from a scholarship standpoint, career narrative s are a way to demonstrate why an organization should invest in you! The more clear and well informed you are about your goals and aspirations, the more likely you will be invested in. Career exploration does not always have to solely focus on a career. Exploration could be at a 4-H camp, leadership event or 4-H activity that gave you insight to a potential career. Example: Mission Possible could be relevant to a student exploring education of Special Needs students. Texas 4-H Congress could be relevant to Political Science, Water Ambassador could be relevant to Natural Resource Degree, etc. 2.