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Communications and Expressive Arts Curriculum Committee

Conference Call
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2006
8:30-10:00 a.m.

Members present on call: Bryan Dickison, Nancy Kadwill, Joann Logan, Carol Schurman, Claudia Mincemoyer, chair

New Communications Curriculum

The committee decided that an in-service on use of the curriculum was not necessary. They would like to distribute (via ATS and email teaser) short descriptions of how the curriculum is being used:

Carol will write a narrative about her use of the curriculum with her Homeschool communication class. Claudia will write a narrative about using the curriculum with the Independent Living/Foster Care agencies. Joann will write a narrative about how she has use the curriculum with her pre-teen leadership club. Other ways the curriculum has been used should be sent to Claudia.

New Issues/Needs

State Achievement Days-Carol discussed declining enrollment at SAD for the communications contest. Should we continue to offer the contest in its present form or modify? Should we include a Powerpoint component? Should a PPT presentation be a separate contest as some states are doing? The committee thought that they needed more information overall about county and regional communications/EA activities. Claudia will send a quick survey to regional 4-H contacts for discussion at their next regional meetings. When responses are in, the next meeting of this committee will be scheduled.

Questions for Regional Committees:

1. What communication or expressive arts projects, activities or events are happening in your county and/or region? (e.g. Public speaking contest, theatrical competitions or experiences, communications projects with specific audiences)

2. Approximately how many youth are involved and what are their ages (mostly older teens, younger 4-H'ers?)

3. What suggestions do you have for increasing participation in the state communications program at State Achievement Days?

Other possible SAD events were discussed, theatrical interpretation as a competitive function, statewide theatre or dance camps. The issue of staffing events such as these was discussed.

Joann asked if we are allowed to have sponsors for a SAD contest to generate interest in the form or premiums or perhaps a drawing. Claudia will check to see if this is allowed at SAD and report at next meeting.

The committee also wanted to know exactly what was involved in the visual arts track from last year. How was this promoted in counties? Claudia will check with Lydia and report at next meeting.

Does the Teen Ambassador Conference have a requirement to develop a Powerpoint? Claudia will check with Jackie Bruce and report at next meeting.

4-H Name and Emblem on Internet

The committee discussed the web-based personal communication tools such as My Space. Are there any policy-related documents about 4-H youth (or any youth) displaying the clover inappropriately in photos or postings. There have been instances of 4-H youth using the clover and their 4-H membership inappropriately. How can we help staff communicate appropriate practices? Claudia will discuss with Christy.