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A Publication Featuring The Information Services Technology of Maine State Government
| VolumeV, Issue 2 | February 2002 |
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By Brenda Zollitsch and Polly Meloy
University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation have forged a new partnership to develop on-line resources in support of 4-H volunteers, youth and those seeking funds for 4-H activities. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension serves more than 28,000 youth and 3,000 volunteers through the 4-H program. The Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation with assets of $3.1 million, whose sole mission is to enrich youth experiences through partnership with Maine 4-H. The Foundation works in collaboration with Cooperative Extension to fund experiential learning programs that help young people develop critical life skills.
Traditionally, youth and adults involved in the Maine 4-H program have had to contact their state and county Extension offices to get information about upcoming programs, training sessions, application forms, record sheets, and the latest funding information. Office hours limited the times of the day information was available, and distance between volunteers and staff across the state presented another obstacle. The World Wide Web, thankfully, is tailor-made for overcoming such barriers of time and geography.
Now Maine youth, volunteers, staff, supporters, and the interested public can get the latest information on 4-H activities and opportunities online at the 4-H volunteer resources Web site http://www.umaine.edu/umext/4hvolunteers/
The 4-H volunteer Web site provides a calendar of events and deadlines for 4-H activities. There is also information about 4-H programs and life skills, as well as how to become a 4-H volunteer. Visitors can find information on working with youth, and links to user-friendly youth development education curricula. The site provides the latest forms for parental approvals, event registration, youth portfolios, and photo releases. It also links to funding opportunities and partners. This new volunteer Web site is already proving a useful daily tool for volunteers throughout the state.
The Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation Web site http://www.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/ provides the latest information about foundation priorities, current funding opportunities, and the current year's funded projects. The Foundation’s grant application forms and deadlines are available online, as well as lists of funded projects. In addition to information for individuals, corporations, and grantors who want to support 4-H, the Web site now offers a secure online giving mechanism through its non-profit affiliate, "Helping.org."
The Foundation funds 4-H programs and events through grants; offers scholarships to 4-H participants pursuing post-secondary education; and is the long-time provider of base program support for state, regional, and national events.
Keep your eye out in the coming months for this latest addition to 4-H's online services!
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Brenda Zollitsch is Executive Director of the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation and Resource Development Officer for University of Maine Cooperative Extension. A strong advocate of using technology to share timely information, Zollitsch has been active in securing funds to make 4-H accessible online. |
| Polly Meloy is the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation's Development Professional. She is the editor of the 4-H Foundation's quarterly "Foundation Focus" newsletter and manages the Foundation's Web site. Her Web development expertise has been tapped by Extension to design and develop the 4-H Volunteer Resources Web site. |
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