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We hope to see you at our new Make Something Creative Space
A sign posted outside the Stanly Co Cooperative Extension &
4-H Office (located in the Stanly Agri Civic Center) reads: To everyone who passes through this space: Have a seat. Make something. The sign hangs above a table stocked with art supplies and an ever-open invitation to make something.
During the recent 4-H letter writing drive project for western NC, one of the agents said, "I wish we could do something like this all the time," and the Make Something Creative Space was born.
Projects will change on a regular basis, and EVERYONE, young and young at heart, is invited to make something! The purpose is to foster creativity, collaboration, public service, fun, relaxation and mindfulness.
The first project was making mandala-inspired designs with natural materials. Pictured above, 4-H'er, August Thompson, shows off a design she created with fresh rosemary, dried beans and leaves. We invite all our 4-H families to stop by and make something soon and often - and bring friends! Be sure to pop in and say hi when you do. |
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Youth Advocacy Council for High School Students
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you want to build leadership and advocacy skills while influencing state and local policies? If so, the NC Child Youth Advocacy Council (YAC) is looking for you! The NC Child Youth Advocacy Council is a unique opportunity for high school students across North Carolina to have their voices heard and be part of meaningful change. As a member of YAC, you will:
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Advocate for policies that impact youth, especially around youth mental health
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Engage with policymakers to help shape decisions at the state and local levels
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Develop skills in leadership, advocacy, and communication
Who Should Apply?
High school students (grades 9-12) from diverse geographic areas of North Carolina, with a range of backgrounds and experiences. You don’t need prior political experience; you just need a passion for creating change and the confidence to share your unique perspective on the issues affecting young people. We especially encourage students from all walks of life, whether on a college or non-college track to apply.
Program Details:
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Term: January 1 – August 1, 2025
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Meetings: Hybrid (virtual and in-person), with stipends and reimbursement for travel
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Stipend: You will receive a flat-rate stipend for your involvement ($750)
Why Apply?
Since its creation almost ten years ago, YAC members have tackled issues like the vaping epidemic, youth mental health, and access to resources for their peers. If interested, this is your chance to bring your voice and passion to the table for the next generation of youth-led policy solutions!
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application by November 15th, 2024, and take the first step toward becoming a youth advocate. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Josh McGee at josh@ncchild.org.
Together, we can make a difference for North Carolina's future!
Apply Here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOgGDLn_oGM484QhCyE8WBOAGpXr4YJJVAD364KiUFdeorAg/viewform |
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NC Farm Bureau's Letter Drive for WNC
Teachers, club leaders, parents - consider asking your young people to write notes/letters/poems or drawings to families, farmers and individuals affected by Helene, or to first responders, emergency personnel and community helpers.
Physical letters can be mailed to NCFB attn: Ag in the Classroom, PO Box 27766, Raleigh NC 27611, or notes can be scanned and emailed to Heather Morton heather.morton@ncfb.org.
It is hard to know the best way to help if you live far away or have limited resources to share. Send letters to NC Farm Bureau, and they will get them in the hands of people who need them most. |
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Letter Drive FAQs:
1. When is the deadline? There is not a deadline to speak of, but it would be nice to have these before Thanksgiving.
2. Can adults participate? Absolutely!
3. What if my group cannot afford postage/supplies/ink/materials/etc.?
-Have youth all write a small note/sign their name on the board, and the teacher can email a picture of that.
-Have the teacher type what the students say, and email the typed notes.
-Upper elementary students learn letter writing, so teachers can pivot one of those lessons to include writing letters for this initiative. Again, if they cannot physically mail those, scanned letters via email work! Or take a picture of the letter and email it.
4. Can I send small supplies as well; such as pens or pencils or seeds? No, please direct all supply donations to the local missions in your county.
5. How should I address these letters?
-If the letter is to first responders or emergency personnel, or folks in the community helping, they can address them, “Dear helper.”
-If it's to someone displaced, or suffering loss, the notes can start with “Dear farmer,” “Dear community member,” or “Dear friend.” |
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Clover Contribution Campaign
Stanly County 4-H uses monetary donations for volunteer training and appreciation, free programs for Stanly Co. kids, healthy snacks and summer camp fees. We're working every day to build a generation of Stanly County citizens who are beyond ready for the challenges of a changing world. The Clover Contribution Campaign makes it easy for individuals and businesses to support Stanly County 4-H any time. Each and every donation you make remains right here in Stanly County. Visit go.ncsu.edu/donate4H |
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4-H Outbound Exchange Programs for 2025!
Next summer, NC 4-H’ers will have the opportunity to travel abroad and experience new cultures and languages in 5 different countries through our partnership with the States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs. Apply by November 15 for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
More information can be found at: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/youth-3/nc-4-h-international-exchange-program/
Contact State Coordinator Caitlin Clineff at cadavis7@ncsu.edu if you have any questions!
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Volunteers Mean More Stanly Co. 4-H Clubs!
We are hoping to continue growing our 4-H program by adding more clubs. Each club requires 2 volunteer leaders over the age of 21, and several clubs are ready to start meeting as soon as a 2nd leader is identified! If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer club leader, please contact the 4-H Office. Follow the link above to read the NC 4-H Club Leader job description. These clubs are only waiting for a volunteer to get started:
No subject matter expertise necessary! |
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Sunny Oaks 4-H Club
Sunny Oaks Club meets each month at Sunny Oaks Farm and focuses on all things agriculture. At last month's meeting, members made hurricanes in jars and learned how weather affects agriculture. On 10/22, club members Macon Swain, Carly Honeycutt and Maddie Burgess joined club leaders Courtney Swain and Carrie Honeycutt to serve as volunteer wait staff for Stanly County Senior Center's volunteer banquet. At their October meeting, club members learned all about pumpkins and came up with their own unique design for pumpkin pickers. Sunny Oaks Club's next meeting is on 11/20 at 6:30PM at Sunny Oaks Farm in Albemarle. |
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Stanly 4-H Members - It's Time to Plan Your Presentation or Talent Performance for County Activity Day!
All Stanly County 4-H’ers are encouraged to participate in County Activity Day coming up this spring. Now is the time to start thinking about and developing a 5-7 minute presentation on a topic of your interest OR a 5min or less talent show performance. Participation in County Activity Day teaches valuable life skills and will be required to participate in the 2025 county livestock show. Contact our office or follow this link to learn more about 4-H Presentations and 4-H Entertains. |
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NC Youth Institute for High School Students
Engage In Global Food Security: Through NC State's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and North Carolina 4-H, along with national partners, high school youth are invited to explore these tremendous opportunities that will challenge them to explore our world and consider what it means to be a global citizen and the role they can play in making our best, better. North Carolina Youth Institute, April 11th, 2025 All high school youth are invited to join us for the 2025 North Carolina Youth Institute, an exceptional opportunity that ignites a passion for solving global hunger through an engaging exploration of agriculture and food systems. The North Carolina Youth Institute is an educational initiative of the World Food Prize Foundation and is designed to spark emerging leaders in developing innovative solutions for our world’s most pressing grand challenges surrounding feeding a growing population. Read more here. |
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Read past 4-H Newsletters on our website. |
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Mandy Smith-Thompson
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
NC Cooperative Extension - Stanly County Center
704-983-3987
smith-thompson@ncsu.edu.
stanly.ces.ncsu.edu |
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