It’s Our Time

Texas 4-H Virtual SummitKevin D. Chilek, PhDNovember 7, 2012

Why?

• We are the youth development specialist

• We have what people want• We have the tools

We are Youth Development Specialist

• What is Youth Development?• http://goo.gl/dJZ44

We Have What People Want

• What do our youth want?• http://goo.gl/Gbv1x• http://goo.gl/8VdRk

We Have the Tools

• What are the tools?– Project– Volunteers– Reputation– Structure

Project

• The subject matter expertise• The things kids want to do• A format for interaction• An opportunity for achievement• We have a special product

Volunteers

• 30,000• Trained• Dedicated• Care about the subject and the kids

Reputation

• 100 Years• We stand on the shoulders of giants• We have a recognized brand• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Structure

• County, District, State, National• Local support and Broad support• Family oriented• Supported by values

How?

• Be bold• It’s not free• No excuses• Emphasize the benefits

Be Bold

• Offer an experience• Promote it like it’s the best and MAKE

IT THE BEST!• We will teach you if you want to learn• You will love it if you will come

It’s Not FREE (it never was)

• $$$• Time• Commitment• Energy• Planning• Dedication

No Excuses

• Make no excuses… We are who we are and we are proud!

• We will build the best program we can for YOU!

• YOU will decide if it’s what you want to do

Benefits

• You tell me!!!!

Things to ConsiderGood to Great

• It’s not about us/you• Think who before what• Confront reality• Be the hedge hog

It’s Not About You

• Level 5 Leadership– Personal Humility– Professional Commitment– Creating Sustained Results

Think Who Before What

• Get the right people on the bus– People with a passion for youth and the

program– People of character– Busy people– Respected people– People that care

Confront Reality

• Make decisions based on accurate information– What do “your” kids want to do?– What are “your” needs for success?– What are the expectations of the

organization?• Work within the confines of your

potential for success

Be the Hedge Hog

• FOCUS– What are you passionate about?– What will bring youth to the program in

a meaningful way?– What can you be the best at?

Points to consider

• Self Discipline as a culture• Technology as an accelerator• Momentum (flywheel)

Conclusion

• We have a great product• We are good at what we do• Make no excuses• Be bold in your delivery• Focus!!!!