'We Fought Like Hell'...

I look at King County 4-H and see a “well-connected” community of loving parents, passionate volunteers and Leaders, civically minded and engaged youth.  However, I see little action until the final moment when all hope may be lost on one County Council Vote!  I am perplexed by this overall unwillingness to really speak with one another about the issues at hand and how to not only try to thwart it for the coming year but long-term too?  The lack of foresight for an organization that is all about growing, leadership, learning, civic engagement and community is beyond me.  That is why I wanted to get involved, to begin some sort of open forum utilizing current technology which hundreds of parents and volunteers are already connected to in order to facilitate conversations and action!  Instead fear was shown, overwhelming fear that the internet and technology can create more harm than good!  Well, I have to say that I don’t disagree completely, but I certainly do not agree.  Because of time constraints it’s the groups best bet in organizing collective action, whether it be a letter writing campaign, a protest (see image from newspaper clipping below) or a video diary of current 4-H’ers experiences to share with new members, new community members, to create new networking opportunities and to build support for what seems to be a dying organization. 

On a positive note, the following was shared with me via email by the King County 4-H Adminstrator I have been working with as a gate keeper.  Some of the information is troubling and needs to be addressed as far as youth participation is concerned because it directly reflects what many Council members may be thinking or feeling when it comes time to vote on the funding initiative for 2011 this coming October/November:

“At this time I have been working with clubs and the King County 4-H Association 
on being more visable. I have to amit I have been busy with risk management like getting every one to turn in their paperwork so I can background screen everyone. We also lost 100 4-H member this year wether we would have 4-H. We also gained 167 new member." 

"There is elements of 4-H that has not been encourage by the leaders like Public Presentations and record books.  In Pierce County they have over 200 members doing county presentations while in King county I have had 10 members. There is a lot of work that need to be done in King County. "
 

We will know more about were King County stand when the King County proposed budget is released next month.” (Email correspondence from May 12, 2010).

This is the state of King County 4-H—a “wait and see” mentality.  I’ve joined the bandwagon out of respect.  However, by the end of June, my planning process may change considerably to become more proactive and to perhaps reach out to the greater community of leaders and volunteers on the web as a “concerned citizen” rather than a CD Practicioner or Planner.  Through strategic questioning and concerns, I hope to get to a point where all King County 4-H community members have a sense of “faith in themselves to tackle whatever issues come along” (Wolff 2001).  I only hope to assist with the “visioning process” (Wolff 2001).  I remember at the very beginning of this semester reading through the AMESH), and having one particular bit strike me; a small question to ask the community members, “What story do you want your grandchildren to tell about their home? How would you like your community to look in twenty years?” (Waltner-Toews et al. 2004). These are the questions I want to pose to the 4-H Community, these are the things I’ve asked myself, and I know that I want to be able to share 4-H with my grandchildren or at least tell them stories of how ‘we fought like hell’ to save it. 

On a closing note: I, Alex Conn, Pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS larger service and my HEALTH to better living, for my club, my COMMUNITY, my country and my world.  

Wolff, T. (2001). A practioners’ guide to successful coalitions. American Journal of Community Psychology, 29(2), 173-191.

Waltner-Toews, D., Kay, J., Murray, T.P., and Neudoerffer, C. (2004). Adaptive methodology for Ecosystem Sustainability and Health (AMESH): An Introduction. In G. Midgley and A Ochoa-Arias (Eds). Community operational research: OR and systems thinking for community development (pp. 317-349). New York: Kluwer Academic. 

Riding the waves on a butterflies wings...

...or hanging on to a spiders web for dear life?

I’ve come to the conclusion that much of my project to-date has been in regards to trying to network myself.  As discussed in earlier posts being an insider at one time provides me with the background information, but being so far removed given time and space, I’ve essentially had to begin with one contact and work my way to three.  I have several supporters amongst individuals I know who were once involved in the organization but they do not want to join any kind of “web” or group at this time.  And they are not keen to provide any other names…yet. 

I have spent some time recently reviewing one of the SWSP7123 course readings “Complexity and the Well-Connected Community” by A. Gilchrist.  Although, I had read it once before earlier in the semester, reading this time many passages and or phrases seemed to finally strike a cord!  For instance, the notion that “networking is a holistic process, involving a strategic interweaving of knowledge, skills and values….” (Gilchrist 2004, p. 85).  I’ve always looked at networking as a skill and a necessary part of life, but I have never considered the values aspect of it all.  But now can see that through networking each of us ends up sharing our values, inferring values on the way we speak to one another, whom we speak to and the importance or value of the conversation we are having.  Our values and what we see as valuable undermines nearly every action, from initial eye contact and that first handshake, to a farewell embrace with a close friend. 

A further point of interest for me was reviewing Complexity Theory, which states that “complexity arises as ‘a result of a rich interaction of simple elements that only respond to the limited information each of them are present with’” (Cillars in Gilchrist 2004, p.87). It further touches on the notion that these complex theories are open, and are affected by wider actions—think the Butterfly effect.  Given the struggles I’ve been having in making connections with the King County 4-H organization, perhaps by simply putting myself in these positions where I’m conversing with individuals (primarily via email) will be enough to push them to action, rather than simply sitting on their hand waiting for something to occur.  Perhaps, that is all that is needed—me asking questions!?  Maybe that is the butterfly wing in motion causing ripples.  Who knows, but it is a nice way to think about things after several months of frustration and true uncertainty in oneself and ones ability to make change.  The idea of being only one person comes to mind, but there are so many examples of a single person changing the course of history…can I perhaps be that voice for King County 4-H, can I be that butterfly wing?

Gilchrist, A. (2004) The well-connected community: a networking approach to community development, Bristol, UK: The Policy Press, 2004 pp.85-95

Learning in Action: What is Participation all about as an Implementor?

Particpatory Approaches

Utilizing information gathered from SWSP7123 Semester 1, Workshop 4, Session B lecture I’ve been trying to understand what my aims within this project really are?  How to I fit in? What role do I play? 

I realized that the image below shows exactly what I have wanted to help create and facilitate within the greater King County 4-H community.

Now, this is an established organization with small community, agricultural roots.  Many of the Participatory methods and outcomes are what 4-H Club leaders focus on doing daily, weekly or monthly with the youth involved.  However, I am seeing now, that because of the top heavy organizational structure that the leaders, volunteers and parents cannot truly engage in these processes themselves.  It has been my goal over the past three months to simply get conversations moving.  Although, this has been stopped by higher authorities until mid to late June when budgetary information is finalized, at least I have a foot in the door.  It may only be wedged in the open crack, but it’s firmly planted with 3 personal connections made, one of which I am working very strongly on developing given this individual at that County Administrative level is truly my gatekeeper, which once allowed in fully, I will have an arsenal of opportunities and further connections to make and develop with assistance and insider information and input.

Personally I can come to the conclusion that I am a firm believer in the following and that I have attempted to adhere to each:

1. “Behavior and attitudes are more important than methods!!!”

*Given the results of grading for my actual project plan which was accepted by the organization itself, my methodology is something I need to work on, but I’ve maintained a fairly positive attitude and know I will continue to work towards my goal(s) even from overseas for the rest of 2010 if not longer.

2. “Need for critical self-awareness.” 

* If this is towards me that is what this blog has been all about! Shortcomings, successes and overall uncertainties.  I have done my best to only express a critical eye towards my project implementation process.

3. “Respectful behavior”

*This is why I’m adhering to the organizational hierarchy instead of jumping right on the Save King County 4-H Facebook page asking immediate and pressing questions about people’s feelings and intentions for a such an uncertain organization future!

4. “Embrace error and experimentation”

*Boy, am I have doing this!  This entire process has been one big experiment and I fear I’ve created large tactical errors and perhaps should not be quite so respectful of the bureaucratic rules and regulations.

5. “Building rapport, trust and relationships”

*See number three.

It’s interesting to go back to course lectures to see how exactly my project has played out and to actually bare witness to many of the concepts in action—even when writing my project plan, I never considered many of them.  I have many fears that what I am attempting to do, and how I’m trying to shift an entire organizations thoughts into action is very top-down, overbearing and imposing.  However, I am trying my best to break through several barriers with the hopes that as I make my way into the more relevant constituency and community, where I was once a member that I will be able to step back and simply watch what people come up with, and learn from them as much as if not more, than what I’m trying to give them.  I am scared, and unsure of my actions, I only want to ensure that the 4-H leaders are empowered in order to make bold choices and stand up for what they believe in and that they are able to openly share this in an educational format with the youth in the organization themselves who often hide their own fears, because they do not want the adults to worry. 

Hmmmm…so much to think about and contemplate.  Let’s see where else I can go?!

To be continued….

Sources:

Shevellar, Lynda. (2010).  Unpublished work.  Workshop 4, Session B:  Community Participation and Engagment  [Powerpoint slides]. University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Image 2 courtesy of flickr.com

Learning in Action: Just Who's Turn is it to Learn?

Below you will find one of what will be delivered over the next several days as my SWSP7123 Course comes to a close.  These are my reflections....

 

Learning in Action?  Was this the aim of the actual project?  In an overwhelming response by this author, Yes!  The initial aim was for a project to be created for the youth involved in King County 4-H to publicly share their feelings and experiences within their chosen 4-H projects, as a method of inclusion and a bit of an tool to add to the adults working the frontlines of the campaign to utilize in rallying support, new membership and persuade County Council members and various local political support as needed.  Although, the project is in the process of being fully developed and proposed by the King County 4-H Administrator, I’m not sure that overall this is where the main learning will take place.  I personally, feel that I have been the one to learn the most.  Where in the past I’ve only experience ease in organizing factions for support here and there for various causes and I’ve never been a lack for people who are willing to lend a helping hand—I’ve made it a point to join organizations where this is the way things are often times run and facilitated.  In other words, “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours…in the meantime we get to do something wonderful for our neighbors and overall help to make our community a better place!”   Well, this has been a different case where I am concerned and this project.  I have been the biggest recipient of an education here and only hope that I can take what I’ve learned and am still learning and continue to mold, adapt and plan for this organization and others.

In this particular case I have been working within First Order change; i.e. “Assisting groups to do what they do better”(Shevellar 2010).  King County 4-H has been a longstanding program with an even longer standing national tradition within the agricultural sector of the United States.  Today being a multilevel organization with ties to the United States Government and overseen in full by the United States Department of Agriculture of which provides the Land Grants for the Universities which organize the regional or State 4-H programs.  From here it continues on its downward slope to the County Extension office which oversees several programs under the Land Grants not just 4-H.  In King County, the program only has a few Administrators and within the past year has moved into yet another, smaller office space, in which these few paid staff along with a couple of dozen dedicated 4-H leaders (all volunteer) and hundreds of dedicated parents make the local clubs work.  In a system steeped heavily with the traditional Top-Down model, King County 4-H wants desperately to begin a Bottom-Up or the more popular term within the US: Grassroots approach to securing County Council (local government) support.   Given this particular network, I have essentially been trying to “make room [for me] to breathe” within an organization in which I was once an insider, a member, a mentor and now I am more on the outside than I would like to be (Shevellar 2010).  I suppose years of being mostly detached from the organization trying to make my life happen took that bit away from me.  Now, I struggle with a few “gatekeepers” to work my way in, to “seek a sponsor” so to speak and to develop a support group within this organization in which to build collective action upon (Shevellar 2010).  I am essentially to break into what in now a “closed structure” to me.  As in my fifth SWSP7123 lecture of 2010, I am trying to “work towards openness” (Shevellar 2010).  I’m trying to ask questions that people are nervous to speak of at this point in time, despite knowing that they need to address these issues as quickly as possible to keep the program operating for at least one more year within King County.  Fellow 4-Her’s, parents, volunteers and former 4-Her’s rose to the challenge in the fall of 2009 to rally, right letters and literally protest in a highly public venue, paying attention to notify media all at the last minute when it looked like the program may not receive Council support and funding for one more year.  It worked!  But an initiative within the local County organization was begun to being creating a response in place for the longer term and for the more immediate coming year of 2010.  Unfortunately, the economic decline, the threat of flooding locally, in addition to a simple unwillingness to speak of what makes everyone uncomfortable, so consequently, the social forum that was created via Facebook for ideas to be shared and work towards finding a solution was to begin has stalled in favor of a cork message board for club events and leadership training but no message of “Saving 4-H” is mentioned otherwise. 

Where do I fit?

I see myself trying to step aside and respect those I am working with as much as possible but where do we draw the line and begin to take matters into our own hands? Where do I draw the line?

To be continued….

Shevellar, Lynda. (2010).  Unpublished work.  Workshop 5:  Practices [Powerpoint slides]. University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Shevellar, Lynda. (2010).  Unpublished work.  Workshop 1, Session A: Introduction to the Course [Powerpoint slides]. University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Photo is shared through flickr via the national 4-H website for public use.  For verification please see www.4-H.org. 

On a personal note...

Below is an email I've just recently sent (this morning) to my old 4-H leader regarding the happenings locally.  It is very nonchanlant but you must understand that I've known this woman since I was 8 years old and she is more family than anything else.  Through this email I hope to gain a bit of insider persepective at the club level, rather than at the higher County Administrative level, in which I have been dealing with as of late.  I also wanted to reiterate that I'm here to help however they need me too and am not pushing a personal agenda, rather I simply do not want to see King County 4-H in the place it was this previous year.


Sent May 29, 2010 (Brisbane Time; May 28, 2010 PST)

Hi Nancy,

How are things going with you?  I"m hanging in there with the last couple of weeks of the semester well underway.  It's been quite difficult and although I'm doing well in most of my courses I'm struggling with one and simply struggling to keep up with all of the work, but that seems to be the way life goes no matter if it's school, work or just life.  

How are things coming along with Fair prep and such?  Any news where King County 4-H stands financially for 2011 yet?  Keep me posted please.  And thank you for putting me in touch with Nancy Baskett.  We have been in touch a few times and she's reviewed my blog and project proposal/plan and gave me a bit of feedback and mentioned things hinging on some budgetary information coming relatively soon.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.  I hope to continue to be involved and to help facilitate any online discussions if need be.  I think that although online media is feared a blog or discussion board may be a viable tool for spreading the world about fundraisers, membership drives and any planned events to raise awareness about the organization.  Though I'm far away, I still want to be involved.  You guys mean the world to me and I would hope to see something so wonderful dissipate without me giving as much back to it as it gave to me.  

Anyhow, I hope you are doing well an that you hopefully got out of town for holiday weekend.  I hear it's raining there--it's raining here as well, even though its supposed to be the dry season.  Anyways, please take care and know that I'm thinking of you all and am here to help however I can.  

Cheers,

Alex

A Little Progress Report

I know there are only a few interested in what I have to say, but for the purposes of SWSP7123 I fell it is necessary to disclose the fact that until late June 2010, no further actions can or will be taken to continue elevating this project into any form of community action.  This is due to the fact that at the County level budget reports and monetary disclosures will be released sometime in early June.  No one at the county level is at a point where they want to discuss further action or even potentially bring it up until the full financial situation is stated.  At this time they will consider some of my plan and ideas and hopefully, I can assist in bridging some of the technology and discussion board gaps, or uneasiness anyone may be feeling.

On a positive note, according to the last email report I received from the King County 4-H Office Administrator, did state that she was preparing to pose my Youth portion of the engagement project to Club Leaders!  So, hopefully, within the next several months a video or book or something to that regards will be posted on the YouTube site and out there, sharing just how much 4-H means to the kids involved.  The learning aspects of it are tremendous too when the children are the ones who will plan, produce and post their projects.  Fingers Crossed!  It's great for a potential membership too and is also an invaluable tool when approaching Government officials for support and/or funding.

Lastly, this Blog over the course of the next week will take a different direction.  I hope to address some of the issues raised in my official academic critique of my Project Proposal as, performed by the course Lecturer.  Some things may become highly theoretical, but my hopes are to keep it light and simply address what potentially should have been considered in the initial composing of the project plan.

To date, I'm about where I started with the project but in due time (late June and throughout North America's summer month's) hope to have made some progress.  My only real goal given the class time was to get people thinking about the state of King County 4-H and perhaps begin to group those concerned individuals together.  I've found the red-tape to be considerable and the interest although there, to be burdened with ethical considerations, government woes and overall organizational structure.  In trying to engage a group that is heavily encased in top-down structure, putting the "grassroots" back into what was once a "grassroots" organization is proving to be more difficult than I could have ever imagined.  Perhaps revisiting some theory will help me to work out my own frustrations and perhaps develop a different strategical approach.

hhhmmm....things to think about for sure.

On the lighter side: A Short Joke :)

Considering my last blog related to my uneasy feelings around the use of technology within this project (Saving King County 4-H) and in general CD work, I felt the email I received from a former colleague at the Northwest Lions Foundation was quite appropriate.  In particular, since my dual posting of my previous blog was done on a discussion board where some of my feedback was also regarding how suffocating, if you will, being "connected" through various online forums and media can seem.  With this said, Enjoy!

MY LIVING WILL  

Last night my sister and I were sitting in the den and I said to her, 'I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle to keep me alive.  That would be no quality of life at all,  If that ever happens, just pull the plug.  So she got up, unplugged the computer, and threw out my wine.   She's such a *!~#$!

Courtesy of M. Rastatter, via email correspondence received May 19, 2010. 

Lurkers! (and what it means to this project blog)

I've wanted to discuss this issue for sometime but unfortunately am just getting to it.  I have noticed that in regards to this project, many of my fellow classmates are struggling with similar issues:  How do we get people to participate and/or follow our blogs?  Are our blogs meant for the public to participate in?  What are the ethical implications of posting personal messages that have been exchanged via email or written text?  What are the ethical implications of simply discussing our fears regarding the overall project in a very public forum and space? And what are the realities of web-based community action/research, etc?

A couple of weeks ago, in my Qualitative Research Practices course we covered the topic of the internet as an overall research tool.  I’ve found that much of what was covered in the course really applied to our course blogs (this blog) as well!

One particular slide covered, when we should used the internet and it made me think about some of our projects and whether or not utilizing a blog is really appropriate given some of us are dealing with people who are incredibly uncomfortable with the internet, do not trust it and really, we can access them through other mediums such as letters, emails (not a blog or social networking site).  We should consider who our projects are geared towards and what we hope to achieve through our projects then decide whether or not using the many resources the internet has to offer in the ways of social networking and communication is appropriate.  In my particular case it is very appropriate and is actually something that although many people are afraid of utilizing discussion boards and social networking sites, communication has been done primarily via email. However, the organization I am working with, King County 4-H, is aimed at youth and encouraging them to utilize their skills, many of the adults overseeing the projects and programs while well versed in email, are very fearful of social networking sites and the ‘control’ aspect of what is being put out there.  They also do not want to create any sort of panic, given children’s well beings are at stake.

One other interesting note on when we should use the internet is when researchers have the time and skills.  When they do not, it is not necessarily encouraged as a primary source of communication with your constituency base.  This is what I and it seems all of you (my peers) are dealing with.  We simply do not have the time with to keep up with a blog, to make it interesting and to really research out various ways of conveying our thoughts and our message to a greater audience, in an interactive and engaging way!  At least I don’t.  I can honestly say, not having the time has put me in tears—and I feel I’ve not been able to do justice to this project or to the maintaining of an interesting blog. 

Concerns over data safety are high as well.  Given much of what I’m discussing is not necessarily available to the general public, it is quite difficult to distinguish which emails I can post (I’ve decided on quotations plucked from emails, without reference, but notification to those who’s words I’ve used).  Last week, I received a response on my blog and project plan from the County Extension Agent I’ve been in contact with.  Although, Facebook and discussion boards are not on the agenda yet, I’m still pushing for one (a discussion board primarily) in order to help conversations flow between busy people.  However, at the organizational level, no one is willing to begin conversations of a sensitive nature even face to face until financial matters of the organization are released in June.  This is the time when they want to begin conversations and start working on building a community and network of support and will consider my ideas further, but they are still unlikely to utilize the internet at least for any sort of youth based engagement. 

And a final concern of mine has been over the lack of people engaging in our blogs.  Although, the intention of my blog is meant to be exclusively reflective of my experiences within SWSP7123 and the implementation of my project with King County 4-H, I have been put on to some of my “friends” and “acquaintances” whom I know to have a connection to 4-H in general and may have some interest.  However, because you have to join many are not apt to “follow.”  Instead many have opted to become what is referred to by Kazinets (presented in Qualitative Lecture Wk9) as Tourists (also sometimes referred to as Lurkers (those that are “publicly silent participants)…some are Minglers (and may leave a comment but will not join).  As classmates, many of us are following a few blogs, which has relinquished us to become Insiders, while some of you may have Devotees (and if you do please share your methods). 

All of this just struck me that although work as been done, thinking about the appropriateness of a blog to our projects (outside of the required coursework) and whether it is worthwhile to pursue has consumed my thought.  We are all Lurkers, and pick and choose how active to be.  With the medium of a blog, we may have individuals interested in what we are saying, but may never know given the context surrounding internet use and lack of ability to follow up with them!  It has blown my mind a bit to think this and has been somewhat discouraging and encouraging at the same time.  Heck, I may be reaching people with my incredulous amount of BS but maybe not?

How do you feel about this?

-Alex

References:

Flame Eye Picture [Image].  Retrieved May 17, 2010, from       www.testriffic.com/resultfiles/11298eyes5.jpg

Mayall, M. (2010).  Week 8, The Internet: Research Context, Research Tool [Powerpoint Slides]. Unpublished Manuscript, SOCY7049, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia. 

Success!

My emails and Facebook messages out to select friends and "friends" have reaped some benefits.  Per two email messages today:

"I have also read your complete blog and your emails over again.... I will put out the word about it to others I know." 


"So I just got the message you sent about a blog and it sounds like a really awesome topic. I was a total 4-H nerd too...for some of those kids it was really their only social interaction. I loved it! God Bless pygmy goats."


Hopefully, more will come in and if anything I can get an informal group discussing issues and options given that most are former 4-Hers and are heavily involved in community programs and activities.  I would prefer to continue with full support and guidance via the county but for now, this is the way things will have to proceed.


It seems initially my thoughts of feeling like an "insider," like I new what I was doing and the organization very well having been in it, have now moved to the realization that having been part of an organization in the past does not mean you are an "insider" at all.  I've been on the outside for too long it seems and although I do have some connections and knowledge of the organization at all levels, not being a member of the already existing group has made it more difficult to gain access and acceptance.  I also believe putting it in the context of a school related project although often times encouraged by staff of the organization, this particular one, my hit to be cliche', "too close to home."  Public action and difficult conversations may not be where people want to go given the sensitivity to the project and the involvement of children. Also, being entrenched in political grime at local, state, regional and the national level I'm sure has made some action quite difficult.  A fear of what the internet may bestow is also a real 'turn-off' for people too!  Children are being targeted by people wanting to do them harm, parents are worried about the amount of time they and their children are spending online and well, these are all very busy people, with busy lives and children, pets, etc!  Fighting for a cause no matter how much you care can be the last thing on your mind--I know often time it is for me, just given this particular assignment and the lack of time I've had to contribute to any substantial program changes, or upstarts, or whatever for that matter.  


There is a fine line to walk with all of this and I'm struggling to see where that is or how to cross it, or not cross it.  Whatever it is I'm going to try.  My next order of business will be tackling this the idea that "Facebook is the wild west" mentality.  There are ways to reign it in and keep it at a more private level and I'm determined to learn.  I may not be able to figure out how to do this RSS feed thing with my blog but I will figure our Facebook's quirks and conquer them in order to utilize a space that has already been created with similar intentions to mine!   Until, then this is one former insider, now an outsider, trying to get back inside, while maintaining some semblance of professional outsider opinion and views, signing off!

Quick Ramblings: Today's Checklist

New Post: Check...Facebook Message and Post: Check (on my own page to a group of friends that may or may not care--a few are former 4-Hers), and email out to contacts for follow up: Check!  Excite building again: Check, Check and Check!

It is quite surprising that after a few simple tasks (albeit 2hour of my paper writing time eaten up) I feel much more accomplished and once again as if things can and will go places.  Keeping my fingers crossed for feedback--and perhaps some followers, but mostly feedback (via my personal Facebook page and email).

Cheers!

I still feel a bit like Sisyphus: www.alchemysite.com/blog/sisyphus_sign.jpg

Clover's Secret (The 4-H Pledge)

...And the Frustrations Mount

Nearing the close of the Semester 1 and coming ever so much more close to presenting our "actions" or "implementation" process to my in SWSP7123: Community Planning, Engagement and Government I am becoming more and more frustrated with this project.  Yes, I understand that we can "fail gloriously" but time doesn't even seem to afford me that.  As an international student, I feel even more constrained by time limitations, because not only am I expected to take 4 courses full time and maintain high grades in those in order to stay in the country and keep my funding, but I also expect this of myself, I am still learning the area and trying to explore and still feel very poorly connected with the city, town and University (University of Queensland).  Resources are abound, there are many opportunities but I feel given my personal limitations that the help I want, desire and need are just out of reach.

In addition, communicating solely via email with my three contacts in the U.S. is proving to be difficult.  It's a fairly well known fact that amongst those involved in 4-H as volunteers, employees and as members, you tend to spread yourself too thin and well, the folks I am working with are pretty thin as it is.  Emails are far and few between and often responses are usually received in about 2weeks time.  Speaking of which I need to send a reminder in order to get a response.  Also, because of my limitations and lack of ability to be physically available meetings and discussions I have given my personal okay, for the understanding that things move at their own pace and not being physically being there to spur them forward, I have allowed others to take up the reigns when it comes to facilitating any sort of action.  Whether there have been any to date, I am unaware--again physical limitations and distance have hindered my ability to see if any progress has been made at the ground levels.

I also had it quite blatantly expressed that one of my ideas, regarding the utilization of Facebook was just not appropriate because of the way "rumors spread."  And according to many individuals working and volunteering in with the 4-H Organization within King County, WA, the Internet and Facebook are "uncharted territories" and are pretty much "the wild, wild west" when it comes to 4-H.  Despite the fact that when I checked out the 4-H Network Blog, I was quite surprised to see that they have their own YouTube video network with many interesting YOUTH produced films (http://www.youtube.com/user/4HNetworkNews).   This was one of my ideas that may come to fruition and that County Level admin saw as a real possibility given time constraints for them and for this particular class project. The production of a Youth made film regarding the 'good things' each current 4-Her within the county has experienced was really welcomed.  Everything else, thus far, quite shut down.

In addition, there was confusion over what my actual project was going to be about.  Most former 4-Hers when doing Graduate Projects around 4-H are engaging in some sort of "research" and because of the programs basis and early development, as well as current connections with research based, land grant Universities, "research" is a great idea!  As most of us are aware, numbers sell ideas in the U.S. and most Developed Countries, not some little Community Development project.

This being said, I'm not giving up.  I will continue to blog, albeit irregularly and I will keep trying to send my emails.  It seems with every other email huge leaps are taken forward and people are excited and ready to to get moving right in stead with me.  As soon as they speak with others, the next email is a bit disheartened and "questions" have been raised about purpose, relevance and most of all child/youth safety.  I suppose in this particular case it is simply my job to keep spirits up and to keep people positive (even though I'm feeling pretty crummy about the whole thing too).  We will see, what my reminder brings and if anything at all comes to fruition between today May 12th and June 2nd.

Until we meet again (which will be in the very new future...)!
-A

Finally! ! Plan and a couple of connections

Today is the first day I've actually had a chance to look at my blog space since starting it nearly one month ago.

Now, that I've completed a project plan with full Log Frame analysis and Stakeholder Analysis, I finally feel as if I have some grasp on this project and idea of where to go next.  Also, I heard back from my main contact, my former 4-H leader back home in Washington State and she was able to provide me with the contact information for the a new County level 4-H employee!  This was a couple of weeks ago, and I did do a bit of a happy dance then but also became quite anxious and stressed over the thought of giving my 'pitch' to a new person, one I don't have any personal connection too.  However, both being former 4-Hers I'm sure there we have much in common.  I cannot wait to hear her ideas and thoughts on how to proceed with engaging the rest of the King County 4-H family.

I also found out to my dismay that King County 4-H already has a Facebook page that is regularly updated. However, the original purpose of the page (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=73369&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=111983015505931&aid=-1&id=100000800635298#!/pages/Save-4-H-In-King-County/200387315752?ref=ts) was to facilitate discussion on how to "Save King County 4-H" before the next budgetary meetings occur with the King County Council in November 2010.  No one wants to see the need for protests again in order to make sure the program is noticed and supported again, at the very last minute.  No one wants to feel that fear or see the need to drop everything to gather as many supporters as possible without any real clear mission!  At least I do  not, and from the few individuals associated with the program I have spoken with, neither do they.  So, one of my goals now is to help facilitate the discussion boards (which are currently blank) on this Facebook page and hopefully getting things moving.  Perhaps, one for the parents, volunteers and administrators and one for the kiddos to openly discuss their feelings and thoughts, which in turn can be monitored by their club leaders, parents, etc for content, trends and appropriate use.

We will see how far we get but in the short time we have before classes are dismissed for the final time this semester, the above is as much as I can hope for.  I've just now sent out my email and proposal to my, hopefully new contact and am eagerly awaiting a response.  Despite the my inability to focus solely on this project, as I would prefer, I am now at least somewhat energized and motivated to get started again and with a strong project plan completed, I know that I do have the tools and ability to "get 'er done!" From here on out, I only hope to see positive results. Fingers crossed that 2010 will not be a repeat of 2009 for King County 4-H.

To see what was organized at the last minute in November 2009 for the 2010 budget cycle meetings please visit the following links:
http://queenanne.komonews.com/content/rally-save-king-county-4-h-sunday-keyarena
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010341088_4hcuts24m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010513492_web4h15m.html

And here is one that on a time I personally remember quite well.  I was spoken to by our lovely County Executive at the time with several other 4-Hers that previous summer (2000) and were shot down quite harshly by the adult we were told to treat with the utmost respect.  Good times--This is why I care today!
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20001106&slug=4051732

Project Proposal

After several weeks and many nerves I have submitted my project proposal both to the professor for my course "Community Planning, Engagement, and Governance" and to my former 4-H leader in Washington State, USA.

My ideas are at this time vague but as I share my ideas with my 4-H Leader and my peers I hope to refine many of these based on what people are willing to do back home as well as where they have already been. Below, please find my proposal. Within the coming week or two I plan to have a background not only to 4-H and my involvement within in but also the background the current financial issues occurring around Washington.

PROJECT PROPOSAL:

PROJECT TITLE: Learning in Action: Save King County 4-H

PROJECT FOCUS: Youth

PROJECT AIM(S):
With this project I hope to begin further conversations perhaps even in a new direction, on how to gain both County/State support for local 4-H (& by default Cooperative Extension Programs) in order to secure funding for the continuation of the program for the long term, rather than the current situation of year-to-year support and funding approval. In addition, I would like to create some type of forum for the youth involved in the organization to at least share their fears, worries and even excitements with one another. This exists at the national level but does not exist at the local, county or state levels.
Long-term I see the project going much further. I would like to be able to work alongside the youth, parents and volunteers within the organization eventually work on legislative change which has made it necessary for 4-H as a non-profit reliant on each subsequent County Council approval each year in order to maintain operations.

PROJECT RATIONAL:
As a former member of 4-H, along with a continued support of the organization, believe that it is a worthwhile youth development program engaging youth from all backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations and abilities with absolutely no discrimination. It is both urban and rural and in essence is a preventative program through extracurricular education and leadership opportunities. It is something I hope to see my children and grandchildren involved in one day. 4-H is a perfect example of a program that has produced many state and national leaders (even former presidents) as well as civically minded and often engaged community members.

PROJECT ACTION(S):
My initial goals in beginning collective action will be work closely, via email, Skype and other messaging programs with my former 4-H leader who is actively engaged in the current struggle to ‘Save 4-H’. Nancy is a not only a club leader but a State Project Coordinator and works very closely with state level volunteers to coordinate the program as a whole. She is my main contact and source of current information from within the organization. I hope to work with her as a club leader to begin speaking (again through web based media) with parents and volunteers within my old club and propose some of my ideas for raising awareness of the issue as well as overall organization marketing. I additionally hope to work with the parents and volunteers to set up some sort of forum (perhaps a blog space) for the children/youth involved in the programs to discuss with one another their fears and ideas which at a later time may be integrated into the actions of the adults within the organization.
Through both conversations hopefully both the adults and youth will be able to collectively move forward with more substantial goals of maintaining the program. I only at this time hope to be a source of rejuvenation of their previous efforts and wish to begin empowering the youth to actively speak out as well.

RISK IDENTIFICATION:
In undertaking this work I will need to be mindful of the fact that all those involved are volunteers and that there are children’s feelings and emotional well being at stake as well. The program is a place to facilitate education not necessarily involve any children in political action (although this is one area that youth can choose to be involved in through 4-H). In addition, I will need to remain conscious that all things take time and that I am mostly acting out of a place of insider knowledge and feelings, as well as my idealized state of consciousness in regards to the subject and program itself, where the actual economic and political ramifications of the project are much larger than my current scope and vision.
Additionally, people may or may not want to participate and could already be resigned to the way things are and the very real possibility of losing 4-H in King County and Washington State within the next 1-2 years. Figuring out a way to either pre-empt this resignation or empower the group again will be another strategy I may need to consider.