'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. 

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. 

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. 

Clover's Secret (The 4-H Pledge)

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.