1902 - Enhancing Individual & Organizational Development
PAC
430 - 4-H Communication
Title
Communications
Impact Statement
The Johnson County Extension Council identified teaching youth communications skills as a priority for the 2005-2006 Plan of Work. To address this priority, the Johnson County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, 3 school systems, local family resources centers, a local radio station and over 60 volunteers worked in cooperation to offer the following opportunities and programs: School and County Variety shows, communications lessons and public service announcements. Each school sent their top Variety performers in the categories of Vocals, Instrumentals, Dance, Skits and Lip Sync. At the County event, 85 participants practiced presentation skills in front of live audiences in excess of 100 people. Category Champions were selected to advance to the District Variety competition which will be held in August 2006. In speech participation over 120 youth gave speeches to their 4-H clubs during officer elections titled "Why I Would Be A Good 4-H Officer". Team demonstrations were another way in which 4-Hers practiced communication skills. Survey results indicated that after educational efforts on how to give demonstrations, 90% of the membership felt they had gained the knowledge of how to put together and deliver a presentation. Over 85 team demonstrations were given by 4-H club members and 4-Hers also participated in the County and District Communications Events. 4-Hers further developed communications skills by visiting the local radio station to record community and 4-H public service announcements. These public service announcements played over a two month period and 4-Hers stated they learned alot about the recording process. One 4-Her was quoted, "This was great. I'm going to be on the radio! Now I know how people get the word out about upcoming activities."