March 17: Giving of the green for Arkansas 4-H

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

FERNDALE, Ark. — Arkansas 4-H, the state’s largest youth program, could use your help on March 17, a day when people are thinking about all things green.

“Green is our color,” said John Thomas, managing director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation. “Having March 17 as our fourth annual ‘giving of the green day’ seemed to be a great reminder that we need your support.

“Each year, Arkansas 4-H distributes more than $150,000 in college and activity scholarships,” he said. “You can be sure your donation goes to a good cause. Please support us.”

Thomas said donations can be made online, or donors may text AR4H to 44321. He notes that when texting, donors will be asked to give a $44 default gift or donate a custom amount.

Arkansas 4-H members can attest to the personal growth opportunities the organization offers. There are some 130,000 youth involved with 4-H in Arkansas.

Arkansas 4-H awwards some $150K in scholarships each year.

“My experiences taught me a lot about seeing the whole picture and really understanding other perspectives,” said Jack Berryhill, a past Arkansas 4-H president. 4-H “gave me great insight into how others think and feel and how things affect them. That gave me understanding and compassion for wanting to work with others”

Diamond Jones, the current Arkansas 4-H president, said, “If you want a group of people who believe in you, who back you up, and who offer to teach you, I say join Arkansas 4-H. It’s definitely left a huge impact on the way I socialize with others, and I’ve learned so many skills that I wouldn’t have before."

Learn more about the Arkansas 4-H Foundation at arkansas4hfoundation.org.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

Arkansas 4-H clubs celebrate National 4-H Week

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

LITTLE ROCK — On Oct. 1, the green and white 4-H flag was raised at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C., where it will fly through Oct. 7 to celebrate National 4-H Week. In Arkansas, 4-H members, volunteers, leaders and staff are highlighting the program’s impact on youth in all 75 of the state’s counties.

FROM AROUND THE STATE — As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4-H has more than 6 million members. It’s also the largest youth organization in Arkansas, with more than 11,000 members and 600 4-H clubs. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack proclaimed Oct. 1-7 as National 4-H Week on Sept. 28. As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4-H has more than 6 million members. It’s also the largest youth organization in Arkansas, with more than 11,000 members and 600 4-H clubs. The 2023 theme of National 4-H Week is “I Heart 4-H,” which “reminds us that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us,” according to Vilsack’s proclamation.

Debbie Nistler, assistant vice president-extension for 4-H and youth for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said 4-H Week aims to encourage families to participate in the organization.

“National 4-H Week is a great opportunity to promote 4-H during a time when youth and their families are deciding what activities they would like to engage in during the year,” Nistler said. “We want 4-H to be an attractive option.”

Nationally, 4-H’s mandates are STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — healthy living, civic engagement and leadership, Nistler said.

“These mandates lead our work in areas that help grow the individual and connect them to their futures and their communities,” Nistler said. “The essential elements of 4-H are belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. These elements help guide how youth engage and provide an intentional path to grow skills and competencies as they engage in 4-H.”

To celebrate the week, Arkansas 4-H’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages will be highlighting different 4-H programs, including 4-H Yoga and Tech Changemakers, and encouraging followers to wear 4-H’s signature green color and share how they love 4-H. Ashley Dingman, extension program associate for 4-H youth development, said she encourages 4-H supporters to tag Arkansas 4-H in their social media posts using #AR4H and #IHeart4H.

Nistler said 4-H is an important program for Arkansas youth because it helps cultivate skills and passions in many different fields, all of which create brighter futures.

“4-H provides a unique opportunity for youth to find their spark,” she said. “A certain project or passion may lead to a future career. That may be an animal science project, but more youth now engage in projects related to STEM, healthy living, leadership, natural resources, and even space through NASA programs.”

To learn more about Arkansas 4-H, its programs and scholarship opportunities, visit the organization’s website at 4h.uada.edu or follow on social media.

4-H is a youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Division of Agriculture. The program teaches participants life skills through the “learn by doing” model. Program participants gain knowledge through non-formal, science-based, experiential education activities.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Cooperative Extension Service welcomes new assistant vice president of 4-H and Youth Development

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Debbie Nistler, extension’s new assistant vice president of 4-H and youth development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is a 4-H alumna and proud member of a “4-H family.”

NEW 4-H LEADERSHIP — As a 4-H alumna, Debbie Nistler, the new extension assistant vice president of 4-H and youth development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said she understands first-hand the impact that the program can have on youth. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

Nistler, who brings more than 25 years of experience in extension work in Oregon, Washington, Florida and Iowa, will begin her new role on May 1.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Nistler to our team,” said Bob Scott, senior associate vice president for agriculture and extension for the Division of Agriculture. “She will bring a new perspective and much experience to our 4-H program.”

Nistler said she is looking forward to connecting with Arkansas 4-H professionals across the state.

“Our 4-H professionals are the lifeblood of the program,” she said. “I cannot wait to share in their enthusiasm. I also look forward to engaging in summer camps and activities and getting excited about the future of Arkansas 4-H.”

As a 4-H alumna, Nistler said she has seen firsthand how the program impacts youth and sets them on a path to success. She was a member from fourth grade through her senior year of high school in Yamhill, Oregon, and her two sisters also participated in the program.

“I brought home the school recruitment flyer as a fourth grader, and our family had never heard of 4-H before,” Nistler said. “After a few meetings, I was hooked. I showed sheep and cattle and participated in leadership at the club and county levels. All three of our children grew up in the 4-H program. They showed animals, participated in leadership and camping, and were all camp counselors. My son Beau served as State 4-H Council president in Florida and was camp staff for three years in college. We are a 4-H family!”

Nistler’s husband, David Nistler, will also be joining the Cooperative Extension Service as a program associate in the horticulture department.

Nistler earned her master’s degree in agricultural education from Oregon State University in 1997. She worked as an extension agent and later as county extension director for the University of Florida from 2003 to 2019, completing her Ph.D. in agricultural and extension education services from the University of Florida during that time. Before joining the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, she worked as state 4-H program leader for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Nistler said 4-H youth development helped “set the course for extension” even before the signing of the Smith-Lever Act, which is the federal law that established a system of cooperative extension services associated with land-grant institutions in 1914.

“Youth provided a laboratory environment and promotional opportunity for early agriculture research in small community schoolhouses across the country,” Nistler said. “Youth helped pave the way for new agriculture research to get into communities. Today, youth are our future in every corner of Arkansas. 4-H is still a foundational way for extension to reach and grow communities for the future, developing critical life skills in youth so they can engage and lead in their communities now and into adulthood.”

Arkansas 4-H is a youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Division of Agriculture. The program teaches participants life skills through the “learn by doing” model. Program participants gain knowledge through non-formal, science-based, experiential education activities.

For more information about 4-H, contact your local county extension agent or visit 4h.uada.edu.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Think green, give green: March 17 is a day to help Arkansas 4-H

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FERNDALE, Ark.  —  See some green. Give some green.

“March 17, with all its green and clovers is a great time to think about supporting Arkansas 4-H,” said John Thomas, development officer and managing director for the Arkansas 4-H Foundation.

Scene from Arkansas 4-H State-O-Rama 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Arkansas 4-H provides not only hands-on educational opportunities about health, science, technology and citizenship, it is also a great source of scholarships for students looking to attend two- and four-year colleges and universities, Thomas said. There are some 700 clubs across the state and there is no cost to join.

“Each year, more than 100,000 youth in Arkansas are part of 4-H activities in our state,” he said. “And last year, 4-H awarded more than $80,000 in college scholarships to Arkansas youth and an additional $90,000 for learning trips to 4-H events. We believe in our efforts to give Arkansas youth their best start in life by removing financial barriers to high education.”

New this year is the ability to donate by texting AR4H to 44321.

Donors can also give online by clicking the “donate” button in the top right of the foundation page: https://arkansas4hfoundation.org/.

Arkansas 4-H is for children ages 5-19. Parents who would like to be involved should contact their county extension office.

Arkansas 4-H is the only youth development program in Arkansas associated with the University of Arkansas.

CLOVER BUD and friend want to encourage people to donate to Arkansas 4-H on March 17. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by John Thomas)

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension.

Schools, Hospitals Navigate COVID-19

By KYLE KELLAMS

Our monthly update from ArkansasCovid.com includes higher rates of infection for younger Arkansans and a steady number of new cases diagnosed throughout August.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/schools-hospitals-navigate-covid-19

COURTESY / ARKANSASCOVID.COM

Fayetteville Lutheran Church Hosts Week-long Queer Summer Camp for Kids

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

Nearly a hundred LGBTQ+ youth were enjoying activities and comraderie at "Queer Camp" hosted by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville engaging in art, theatre, outdoors activities — as well as daily facilitated empowerment groups. Dozens of volunteers and parents are assisting. The week-long camp is the largest like it to be held in the South.

kuaf.com/post/fayetteville-lutheran-church-hosts-week-long-queer-summer-camp-kids

Fayetteville Pastor to Host Summer 'Queer Camp' for Arkansas Youth

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

Pastor Clint Schnekloth of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is hosting "Queer Camp" July 5th - 10th for Arkansas LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Campers will create arts & crafts, stage theatre, take field trips, go swimming and on hikes, share daily lunch and dinners, and enjoy deep comraderie. Registration is open until June 1st. Due to overwhelming response, the church is fundraising to cover costs for meals, supplies and transportation.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/fayetteville-pastor-host-summer-queer-camp-arkansas-youth

Pastor Clint Schnekloth says LGBT+ youth in northwest Arkansas can gather with kindred spirits at "Queer Camp."

J. FROELICH / KUAF

Rural Areas Continue To Lose Businesses and Youth, Latest UAEX Report Shows

By ANTOINETTE GRAJEDA

For about 30 years, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has produced the Rural Profile of Arkansas. The biennial report aims to provide a greater understanding of the social, demographic and economic conditions in rural and urban regions in the state. According to the 2021 report, the trend of loss of businesses in rural areas and continuing migration of youth and talent to urban areas is continuing.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/rural-areas-continue-lose-businesses-and-youth-latest-uaex-report-shows

Howard County Youth Put Their Hands to Larger Service

Guy Cooper Kroll and Delaney Ford were making Valentine cards for area nursing home residents.

Samantha Horn

County Extension Agent-Agriculture

News Release

February 8, 2021

We asked Howard County 4-H members that participated in this month’s community service what does “My Hands to Larger Service” mean to you? One of the many great responses we received was, “To put my hands to work. To get busy and do something.” No matter the obstacles that we may face in today’s world, it should not stop us from giving back to others.

This month’s community service project was about teaching youth valuable lessons and life skills that give you a greater awareness of community needs during these times of social distancing. Howard County youth created and designed Valentine cards for the residents in the three area nursing homes. Approximately two hundred custom made cards were made and delivered the Wednesday before Valentine’s day. Youth were asked what kind of impact they felt it would make on those that were receiving the cards. Many of their answers were: happy, grateful, and excited because they have not been able to see their family and friends due to Covid-19.

For more information about 4-H, please contact the Howard County Extension office at 870-845-7517. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Giving Youth in Our Care a Chance at a Better Life

LITTLE ROCK – In the past six years, much has changed in the way we treat young people in state custody, and today I’d like to talk about the ways we have reformed juvenile justice.

After I was elected and before I took office, I made a surprise visit to the Alexander Juvenile Treatment Center to make it clear that I intended to protect the youth in the custody of our state. In 2016, after continued reports of violence and poor management of the system, the state took over operation of Arkansas’s seven youth treatment centers.

In January of 2018, I made another surprise visit to the treatment center in Dermott. I wanted to remind leaders once again that I am serious about the way we treat our youthful offenders.

In 2019, with the support of legislation by the 92nd General Assembly, we improved the system dramatically. In fact, the Division of Youth Services reported this week that the number of youth commitments to state custody has decreased from 534 down to 297, a 44 percent drop.

In my administration, we have stressed the need to provide educational opportunities for our children and teens who are in the detention system. Our system is meant to rehabilitate young people, not to punish them.

For our youth to successfully reenter society, they need to continue their education, learn social skills, and learn about trades and careers. We want to give them every opportunity to escape the cycle of violence, abuse, and incarceration that many of them have known throughout their young life.

To ensure that we are giving them the best chance we can, we assess each youth and base the treatment program on the needs we discover in the assessment. This will highlight for the judge and the probation officers the issues that led the youth to this point in life and reduce the risk that he or she will re-offend.

At the end of 2020, Judge Wiley Branton Jr., a juvenile court judge, retired after twenty-seven years on the bench. 

In an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette upon his retirement, he said that juvenile judges “have the responsibility of fixing broken people ... fixing families that have issues … trying to turn (young people) around into constructive citizens.”

Judge Branton’s motto was “there are no throwaway people.”

Judge Tjuana Byrd, who was elected last year, is one month into her career as a juvenile judge. Her words echo Judge Branton’s philosophy and fit with the approach my administration has pursued in reforming juvenile justice.  She says that diverting a first-time nonviolent offender sometimes is better than court and detention. She said, “Sometimes a kiddo doesn't need to see a judge at all. Sometimes they just need redirection. … When they do come before the court, we have tools that help us decide what services are actually best for the children and their families. … When a child comes into the system, it might be the last chance to get a kid and the family on the right track.”

Judge Branton, Judge Byrd, and a host of other judges such as Troy Braswell, have contributed to the reform of our juvenile justice system. These judges and the experts in the Division of Youth Services have the wisdom and compassion to pursue the best course for our youth who are in trouble. Their work offers our youth a chance at a better life.